One of our favorite parts of early summer in Jackson Hole is the abundance of wildflowers. Wildflower lovers who venture just a few miles into the Teton Range can expect rich rewards: fields of yellow, white, blue and red flowers draping the backcountry. The Northern Rockies boast plenty of beautiful and iconic wildflowers, everything from arrowleaf balsamroot to Indian paintbrush to fireweed. Head out on a hike in the late spring or summer, and just about any trail you choose in Jackson Hole is choked with color.

Below, we’ve picked a few of our favorite wildflower hikes. While these trails aren’t considered technically difficult, they do wander through wild, high elevation bear habitat. Knowledge of the outdoors and proper equipment are essential. Hikers should strongly consider carrying bear spray.

1) Ski Lake Trail—The Ski Lake Trail starts halfway up Teton Pass at the Phillips Pass Trail and climbs through forests and open meadows 3 miles to Ski Lake. The views are as spectacular as the wildflowers. People sometimes swim in the lake, but early in the year, the water temperature hovers just above freezing.

2) Alaska Basin Trail—For wildflower lovers willing make the drive, the Alaska Basin Trail is a must see. The trailhead starts at the end of Teton Canyon, which is accessed from the Idaho side of Teton Pass. From there, the Alaska Basin trail wanders along the bottom of the drainage through the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. After 2.7 miles, hikers can continue forward or opt to climb the Devil’s Stairs to a bench just above the valley.

3) Old Pass Road—Old Pass Road is a pathway that runs from the Trail Creek Trailhead at the bottom of Teton Pass to the parking lot at the top of the pass. The pathway is paved, but still fairly steep and hikers should keep an eye out for cyclists entering from any number of mountain bike trails in the vicinity. A lake halfway up the path provides a good spot for lunch. The area also includes unpaved trails that are off limits to cyclists such as the History Trail.

One final note: Our friends at Hole Hiking Experience offer great options for those people who prefer a guided tour.

Jackson Hole plays host to some of the most spectacular wildlife in the lower 48 states, but nature offers no guarantees. Some of the most iconic species in the region are notoriously shy. Below, we highlight a few top secret wildlife watching tips and hot spots (including our favorite, the Snake River!) to help increase your odds of victory in the Serengeti of North America.

Tips for Jackson Hole Wildlife Watching:

1) Don’t approach the animals—Wild animals are just that: wild. Don’t be the visitor who is involved in an unfortunate incident with a bear or bison while trying to take a photo. The National Park Service recommends maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards from predators and 25 yards from everything else.

2) Dawn and dusk are best—Many of Jackson Hole’s charismatic species are most active in the early morning and early evening. For wildlife photographers, that means the perfect photo in the magic hour. For drivers, that means increased risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions. Slow down and pay attention!

3) Spring and fall are best—Time your visits to coincide with local wildlife migrations for a better chance of viewing elk, bison, pronghorn and many other species.

Locations:

Where: The Snake River

What: Bald eagles, waterfowl, moose, elk, river otters, etc.

When: Spring, Summer, Fall

Description: Take a float trip with Barker-Ewing Whitewater and let your guide show you the dozens of species that call the Snake River corridor home.

 

Where: Miller Butte, Elk Refuge Road, the National Elk Refuge

What: Bighorn Sheep

When: Winter/Spring

Description: The National Elk Refuge abounds with wildlife viewing opportunities, but one of the most rewarding involves a trip out on Elk Refuge Road to watch bighorn sheep on Miller Butte.

 

Where: Antelope Flats Road to Gros Ventre Road

What: Bison, elk, everything

When: Spring for baby bison

Description: This iconic loop in the east part of Grand Teton National Park is known for lots of wildlife. In the spring watch for baby bison. They’re the bright orange/red bundles of cute at the center of the herd.

While the craggy, high elevation peaks in the Teton Range are known for their excellent mountaineering, there are plenty of easy to moderate hikes that don’t require ice axes, carabiners and crampons.

Still, many Jackson Hole activities involve venturing out into the wilderness. Wildlife encounters and sudden weather changes can happen anywhere, anytime, and it never hurts to be prepared. Below, we list a few items that you should strongly consider throwing into your backpack for your Jackson Hole day hike.

Warm/appropriate clothing—Even in summer, a sudden snow storm is not unheard of in the Jackson Hole weather repertoire. When you’re out hiking, be sure to bring extra layers such as a waterproof shell and a warm hat. Good, sturdy running or hiking shoes are a must on the region’s rugged trails. Pants are generally a good idea, especially when your route may lead you off the beaten path.

Cell phone (fully charged)—Unplugging from technology is great, until you need to call for help. Carry a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof bag, just in case you or someone you see on the trail finds serious trouble. Turn your phone off to preserve the battery. Just remember, local search and rescue teams may charge you for the cost of your rescue, especially if you don’t really need rescuing.

Headlamp—Even the best intentioned, best prepared hikers sometimes get caught on the trail after dark. A headlamp with fresh batteries makes finding your way to the trailhead, or surviving a night out in the woods, much easier and safer.

Sunscreen—Jackson Hole’s high elevation means there’s less atmosphere to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Carry a travel-size container of sunscreen and apply it several times throughout the day.

Water—Grand Teton National Park is famous among microbiologists for the discovery of a nasty diarrhea-causing bacteria found in its lakes and creeks. People venturing into the backcountry should always carry plenty of water, and should consider carrying water-purification tablets in case they run out.

Food—Bonking in the middle of a hike can make that last three miles to the trailhead seem more like 30 miles. Each member of your group should carry enough food for the trip, and an extra nutrition bar or two just in case.

Bear Spray—Both grizzly and black bears live in the wild places around Jackson Hole, and bear encounters can happen anytime, anywhere. Researchers say bear pepper spray is much more effective than bullets at stopping a bear attack. It also works on moose, bison and just about any other kind of mammal you can think of. Plus, bear spray is non-lethal, so you’re protecting yourself and Jackson Hole’s wildlife. Warning: Bear spray is nasty stuff. Don’t leave it in a hot car and read the directions carefully.

Other gear—pocket knife, emergency whistle, matches/lighter (check fire restrictions/prevent forest fires), first aid kit, sunglasses, bug spray.

 

After you’ve gone on your whitewater rafting trip, check out some more of the area on a bike ride! Whether you prefer twisting single track littered roots and rocks or mile after mile of silky smooth pavement, Jackson Hole in the summer offers plenty of great bike rides. Below we’ve picked three rides for beginner to advanced cyclists. Click here and here for maps and visit Hoback Sports for rentals and more details.

For roadies and beginners, perhaps one the most scenic sections of pathway in Jackson Hole is a four-mile stretch from Jackson Hole/Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center to Moose, Wyoming (also called the North Pathway and the Park Boundary to Moose Pathway). The pathway runs roughly parallel to 26/89/191 and takes cyclists past the National Elk Refuge, the Jackson National Fish Hatchery, over the Gros Ventre River and into Grand Teton National Park. From Moose, people can turn around or keep going to Antelope Flats Road or remain on the pathway system to Jenny Lake.

For those who love the dirt but not the danger, the Cache Creek Trail offers several miles of two track to the Wilderness Boundary just past its intersection with the Game Creek Trail. People itching to explore a little single track can opt for the Putt Putt Trail, a moderately difficult trail that parallels the Cache Creek Trail. The Putt Putt Trail offers inexperienced riders plenty of opportunities to bail out, if necessary.

Mountain bikers who feel stout of heart and lung can try Ferrins Trail, a steep trail loaded with switchbacks that winds its way up to a saddle at the top of Snow King. From there, riders can opt to turn around or take the West Fork of Game Creek Trail to the Game Creek Trail back to the Cache Creek Trail and/or Putt Putt. This route offers more advanced riders a relatively lengthy, difficult ride into the mountains. Proper equipment, plenty of water and good maps are essential.

Another great option is a guided Jackson Hole tour. Our friends at Teton Mountain Bike Tours offer half-day, full-day and multi-day trips into some of Jackson Hole’s most beautiful places.

You’ve just traveled hundreds of miles to the nation’s premier outdoor recreation hot spot, and now sky has gone dark and sheets of water pour down your hotel room window. 

Summertime in Jackson Hole usually means lots of sunshine, but when it does rain, there’s still plenty to do. Below, we’ve gathered six fun rainy day activities in Jackson Hole to keep you and your family entertained through worst weather the Tetons can manage. The rain never lasts long during summers here, though, so be sure to book a family rafting trip for your vacation, too!

Jackson Hole Children’s Museum — For the kiddos in your crew, the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum offers hands-on opportunities to explore science, art, and play. Ongoing exhibits include the Wild Wind Machine, the Magnet Wall, and Creativity Studio. Check the website for ongoing programs.

Swimming — Water lovers will enjoy a full length lap pool, a hot tub, a water slide, and a splash pool complete with waterfalls at the Teton County Parks & Recreation Department Recreation Center. Land lovers can shoot hoops or take an exercise class in the rec center gym. Be sure to check the pool schedule before you pack the car.

The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center — Located at Moose Junction, this ultramodern visitor center boasts 22,000 square feet of interpretive exhibits on the history, geology and wildlife of Grand Teton National Park. Look for ranger-led hikes to the historic Murie Ranch.

Hole Bowl — Set ‘em up and knock ‘em down. Jackson Hole’s only public bowling ally,  Hole Bowl is set to open in 2016 with 10 lanes, a dining room, a children’s play area, foosball and pool tables.

Jackson Hole Cinemas — Jackson Hole Cinemas operates three theater locations in the Jackson Hole area. Offerings include everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to film festivals.

National Museum of Wildlife Art — The National Museum of Wildlife Art hosts the Nation’s premier collection of wildlife paintings and sculptures. Visitors enjoy more than 5,000 pieces of art from more than 550 artists dating from 2500 B.C. to present. The museum also features a restaurant and kids play area.