Adventure Awaits: Top Fun Things to Do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Nestled amidst the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, shines as a premier destination where wilderness meets recreation. A place where every season brings a new chapter of excitement, this mountain paradise invites travelers to ski down world-class slopes in winter, hike through alpine meadows in spring, fish crystal rivers in summer, and stargaze under one of the clearest夜 skies in the nation. Beyond adrenaline, Jackson Hole offers a vibrant cultural crunch and countless moments to savor — making it not just a getaway, but a full-sensory journey into wild America.

From legendary wildlife encounters to world-class dining, the fun here runs deep, diverse, and utterly unforgettable.

The Legendary Winter Playground: Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Snow-Adventures

Winter transforms Jackson Hole into a snow-covered wonderland, drawing skiers and snow enthusiasts from across the globe. World-renowned resorts like Jackson Hole Mountain Resort deliver world-class terrain with panoramic views of the Tetons and easy access from the base.

“Every time I hit the slopes here, I’m reminded why this is among the best ski destinations in North America,” says professional skier and commentator Matt Marlowe. “The quality of the snow, the height, and the thrill of terrain features like Blackdome and Teewinot make Jackson a must-visit.” Skiing is just the beginning. Snowshoe trails wind through the National Elk Refuge and Gros Ventre Wilderness, offering serene walks past herds of elk and bison without the crowds.

Snow tubing on natural mounds offers a playful alternative for all ages, while guided sno-cross and cross-country trips provide structured fun with expert supervision. For those craving extreme sensations, backcountry skiing with a professional guide unlocks untouched powder deep in the wilderness. The Jack Hamiltonian Trail, a 20-mile haul east of town, stands as a legendary through-travage — a true test of endurance and reward.

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Home to 130 miles of groomed runs across four mountains, offering everything from beginner pistes to elite’s terrain.
2. National Elk Refuge: Walk or ride the snowshoe trails surrounded by 10,000+ elk during winter, a breathtaking display of nature’s rhythm.
3. Gros Ventre Backcountry: Access prime powder by snowmobile or guided sled, with breathtaking valley views and volcanoes looming in the distance.
4. Snow Tubing Spots: Family-friendly terrain at areas like Snow Play or informal endless loops near town give non-skiers a thrilling experience.

Spring Awakening: Hiking, Wildlife, and Wildflower Carpet

As snow melts and wildflowers begin to bloom in late April and May, Jackson Hole slips into its most vibrant form — a dynamic blend of renewal and raw natural energy. Hiking trails burst with color and movement, making every step an immersive encounter with wildlife and untouched terrain. The Moose Wilson Road trail offers a peaceful loop through aspen groves and medicinal herb thickets, ideal for bloom-phase sightings of moose, coyotes, and songbirds.

For a more ambitious trek, the 6.5-mile round-trip to Cascade Canyon descends through lush riparian zones into a dramatic valley framed by dramatic peaks. Wildlife watching accelerates in spring, when elk calves make their debut and bison begin returning to higher elevation ranges. “Spring is when nature’s pulse quickens here,” notes park ranger and naturalist Emily Carter.

“You’re not just seeing trails—you’re witnessing life returning, roaring, and roaming.” Wildlife photographers find prime opportunities along the Jenny Lake shoreline and through the protected corridors of Grand Teton National Park. Hikers should gear up for seasonal changes: heavier layers early in the season, waterproof boots as streams swell, and binoculars for spotting animals at a distance. Trail conditions vary daily — early melt or lingering snow can reroute paths — so checking with rangers or the Jackson Hole Land Trust before departure is wise.

For a classic experience, pack a picnic and hike Bear Lake before pushing on to Swallow Falls, where cascading water and alpine solitude await.

1. Cascade Canyon: A multi-mile hike featuring waterfalls, past elk herds, and exposure to diverse forest types.
2. Moose Wilson Road Trail: A 2-mile gently sloped path through meadows and gallery forests, perfect for family adventures.
3. Jenny Lake Loop: A 7.5-mile terrain circling iconic peaks, lying end to end with dramatic Teton views and accessible wildlife views.
4. Grand Teton National Park Trails: Multiple well-marked routes offering wetland, forest, and alpine vistas within hours of town.

Summer Adventures: Fishing, Float Trips, and Stargazing Elevation

With summer’s long days and alpine skies open, Jackson Hole opens to waters, trails, and the universe above. Anglers swarm reservation-quality rivers such as the Snake, Gros Ventre, and rooms like Fontenelle, renowned for robust populations of native cutthroat trout.

“Float trips through these waters are magical — specialty outfitters guide you past hidden inlets where fish rise beneath clear granite walls,” says local guide and river outfitter Chris Finch. “You’re part of the river at its wildest.” For a slower pace, dry land float tubes like those on the Gros Ventre offer dotted floats with backcountry solitude under vast skies. Every season, the Tetons rise above 10,000 feet, lifting climbers and hikers to peaks like Mallory Peak or Cascade Canyon’s trailheads bathed in golden afternoon light.

Stargazing in summer transforms Jackson Hole into one of the darkest sky zones in the lower 48. The Grand Teton Dark Sky Park designation ensures skies so clear, the Milky Way’s core glows visible to the naked eye. Community astronomy events, hosted seasonally, turn clear nights into celestial shows, bridging science, wonder, and simple awe.

1. Float Trips: Guide-led journeys on Snake or Gros Ventre Rivers, often with wildlife at riverbanks and tripper picnic stops.
2. Dry Land Pharmacies & Float Outfitters: Businesses like Snake River Outfitters and Local Angler provide expert guides, gear, and bookings for river experiences.
3. High Elevation Hiking & Climbing: Trails like the Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls route or guided climbs on exposed granite offer mastery of altitude and terrain.
4. Stargazing Events: Local observations, planetarium talks, and “Dark Sky” viewing sessions under unspoiled night skies.

Cultural Journeys: Museums, Local Craft, and Fusion Flavors

Beyond its natural splendor, Jackson Hole pulses with a rich cultural identity forged through frontier heritage, ranching roots, and an evolving arts scene. At the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, visitors trace human history from early Shoshone hunting to modern ranching and frontier life. Interactive exhibits bring the past vividly to life — tissue from a 19th-century fur trade jacket, vintage saddles, and oral histories connect past and present with authenticity.

Art lovers discover galleries at Jackson Hole Art Collection and signature studios showcasing work inspired by the landscape — bold paintings, intricate wood carvings, and subtle photography embracing the stark beauty of the Tetons. Meanwhile, fine dining reflects regional pride: chefs craft meals from local bison, trout, venison, and heirloom crops, often served in cozy wood-paneled spaces overlooking mountain ranges. The town’s commitment to culture extends to events like the annual Snake River Days and National Book Festival, where locals and travelers gather in shared joy of place and tradition.

Outdoor reactivation isn’t just about adrenaline — it’s about storytelling, community, and savoring what makes Jackson more than a destination, but a living canvas.

1. Jackson Hole Historical Society Museum & Project: Educational displays covering Indigenous heritage, pioneer life, and evolutionary ranching economy.
2. Local Art Galleries & Studios: Spot matte, scale, and concept works that translate Teton grandeur into visual art across town.
3. Fine Dining with Frontier Flair: Restaurants like The Baby Horn or Gun Barrel Steak emphasize regional ingredients and storytelling through menus.
4. : A celebrated literary and cultural gathering drawing authors, musicians, and thinkers in a mountain amphitheater.

From high-octane winter descents and serene spring hikes to epic summer floats and night skies unfiltered by city glow, Jackson Hole offers more than a place to visit — it delivers a mosaic of experiences deeply rooted in wilderness and wonder. Whether chasing powder, tracing ancestral paths, or stargazing under timeless stars, every adventure here reaffirms the wild’s enduring power to inspire.

With its perfect blend of adrenaline, culture, and natural majesty, Jackson Hole stands not just as Wyoming’s crown jewel, but as a global benchmark for immersive, soul-stirring travel.