Jackson Hole Summer Activities

Life Is Good For Jackson Hole Real Estate Owners In Summer

Jackson Hole Climbing And Mountaineering
Not for the casual day-hiker, Teton ascents require at least general knowledge of mountain travel, the right gear and of course, a certain level of fitness. Only experienced, properly shod mountaineers with ice axes and the know-how to use them correctly should attempt to cross steep snow slopes or ice.

For the adventuresome, there are mountaineering schools and guiding services to help you safely attempt your own Teton peak. Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides offer many different classes for all levels of interest and skill, including a three-day introduction to mountain climbing that culminates with an attempt on the Grand Teton itself.

For climbing registration, avalanche hazard forecasts or summer conditions, call the park headquarters at 739-3300. For additional information, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's webpage on Jackson Hole climbing.

Hiking In Jackson Hole
For fabulous views of the entire valley, try the favorite of many locals and owners of Jackson Hole real estate: a hike up Snow King. At the top of the mountain, Forest Service guides lead pleasant walks highlighting wildflowers, birds and other natural features along the way.

In Grand Teton National Park just about any parking area offers a slew of hiking options. The Bradley-Taggart and Jenny Lake areas are the popular starting points for casual hikers and family outings. Keep in mind that the air is thin here; choose something everyone in your party can cope with.

Close to the town of Jackson, Jackson’s fabulous pathway – which starts opposite the West Jackson post office – winds through the residential areas of Jackson Hole real estate and past the high school and middle school. Cache Creek Drive at the far southeastern corner of the town of Jackson takes dog walkers and evening strollers into the Bridger-Teton National Forest on a broad, easy country dirt road.

For additional information on hiking in Jackson Hole, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's Website on Jackson Hole hiking.

Jackson Hole Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a great way to cover ground around the valley. Riding is available at Snow King, Teton Village, Jenny Lake Lodge and Colter Bay, as well as at many surrounding dude ranches. Many of the ranches offer guides, camping equipment and provisions for pack trips into the wild.

Pack a bottle of powerful bug-repellent and get out into the thick of things. There’s nothing quite like being on horseback to make you feel superior and there’s nothing quite like the backcountry – or a stubborn horse – to humble you.

To learn or improve English riding skills, call the Flying W Ranch, (307) 734-9186, on Fish Creek Road. Another area to check out for beautiful horses, and even more beautiful views, is Spring Creek Equestrian Center, (307) 739-9062. Visit Jackson Hole Traveler for more information on Jackson Hole horseback riding.

Jackson Hole Golf
Add an extra 25 yards to your golf shot on one of two world-class Jackson Hole courses. In this high altitude environment, your drives go a little farther, and your score may get a little lower. The beauty of Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis, (307) 733-3111 and Teton Pines Resort & Country Club, (307) 733-1733 is simply unmatched. Both facilities are open to the public, though tee times are required.

For additional information on golf in Jackson Hole, visit Locale's article on Jackson Hole golf.

Wildflowers & Birds
Ah, the arrival of summer: Jackson Hole emerges from the blanket of snow that covered it for endless months and life returns in a prolific burst.

Wildflowers and birds understand they have only a short time to show their colors, so they make it twice as quick and twice as beautiful.

Many of our flowers are aptly named and visually striking, making them easy to identify and hard to forget. Look for steer’s head where snow and earth meet in the early thaw. Elephanthead is named for its tiny upturned trunks and minute flapping ears. Other easy-to-identify flowers are prairie smoke, Indian paintbrush, fairyslipper, sugarbowl and wild strawberry.

Jackson Hole is also a popular summertime retreat for the birds. Virtually any corner of the valley may be hosting a rare or noteworthy species. Pick up a copy of the Jackson Hole News and scan Bert Raynes’ column to see which birds have been spotted this week. At the park visitor centers you can overwhelm yourself with a Birds of Jackson Hole checklist of more than 300 species for you to identify.

Jackson Hole Mountain Biking
If you decide to mountain bike in the Targhee area, stop in at Big Hole Bikes in Driggs, Idaho, and pick up the bike trail guide authored by the owner. In the Jackson area, bike shops like Hoback Sports, Wilson Backcountry Sports and Teton Cycle Works will fit you with rental equipment and point you to the best trails.

Of course, mountain biking is not allowed off-road in the national parks or in wilderness areas. Cache Creek, Teton Pass, the Elk Refuge road and Leek’s Canyon all have biking trails. For a quick swing on pavement, try out Jackson’s recreation pathway or take a spin all the way to Wilson if you’re so inspired.

For additional information on biking in Jackson Hole, visit Jackson Hole Traveler's Webpage on Jackson Hole biking.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram
From Teton Village, catch the tram (or hike up the 7.2-mile service trail if you insist) to the top of Rendezvous Peak. Take a warm sweater: even on the hottest summer day you will likely end up in the howling winds of 10,450 feet. If you are looking for a workout but want an easier route, you could always ride up and then walk down.

Hot Air Balloons
For something a little more sedate, consider floating above the valley floor in a hot air balloon, experiencing the world from a serene vantage point while enjoying a continental breakfast.

Paragliding
Running off the side of a mountain with a parachute on your back and soaring onto the air currents is not as scary as it might sound. Jackson Hole has several paragliding services that will help you experience the exhilaration with the safety of having an experienced guide accompanying you on a tandem paragliding adventure. This might be the best way to see the entire valley, find your new home among Jackson Hole real estate, and get the thrill of your life all at the same time. //