What To Do in Jackson Hole This Summer: Rent Trail Access, Ride Through Basins, and Unwind in Waymarked Naturism

Summer in Jackson Hole transforms the mountain enclave into a vibrant haven of outdoor adventure and sweeping scenic beauty, drawing travelers with ecosystems ranging from alpine peaks to fertile valleys. Far more than a gateway to Grand Teton National Park, the region offers a dynamic tapestry of experiences—each season amplifying the region’s rugged charm—but nowhere is the synergy of nature and recreation more alive than during the warmest months. From pioneering trail hikes to scenic flyovers and peaceful community gatherings, summer in Jackson Hole delivers an abundance of ways to connect with wild America.

At the heart of summer exploration lies the extensive network of hiking and biking trails that crisscross the valley and rise sharply into the Tetons. With thousands of acres of protected terrain, outdoor enthusiasts have no shortage of trails suited to every skill level. The SNOTel system (South County Open Trails) maintains up-to-date access, with routes like the Taggart Lake Trail—meandering 3.4 miles through meadows dotted with wildflowers and offering piquant views of the Teton Range—ranking among favorites.

For a more demanding adventure, the South Fork Trail system leads to expansive alpine basins characterized by golden grasses and dramatic rock formations, ideal for multi-day trekking. Mountain bikers gravitate to singletrack corridors such as the Bull Creek Valley corridor, where technical terrain and scenic payoffs make every ride a dynamic journey. **“Jackson Hole’s trails are among the most diverse in the West,”** notes David Miller, guide and lifelong local resident.

“Whether you’re chasing wildflowers up a sun-baked ridge or pedaling along a river gorge, every path reveals a new layer of the landscape.”

The Grand Tour: Scenic Flights and Wildlife Watching

Above the treeline, summer brings the golden hour glow perfect for helicopter and small-plane sightseeing. Helicopter safaris, departing from Teton Village, soar directly over Grand Teton and Yellowstone peaks, offering unparalleled vistas of valley floors rims with snow and rivers snaking through lodges and meadows. Guided flights often include commentary on regional geology and wildlife, enriching the visual feast.

For intrepid flyers who prefer the thrill of simplicity, scenic wingsuits and tandem wingsuit flights have gained traction across the greater Jackson Hole area—offering short, adrenaline-fueled glides through the valley’s airspace with breathtaking onlooker views. Wildlife gazing is a cornerstone of the summer experience. During daylight hours, pronghorn sprint across sagebrush flats near Moose, elk herd in early morning light at Craig Pass, and mule deer move through forested corridors.

Early mornings and twilight remain prime for observing predators: coyotes, bobcats, and occasionally black bears patrol forest edges, while golden eagles patrol open skies. Spot a bison grazing near Jenny Lake or a mooseidin riverbank at dusk, and the region’s raw, untamed character becomes undeniably vivid. As wildlife biologist Dr.

Elena Torres explains, “Summer is calving season and peak foraging—this is when you see animals at their most visible and active, making every drive or hike a potential wildlife portrait opportunity.”

Mountain Biking: Rough Roads and Riverside Routes

Jackson Hole’s mountain biking scene bursts in summer, driven by car-free trails that flow directly from trailside parking and village hubs. The Jack’s Pickets trail, a 20-mile loop near Wilson, blends fire-scarred forests with open basins, challenging riders with steep drops and technical rock gardens—best tackled mid-summer when snow-free. Meanwhile, the Mad Send trail system near Wilson offers disciplined singletracks with consistent elevation gain, favored for skill development and steady flow.

For beginners and mountain culture newcomers, guided group rides guided by local outfitters provide access to quiet paths and cultural hotspots like the historic Jackson Hole Ranche, where muddy dirt roads and mountain inspiration converge. Event-wise, the annual Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Amateur Ethical Show races—a wild fusion of mountain biking, paragliding, and freestyle motocross—draw thousands in July, combining athletic competition with live music under the Teton while. These events encapsulate summer’s blend of adventure, community, and mountain pride.

Explore Beyond the Valley:日常及远足 Kern Creek and Gros Ventre

Summer access extends far beyond Jackson Hole’s core. Kern Creek, accessible via a rugged but scenic drive from Wilson, offers multi-use trails ideal for horseback riding, hiking, and wildflower viewing. Its pocket of preserved backcountry—remembered as a rare wolf habitat—delivers