Unlike most mountain ranges in the world, the Tetons burst abruptly from a sagebrush covered valley floor to rise nearly 7,000 feet into the sky offering vast options for rock climbing. The craggy and irregular skyline, jutting out in every direction, culminates at 13,770 feet as Wyoming’s most famous peak, the Grand Teton. Casting your gaze across this unforgettable range leaves locals and visitors alike feeling intimidated and simultaneously inspired. Sooner or later all outdoor enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Jackson Hole in an attempt to get closer to these burly peaks. 

The Tetons and the various mountain ranges that sit nearby, hold a rich history of rock climbing and mountaineering across the outdoor community. Regardless of your ability level – Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park have options to suit your every need.

Via Ferrata at JHMR

The Via Ferrata at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the perfect option for families, groups new to the sport of rock climbing, or really anyone looking to get their feet wet on Jackson Hole’s granite walls. This climbing experience is led by knowledgeable guides through high alpine terrain allowing visitors to explore granite slabs, cracks, overhangs, and caves across the 14 different routes. 

Riding the Aerial Tram at JHMR and hiking to Rock Springs Buttress

The Rock Springs Buttress offers a unique climbing experience through a variety of routes and variations. The ample fixed anchors allow for the possibility of linkups and the climbs include sport, trad, and a blend of both. To get there offers its own adventure through two different options. Ride the Aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and descend from the top following the Rock Springs Loop trail looking out towards Cody Peak. Or hike from the base of the resort beginning at McCollister road towards the Union Pass lift.

Hoback Canyon Shield

The Shield in Hoback Canyon holds a fair selection of different routes unlike any other climbing destination in the valley. There are a handful of traditional routes to round out the sportier classics, put up primarily in the early 90s and 2000s. Make sure to hit the Shield in the Spring or Fall, when the cooler temps leaves this south facing wall accessible throughout the day.

Rodeo Wall in Snake River Canyon

It looks like a random pull off from the road in the Snake River Canyon, but the Rodeo Wall offers some of the best moderate sport climbing in the Jackson Hole area. The variation between polished and super sharp limestone results in some surprisingly fun vertical crimping across the 5.9-5.11 routes. Hit up this destination in the early to late afternoon throughout the summer when shade rolls over the wall allowing you to escape the heat.

BlackTail Butte

Between the lower, middle, and upper walls there sits about 20 routes varying from 5.10 to 5.12 to keep you feeling challenged and entertained, with a world class view to boot. Black Tail is some of the more technical and hard sport climbing in the valley, but with a zero commitment approach as you park just slightly north from the main entrance into Grand Teton National Park and follow the stairs or short trail from the parking lot to the butte. 

Grand Teton National Park 

Grand Teton National Park offers climbers a variety of settings, climbing types, and conditions ranging from mellow sunny crag outings to mixed alpine adventures. A local favorite, Baxter’s Pinnacle, offers a short easy hike in for a good half day adventure. This 5.8 trad climb takes you up a beautiful spire overlooking Jenny Lake. The 5.9 moves required to take you up the final pitch keep things exciting while still maintaining the relaxed fun vibe most visitors are looking for. 

For a more mountaineering based experience with the help of local experts, explore the upper reaches of the Tetons on a guided trip with Exum Mountain Guides.

Getting out on the river is a must when it comes to visiting Jackson Hole, it provides the opportunity to get to new places that are otherwise inaccessible and see views that you would not see without floating. Floating is great but to have a truly authentic experience, taking a ride in a handcrafted wooden boat may be the best option for you and your group. Old fashioned boats can bring passengers back to the historical roots of boating.

Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures

The best way to get out and experience a wooden boat tour is with Jackson Hole Vintage Adventures, they use boats based on the original McKenzie River Drift Boat. JH Vintage Adventures offers more than just a float, with romantic trips for couples, serene morning trips with brunch and dinner trips with a gourmet dinner on the riverside at their tipi camp.

Sunset Tour

A romantic sunset tour is the perfect date for couples wanting a beautiful and peaceful evening on the water. The river tends to be much less crowded at this time leaving room for more privacy and tranquility. Aside from the tranquility, early evening offers some of the best opportunities to observe wildlife, especially larger mammals such as elk, moose and deer foraging. Beavers and river otters also tend to make more appearances when the sun is not as high in the sky.  

Breakfast Tours

Breakfast tours are perfect for those that appreciate a good early morning, with tours departing at 7am. Hot beverages are served and warm blankets are provided. The calm of the morning allows for guests to really embrace the scenery and sounds of the river. The tour takes you to the tipi camp where a delicious brunch awaits, and views of the entire Teton range are off in the distance. After the meal, guests can go out for a row on the pond nearby or take a stroll through the Cottonwood forest.

Dinner Tours

Lastly, the dinner tour provides a gourmet fine dining experience alongside the river after a two hour float which gives opportunity for the same type of sightings that would be seen on the sunset trip. This trip also stops at the Tipi camp and appetizers and cocktails are served along the creek before guests head inside the comfortable Tipi for a five star dinner and wine.

Jackson Hole is known for it’s beauty, wildlife, and rustic, yet elegant lifestyle. It should also be known for the large variety of sports that can be found within it’s valley walls. Whether you are looking to hang glide, surf Lunch Counter, or ski deep powder, Jackson Hole has it all. Let’s today focus on tennis.

Tennis in Jackson Hole

Tennis, in fact, has been a consistent sport in Jackson for the past 40+ years. There are numerous courts sprinkled throughout the valley. They can be found at our major golf courses, including Teton Pines, Golf and Tennis, and 3 Creek. We also have a handful of public courts as well as condo-owned courts. 

If you are bringing your own racket and balls, the condos in Teton Village and the Aspens have their own courts and anyone staying in the units can use them. Likewise, there are a handful of courts where people can play tennis in town, including Miller Park near the Town Square, the Teton County Fairgrounds, and the Jackson Hole High School (when the school is not using them). 

If you are looking to rent tennis gear, both Teton Pines and Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis are sure to help. Teton Pines, on Teton Village Road (HWY 390), has indoor/outdoor courts that can be played on year round. Furthermore, they have several lessons and can rent you gear. Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis, on Spring Gulch Road, have professional tennis players that teach classes and you can rent rackets to play on the courts.

Playing tennis in Jackson Hole is a fabulous way to be outdoors yet get a little exercise on your vacation. With over 35 courts in the valley, there is plenty of opportunity to get your swings in.

It is common knowledge that the higher up you are the better the view is, whether you are hiking, driving or climbing to the peak of one of the many mountains surrounding the Jackson Hole valley. Unless you are lucky enough to have access to a plane or helicopter, the next best thing for being higher than the peaks is a paraglider. Paragliding is a popular activity for local thrill-seekers around the valley, and likewise for those visiting. While solo paragliding requires some extensive knowledge and access to equipment, luckily there are several companies that offer tandem flights to satiate your desire for flying high above the valley floor with an experienced pilot. 

Jackson Hole Paragliding is your source for taking a tandem paragliding trip when visiting Jackson. They take trips from both Snow King mountain and Teton Village, with both options providing equally amazing but different experiences. Taking off from Teton Village at the top of the Bridger Gondola will get you a much higher head start than from Snow King, and provide relatively close up birds-eye views of the ski resort and surrounding mountain features as well as views of Teton Village and the rest of the valley.

A Snow King takeoff will allow you to see a gorgeous view of the town of Jackson, the elk refuge and the Tetons in the distance. Although the starting point is significantly lower with a Snow King take off, paragliders can still reach heights equivalent to ones that are reached by taking off from Teton Village thanks to thermals above Jackson. 

For those that have paragliding experience, Jackson Hole Paragliding does offer a guide service for solo pilots, to point you in the right direction and give tips for best practices on flying in the area as well as shuttle services and lodging.

Locals who frequently paraglide not only in Jackson but all over the country tend to consider Jackson Hole paragliding the best in the country thanks to its steep mountains and large flat valley floor. So if you have ever had an interest in going paragliding and you are in or going to be in Jackson Hole, don’t pass up the opportunity!

While nearly anywhere you drive around the Jackson Hole valley will undoubtedly provide magnificent views, there are certainly some specific roads throughout Jackson Hole that are worth taking a detour to see. From wildlife such as bison, moose, and antelope to breathtaking mountain views and scenic overlooks there is plenty you can see by simply taking one of the many scenic drives.

The only three roads that lead in and out of Jackson; Teton Pass, Snake River Canyon, and Togwotee Pass each provide beautiful scenery in their own right. Aside from these, there are quite a few others that are worth a look, just remember to keep your eyes on the road as well!

Moose Wilson Road

One of the most popular scenic drives, even though it is only accessible during summer and mid-fall (May-October). Starting a the southern entrance to Grand Teton just past the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, visitors are able to get up close and personal with the Teton mountain range. Several lakes throughout the park can be seen along this drive and plenty of wildlife, so be sure to pay close attention.

Teton Pass

This drive takes you from Victor, Idaho to Wilson, Wyoming or vice versa over a rather steep mountain pass which is what makes this drive special. Teton Pass offers several spots to stop and look out over the Jackson Hole valley where you can truly see the layout of the bordering mountains that surround the valley.

Grand Teton Inner & Outer Loop

The northern entrance to Grand Teton is the fastest way to reach these amazing scenic drives, and you can also stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center to grab some park maps and ask any questions you may have. The loops provide a way to get even closer for viewing the amazing peaks of the Tetons from the valley. Stop at Jackson lake for swimming, boating, and kayaking, and grab a bite to eat at Signal Mountain lodge. You can also do a bit of a climb with your vehicle up Signal Mountain road which brings you to a gorgeous panoramic view of the Jackson Valley. 

Snake River Canyon

Become engulfed in the rocky ridges that surround the Snake River south of Jackson. This winding road cruises along the banks of the Snake River through Hoback junction where you can pull off and look down at the waters below.  You will be able to see some of the famous rapids such as Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna where you may see groups of people rafting, kayaking or even surfing. This southern route will lead you to the neighboring town of alpine where a stop at the Melvin brewery may be in order.

Gros Ventre Road to Slide lake

Head north of Jackson toward Grand Teton National Park, and go right at the roundabout for Gros Ventre Rd. you will reach the small town of Kelly and finally pass it around a left-hand bend. After the bend you can take the next right to continue on Gros Ventre Rd. toward lower slide lake. This road will lead you past the Kelly cliffs which are great for jumping into the river if that kind of thrill suits you. After that, you will pass through beautiful rows of aspen trees and there is a turnout with a small parking lot that provides a wonderful view of the Tetons, as well as a great overlook of the river on the other side. Continue along to visit Slide lake to take a dip in the water or take a kayak or paddleboard out on the lake among the scenic landscape.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some sunshine and quality live music in Jackson Hole. Enjoy our curated list below of some of the top summer concerts our team is looking forward to seeing this summer season:

Jackson Hole Live – The Wood Brothers

Friday, August 16, 6:00 pm.

The Wood Brothers band is comprised of brothers Chris and Oliver Wood, and Jano Rix, a multi-instrumentalist. They have an edgy/rootsy American sound. The Grammy-nominated album, One Drop of Truth, was the sixth outing by the band and a true crowd-pleaser. Come to Snow King Park this August to enjoy a completely new and pure sound with live music from the Wood Brothers.

Music on Main – Pinky and The Floyd

Thursday, August 1, 5:30 pm-10:30 pm.

The Montana natives have been called the “Northwest’s Hottest Pink Floyd Tribute Band”, “Montana’s Most Electrifying Live Experience”, and the “Biggest Sound Under the Big Sky”. The band can be expected to perform over 80 songs, full of Pink Floyd music. Each of the concerts you attend will be a completely new experience. Music on Main is a free event and welcome to all ages.

Pink Garter Theatre – The Mountain Goats

Thursday, August 29, 8:00 pm.

Their songs can often have a dark layer to them that urges the dark monsters to seek out redemption. The band is made up of John Darnielle, Peter Hughes, Jon Wurster, and Matt Douglas. “Terrible Monster: What’s so terrible about monsters anyway?” This is the question the band has been pursuing ever since 1991. Come out and enjoy some of the beloved and classic songs from The Mountain Goats.

Jackson Hole Center for the Arts – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Sunday, August 25, 8:00 pm.

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. Come and enjoy the well-known classics that have been loved and permeated the radio airwaves for generations, from “Fishin’ in the Dark”, “Mr. Bojangles”, and “Oh What a Love” with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band at the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts this coming August.

We hope you have the time of your life during your stay and get to enjoy some of the best music venues and concerts that summer in Jackson has to offer. Call our team today to learn more about what might be happening in town during your preferred dates of stay.

If you’re traveling to Jackson this summer with a family in tow, you may find it relaxing to sneak away for a date night during your stay. Learn a little more about our team’s top choices for babysitting and childcare during your vacation:

Jackson Hole Nannies

There are no reservation fees and the rates are as follows: $25/hour 1-2 children, $30/hour 3 children, $35/hour 4-5 children. Special rates apply for major holidays, all bookings require a 4 hour minimum, pay nannies with cash, check, or venmo. Additional charges that could accrue, include: $5/hr for a sick child, $20 travel fee for Victor/Driggs, and beyond 30 minutes from Jackson. (Some nannies do live in Victor/Driggs, if they are available, the travel fee is waived.)
Group reservations are welcome and the company can be contacted to get more information on group rates. Travel nanny options are available, as well.

Jackson Hole Babysitting

There is a 4 hour minimum for all babysitting reservations. Rates will vary based on the length of service from $30 – $75 and number of children from $17 – $23/hr. Additional charges will accrue based on any reservations after midnight and before 7:00 am and for any driving distances beyond 30 minutes from the town of Jackson.

• On call babysitting service – On call babysitting services for visitors and locals of Jackson, Wyoming and Teton Valley, Idaho
• Weddings and events – babysitting services on location for weddings/events
• Nanny placement – for your convenience, they provide 6 month and 12 month contracts between nannies and families. Our placement fee is a one time charge to the family and must be paid in full immediately after all contracts are signed. (Full time 6 month placement fee: $850 {$35+ hrs/week}, Part-time 6 month Placement Fee: $650 {20-35 hrs/week}, Full-time 12 month Placement Fee: $1,200 {35+ hrs/week}, Part-time 12 month Placement Fee: $950 {20-35 hrs/week})
• Overnight care – can be requested for an additional fee

Many of the best and undiscovered treasures to be found in Jackson, Wyoming lay just beyond where tourists and their motor vehicles travel on the roads. We have compiled our list of the best mountain bike tours to take if you have a chance to visit Jackson, Wyoming in the near future. There are a whole host of options available to you and your travel party from guided bike day tours, to multi-day bike tours, and even just rentals for solo exploring with Teton Mountain Bike Tours and other retail locations.

Grand Teton National Park Pathways System

Biking in Grand Teton National Park opened to the public in 2009 on the multi-use pathways system. The section within the park opens seasonally once all of the snow pack has melted. Use caution when biking in the national park as there is a high chance you will come across wildlife on your ride and some roads in the park have a narrow shoulder or lack one entirely. We may recommend not planning your bike tour in the park for early morning or late evening, as this is when the wildlife is most active. The Grand Teton views you’ll experience are some of the most stunning. You can go for any length you’d like on this pathway system. Around Taggart Lake the conditions are relatively flat for several miles and we’d recommend exploring all around this area when on a mountain bike.

Bike Park in Teton Village

The Bike Park in Teton Village just might be the ideal destination for the high adrenaline mountain biker. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has been working hard on Gravity Logic mapping, designing, and building the bike park so visitors can have the best experience while they are here. There are trails available for both novice and more experienced riders. Enjoy sailing down the mountain, navigating around the switchbacks on your way down, and sail over some of the tabletop jumps. Once reaching the bottom of the mountain, the Teewinot ski lift can be taken up to the top of the mountain in a quick five minutes with your bike, as many times as you can take in a day. We are sure this high action adventure is one you won’t soon forget.

Cache Creek to Game Creek Loop Trail

Arguably the most scenic mountain biking tour you will ever take, the Cache to Game Creek Loop Trail will leave you mesmerized by all of the views you will encounter along the way. Much of the landscape is untouched and undiscovered by the typical Jackson vacationer. This is a moderate difficulty mountain bike trail that is 25 miles long and not for the faint of heart. It is an excellent test of your endurance.

We hope you’ll take the time to try a new activity this summer, get out of your comfort zone, and find how much more there is to experience in the national park from behind two wheels. As always, don’t forget your bear spray. We are sure the experience will be memorable no matter where you choose to explore.

Traveling with kids in an outdoor mecca like Jackson may prove hard for some, but you can find a vast array of activities enjoyable for all ages. Read on to find some of the most popular activities.

Mornings in Jackson Hole

Persephone Bakery
A breakfast at Persephone Bakery is the perfect start to any summer day in Jackson. Persephone is a popular tourist destination spot and with good reason. Their selection of clean and locally-sourced menu offerings are sure to be a delight to the palate for any age of diner. We highly recommend sharing the sweet potato and brussel hash. Don’t forget a gluten-free cookie for the road before you leave.

Taggart Lake hike + Picnic
If your family are early risers, we recommend beating the crowds to Taggart Lake and enjoying some early morning solitude on the lake with a picnic of complex carbs and assorted breakfast items. As always when exploring in Grand Teton National Park, remember to bring bear spray and plenty of water. You can expect this hike to take between an hour and a half to two hours roundtrip when hiking with children. Bring a camera to capture some of the incredible memories and views you will experience lake side.

Bike Ride on the Pathways System
The pathways system in Jackson is a comprehensive network of sidewalks off-road that provide safe and convenient access to schools, neighborhoods, and the town of Jackson. The system winds all throughout town from Southpark to Smith’s, alongside many of the parks, and into the town of Jackson and toward the national park entrance in Moose, Wyoming. Taking advantage of this public feature will be sure to enhance the sense of adventure on your trip. There are various bike rental shops in the town of Jackson that are happy to accommodate the needs of your family.

Afternoons in Jackson Hole

Cowboy Coaster
The cowboy coaster is a relatively new, and thrilling, addition to Snow King Mountain. You will get to experience Teton views like never before as you zip down the mountain at whatever speed is most comfortable to you and your child. If you have the time, enjoy lunch alongside the floor to ceiling windows inside of Hayden’s Post, mere steps away and located inside of the Snow King Resort & Hotel. The views you have of the Snow King Mountain are exceptional.

Teton Village Adventure/Bike Park
One of our favorite options when traveling with kids is the Teton Village Adventure/Bike park. We recommend saving the bike park for the teenagers. If you are traveling with teens, this is sure to be a major hit for your vacation. The Adventure Park, additionally, boasts a ropes course with safety harnesses, frisbee golf park for the less adrenaline-inclined, and plenty of hiking trails throughout the area. Don’t forget to bring bear spray, travel in large groups, and to take plenty of pictures of the gorgeous views and thrills that your children will experience.

Scenic Float Trip
Though there are many extreme water sports in and around Jackson Hole, there is still the chance for your children to experience adventure on the water with a scenic float trip. A scenic float down the Snake River is sure to provide some of the most awe-inspiring views you have ever come across as you travel down the Snake River Canyon. There is no need to worry about potential rapids, scenic float trips are catered specifically to take place on quieter portions of the river. There is a high chance you will come across bald and golden eagles, falcons, beavers, deer, and more animals on this trip adding even more thrills to this new adventure for your family. Raft guides have an assortment of knowledge about the region and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Evenings in Jackson Hole

Wildlife Viewing
Early morning and early evening are the best times to catch animals active out in Grand Teton National Park. Remember to drive slow and enjoy the views, realizing that at any moment you may just happen to come across some bison, elk, moose, foxes, or even bears. Remember to not harass wildlife, and to stay inside of your vehicle, but take the time to enjoy the surreal moment you have with mother nature and wildlife you would never be able to see at such close quarters in any other circumstance.

Fishing
The Snake River, Salt River, and Grey’s River confluence is known as the Three Rivers region – and provides some of the best fishing and assortment of fish for miles in any direction. The Palisades Reservoir, which is filled by the Snake River, is filled with plenty of secluded fishing spots, as well. There are plenty of tack and bait shops in the town of Jackson and some local workers may even share their favorite fishing holes. Enjoy a quieter evening during your trip taking in the views and enjoying a few hours with your kids. You might even catch a fish or two.

Shopping on Town Square + Pictures Under the Elk Arch
A trip to Jackson can never be complete without a picture under the elk antler arch and some retail shopping on the town square. The shops receive new goods to sell all throughout the summer and the rest of the year, ensuring you can always find something unique that you may not come across again. When traveling with young kids, make sure and stop at Teton Toys to provide them with a souvenir of their great adventure to the “Last of the Old West.”

Jackson Hole can be the perfect adventure destination, even when traveling with kids. We promise that the activities noted above are sure to be a hit with children of all ages. We look forward to serving you when planning your next trip to Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole is the perfect destination to try your hand at some new water sports. Have you always wanted to try kayaking but haven’t found the perfect opportunity to learn to do it? Perhaps you are traveling with kids and think that kayaking may have too high of a learning curve to be an enjoyable experience. Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River provide the perfect environment for any level of kayaker. Rendezvous River Sports, in the town of Jackson, offers a variety of lessons for all types of kayak learners at this link.

Leisure Explorers

Kayaking across Slide Lake or Leigh Lake will be the highlight of your trip to Jackson. Evening paddle sessions are both refreshing and relaxing. Any member of your family can have an enjoyable time out on the lake, it doesn’t take a lot of experience to discover the national park from a new perspective. We always advise that a life jacket be worn. There are several retail locations where kayaks can be rented, as well. Jenny Lake is a popular location if you are looking for a low key time while paddling, as well. The scenic views of the Tetons in the background make for some great pictures of your vacation, as well. If you happen to be exploring Yellowstone during your trip, we recommend taking a Geyser Kayak Tour through the national park. Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the waters of Yellowstone, Lewis, or Shoshone Lakes. Our team agrees that this is one of the most exciting and unique ways to tour America’s first national park. All kayaking equipment is provided, in addition to an introduction of paddling techniques. There are full, half day, and overnight excursions available via canoe or kayak. There are both single and double kayaks available to accommodate every level of kayak experience.

Thrill Seekers

For the more seasoned outdoor enthusiast, a quiet day kayaking across the lake may not bring the adrenaline rush that other activities would. We would only recommend this to those that have spent hours of time in a kayak and doing other extreme water sports and are comfortable with self rescue techniques. To take Rendezvous River Sport’s White Water Rapid Lvl 4 course, click on this link. Experienced kayakers may find the Gros Ventre River to be more of the technical challenge they are looking for with Class IV rapids located between Slide Lake the Gros Ventre River’s confluence into the Snake River. Whitewater kayakers from all over the world travel to Jackson to enjoy whitewater kayaking in the rapids. The most popular destination for these whitewater kayakers to spend an afternoon is from Hoback River/Granite Creek to the Snake River (about 12 miles). The Hoback River has sections of moving flat water, in addition to, plentiful rapids and eddies. There are some good surf and play spots, as well. One of the most popular whitewater kayaking locations on the Snake is at the Lunch Counter rapid. It is advised to be wary of any fallen trees and logs along the duration of the river. Whitewater kayaking can be thrilling for spectators to watch from the parking lots along the Hoback/Alpine canyon, too.

Our reservation agents are standing by to answer any questions you may have about renting gear, popular places to go without the heavy tourist traffic, and more. Spend your summer vacation in Jackson this year and discover the adventure you and your family can have kayaking. We promise you won’t regret it.