Spending a Summer in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

When you picture the iconic landscapes of the vast American West, the stunning mountainside beauty of Jackson, Wyoming, takes center stage. With snow-capped mountains, breathtaking sunsets, and diverse wildlife, Jackson and the wider Jackson Hole area is a great place to spend the summer. If you’re looking for a proper Jackson Hole summer, look no further — this guide lets you explore the possibilities of spending the best season of the year in one of the top destinations in the US. Take a quick look at some of the most popular sites across the area that you won't want to miss.

The most important thing to know about the summer weather in Jackson, Wyoming, is that it's gorgeous. Wake up to cool mountain mornings, with lows in the high 20s and 40s throughout the summer, and then spend the day outdoors with sunny temperatures that don't reach above a July average of 78° F.

The weather is pleasant and inviting, whether you love jogging, hiking, or simply relaxing in the countryside. Bring a light sweater everywhere you go, and you never have to worry about uncomfortable temperatures.

Expect golden summers, too, with an average of about five or six rainy days each month. That gives you much time to explore Jackson—and if it's raining, there are plenty of museums, events, and must-see indoor attractions to keep you busy.

Be sure to pack your hiking clothes and a backpack for your summer adventures in Jackson, Wyoming. There's a lot to do and see outdoors, whether you love American history, animals, or one-of-a-kind landscapes you can't see anywhere else. Consider these five popular attractions below.

Since 1912, the National Elk Refuge has been a conservation park that protects wapiti herds, some of the largest elk in North America. This beautiful park sits squarely between Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park on the eastern side of Jackson. As fall approaches, the elk herds start traveling from the fields in Yellowstone National Park to the southern refuge.

You might need to visit Yellowstone to see the elk in person in the summer, but there's still plenty to see in the sanctuary during the summer months. You might spot bison, bald eagles, antelope, or even wolves. You can freely walk around the sanctuary or explore by car. Plus, the gorgeous open ponds full of swans and geese are especially worth visiting.

Grand Teton National Park is a 310,000-acre park encompassing large swathes of Jackson Hole Valley, some of the Teton Range's most iconic mountains, and stunning forests. It also houses the iconic John & Bertha Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed structures in th valley. When you want to spend your summer enjoying the wilderness, this is the park to go to.

Some of the most popular attractions of this national park include:

Don't just experience nature outdoors. You can also find it throughout the National Museum of Wildlife Art galleries. Visit this museum to see paintings of iconic landscapes, gigantic sculptures of local wildlife, and more. Find Georgia O'Keeffe's floral paintings, the Greater Yellowstone Botanical, and various events fun for the whole family all summer long. If you’re looking to be inspired, this museum is a must-visit attraction for every summer trip.

Jackson, Wyoming, puts you right in the middle of some of America's top landscapes. Not only are you surrounded by Grand Teton National Park, but you're also just an hour away from Yellowstone National Park. Fill your days visiting Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, or Thumb Geyser while venturing deeper into the woods to spot elk before they travel south for winter. With the official fishing season stretching from Memorial Day through Halloween, Summer is also the perfect time to go fishing and test your angling abilities.

If this is your first time in the park, there are numerous options for guided tours, so you can enjoy your trip without managing logistics. Of course, with over 1,000 miles of natural trails, one of the most popular activities in Yellowstone is hiking. You can even ride horseback along certain tour paths!

After you've explored the Jackson-area wilderness and seen the sights, make sure you save time to visit the rodeo. Running from 8 to 10 p.m., the rodeo takes place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the season. See professionals compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and more. This show has been a Jackson Hole tradition since the Wilson Family started it in the 1890s, so order a ticket and make sure you show up early so you can get the most out  for the whole experience.

From Jackson Hole to Yellowstone, real estate agent Jeff Ward and realtor Kelli Ward are a local team that helps long-time Jackson homeowners and new-to-town residents find their dream homes in Jackson Hole. Jeff and Kelli can create a custom home search journey for you to navigate the market with ease and take the first step in your new life in Jackson.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Jackson Hole real estate market, reach out to them today.