A Local's Guide to Visiting Jackson Hole This Summer

Where to Stay in Jackson Hole

Jackson is a town full of hotels but if you’re looking to prioritize adventure time, I'd recommend staying with Jackson Hole Resort Lodging, located at the base of the Teton mountains, giving you instant access to many of the most popular activities that Jackson has to offer. The world famous Aerial Tram, mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and dining options all start from your doorstep. And if you’re itching to get out of the village, the Moose-Wilson Road will take you directly into Grand Teton National Park in a matter of minutes.

Teton Village has a range of memorable lodging options, from slopeside condos at The Aspens to rustic modern townhouses at Teton Pines to cozy log cabins at Granite Ridge and larger luxury rentals in a quieter part of the village. All offer convenient trail access during summer months and provide guests with resort amenities like pools, hot tubs, and concierge services.

Wherever you stay, and regardless of your adventure to-do list, make sure a trip includes a trip up the world famous Aerial Tram. Rising to 10,450 feet elevation, the Tram offers unmatched views and a sweat-free trip to the top of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Pro Tip: Book a “Summer Pass to Adventure" deal to simplify your lodging and Tram-based activities. Stay four nights or more and receive a complimentary Family Tram Pass, giving you access to hiking trails, mountain views, and most importantly, world famous waffles.

The Best Local Trails

Jackson is overflowing with hiking trails and if you’re staying at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, you don’t even need to drive. The 3.3-mile Rock Springs Loop and 1.8-mile Cirque Trail start from the top of the Tram, giving you massive views without the hefty climb. You can stop at the new Grand Teton Skywalk too for even bigger views. If you’re looking for an all-day hike, start from the tram and hike the 11.8-mile out-and-back to Marion Lake, a sweet little alpine lake nestled beneath craggy cliffs.

If you’re interested in exploring Grand Teton National Park, Phelps Lake is one of the most popular hikes in the park, and on the way you’ll also pass one of my personal favorites, Death Canyon. If you’re looking to venture further into the park, Jenny Lake and Inspiration Point are must-sees. Lake Solitude and the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop are a challenging but stunning way to spend the day, too.

Pro Tip: Get an early start for hikes in Grand Teton National Park. After 9:00am late-risers will have a very tough time finding parking at any trailhead.

Mountain Biking at JHMR

Jackson Hole has tons of epic mountain biking, with the resort's summer bike park offering an impressive mix of freeride, downhill, intermediate, and beginner trails for those who want the ease of lift-access riding. With 25 miles of trails, the bike park features everything from rowdy downhill descents to cross-country trails, all accessible with a lift ticket that also offers access to the high speed chairlift—no more hike-a-bike!

If you're new to mountain biking, start with the easier trails from the Teewinot Chairlift. Experienced riders should try the more technical trails from the Sweetwater Gondola. Either way, you're biking at elevation with views that beat anything you'll find at lower altitudes.

And if you plan to visit from July 4th through Labor Day, don’t miss Friday Night Bikes, when lift tickets run just $20 and downhill rentals go for 50% off each Friday from 4 to 7pm. Live music, yard games, and food and drink deals at Tin Can Cantina and Tram Dock sweeten the deal. Or take advantage of Sunday Funday, with $20 tickets from 2–5pm and 20% off bike rentals.

Prefer a more casual cruise? E-bike rentals let you explore Jackson’s scenic pathway system, stretching from Teton Village to the Snake River and beyond.

One last thing: Be sure to carry bear spray and a map of the trails—I’ve had to do a few creative detours to get around bears in the trail.

Jackson Hole Via Ferrata

Jackson doesn’t have many “easy” climbing options, which is where the Jackson Hole via ferrata comes in. Long popular in Europe where it originates, Via Ferrata is a fast growing, course-based activity that combines hiking with scrambling and technical rock climbing using fixed cables, ladders, and anchors, making it a safer and easier (though still challenging) experience for those who are new to vertical activities with serious exposure.

Located above Casper Bowl, this guided adventure takes climbers along the rocky faces of the Teton Range with spectacular views of the valley below. The route accommodates most anyone comfortable with heights, from beginners to advanced adventurers, and requires participants to wear specialized harnesses and helmets while clipping into the permanent safety cables. During summer months, the Via Ferrata offers breathtaking panoramic views of Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River valley, and the surrounding mountain peaks.

Where Locals Actually Eat at Jackson Hole Moutain Resort

Though many of the great options Jackson Hole Resort Lodging offers include chef style kitchens, you’re on vacation, so head out on the town to explore the excellent restaurants at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. One bucket-list item you can’t miss is grabbing waffles at Corbet’s Cabin. Take the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for sweet or savory waffles with an unbeatable view of the valley below. Then enjoy drinks and a more substantial meal at Tram Dock. The newest base-area restaurant and bar is located right at the foot of the Tram and offers everything you’d want after a day in the mountain.

Practical Summer Tips

Summer in Jackson is the best time to experience the valley when it's truly alive. The short season means everything happens at once—wildflowers, wildlife activity, and perfect weather all compress into a few intense months. So help you maximize your time, too, I’ve added the following few pro tips.

• Weather changes fast in the Tetons. I love this aspect of the mountains, because it means that rain usually passes quickly, but it also means that storms can catch you unaware. So always carry a rain jacket and extra layer, even on sunny days.
• Start (and end) hikes early. Popular trails get crowded after 9:00am, and you want to be off high peaks before afternoon storms roll in. Bring sunscreen and use it. Elevation makes UV exposure more intense than you expect.
• Carry bear spray. Bear bells just blend into the noise of the forest, so the only true bear deterrent is making noise as a group (I’ll shout “hey bear” when I’m alone) and bringing bear spray as a last resort. Bear spray can be purchased at the base of the Teton Village resort from JH Sports, Teton Village Sports, and the General Store.

Staying with Jackson Hole Resort Lodging puts you in the middle of it all. Wake up to mountain views, access trails directly from your front door, and wind down watching alpenglow from the deck. It's the kind of summer mountain experience that makes you understand why people like me keep coming back year after year.