Things To Do In Jackson Hole This Summer While Social Distancing
Summer is here, and while we may have to practice social distancing, we put together a few of our favorite things to do in Jackson Hole this summer while staying physically distant but socially connected! Lucky for us (and you!) there are loads of great activities to be had around the valley that fit right in with the new norm. Here are our picks for the best things to do in Jackson Hole while social distancing:
Scenic Drives
We highlighted our Top 7 Scenic Drives in a blog post earlier this year, but they’re still hugely relevant now. Load up the car with some yummy snacks and good tunes and take in the sights on these drives, which include Mormon Row & Moulton Barn, Jenny Lake and more. Stay on the lookout for wildlife, as many of these routes are known for sightings. Be sure to use your map & check road conditions before you head out, and don’t forget your camera!
Biking
Hitting the pathway (or trail) on two wheels gives you a whole other perspective of our beautiful valley. Breathe in the fresh air and work up an appetite while you take in the unbeatable surrounding landscape. Hoback Sports offers some great bike rentals options, from road bikes or rugged mountain bikes plus accessories. Check out our blog on the Best Biking Trails Around Jackson for more information on our favorite routes!
Hiking
Ready to hit the trails? Jackson has hundreds of miles of trails ranging from beginner to expert and short to full day, so there’s something for everyone! Check out our blog on some of the Best Hiking Around Jackson Hole, featuring 4 sure-to-please trails. Be sure to plan ahead and pack supplies for your hike, including food, water, layers of clothes, phone & bear spray. Our dry climate and elevation of 6,000+ feet can be strenuous, so know your limits and work up to those longer hikes.
Paddleboarding
The weather is warming up and there’s no better time to get out on one of Jackson’s waterways! From lakes like Jackson, Jenny & String to the beautiful Snake River, there are lots of great options. Grab a rental board from Rendezvous River Sports, and they’ll be sure you’re setup with everything you need, like strapping it to your roof rack. You don’t have to be an experienced paddleboarder to enjoy a day on the lake. All you need is a sense of balance and a good sense of humor! Check out our blog on Where To Stand Up Paddle In Jackson Hole for our recommendations on where to go.
Sculpture Trail At Nat’l Museum Of Wildlife Art
For a leisurely stroll, walk the Sculpture Trail at the National Museum of Wildlife Art – a free, open to the public trail that connects directly to the extensive Community Pathways system; making it accessible via car, bicycle, and foot. Catch the 3/4 mile trail from the main thoroughfare into the town of Jackson from the north, and enjoy viewing art in the wild surrounded by breathtaking landscape & playing off the light and changing seasons. Take in views of the National Elk Refuge as you make your way to the Museum entrance.
Scenic Gondola Rides
Prepare yourself for some incredible views of the Valley with a Scenic Ride on the Bridger Gondola! Take the 12 minute ride in a safe, private gondola cabin that whisks you up over 2,700 vertical feet, while keeping your eyes out for wildlife below. Step off the gondola to sweeping views and a launch point for many summer adventures including hiking trails, yoga, paragliding and dining options at three restaurants including The Deck. Our pick? Grab a spot on The Deck and enjoy happy hour with drinks and bites while you take in the views, and you might just get lucky enough to capture a glimpse of a bear or other wildlife from a safe distance!
Rent a Side-by-Side at Scenic Safaris
Grab the family and Rent A Side By Side street-legal 4 seater UTV for a fun and unique way to explore the Jackson Hole area. Take a scenic drive through Grand Teton National Park or explore the back roads in the Gros Ventre Mountains or Greys River Range.These non-guided rentals are available for a couple of hours or for a full day, and are a great way to get off the beaten path for some off road fun!
Enjoy A Picnic
Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the surrounding beauty with an al fresco meal! We’ve partnered with E.Leaven, a delicious bakery here in town, and they offer online ordering plus either delivery to MMM or pickup! Check out their full menu (including box lunches perfect for picnics!) and order online. Here are a few of our favorite spots for a memorable picnic in Jackson Hole:
In Town
- The Jackson Hole Visitor Center has picnic tables in the wetland area adjacent to the National Elk Refuge. The area has great view of the refuge, and is frequently visited geese, swans and other wildlife. Creekside Deli is also right across the street, great deli sandwiches and supplies for your day’s adventures.
- Miller Park is 2 blocks from the charming Town Square, and has picnic tables and shelters, as well as a basketball court, bouldering wall, playground, restrooms and an open grassy area. Shelters in the park can also be reserved by contacting the Teton County/Jackson Recreation center at 307-739-9025.
Outside of Town
- String Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park just west of North Jenny Lake Junction. The String Lake Area is a beautiful place for a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables and bathrooms. String Lake Picnic Area is a favorite spot with Grand Teton National Park visitors.
- Chapel of the Sacred Heart Picnic Area is located next to Jackson Lake Overlook in Grand Teton National Park. This is a perfect spot for a picnic with beautiful views of the lake.
We hope you take advantage of some of our ideas to truly enjoy Jackson Hole while social distancing. We look forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful valley when you are ready, and have put measures in place to ensure your health and safety. See you soon!