10 Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Jackson Hole

Colby Murphy

01/20/22

No matter the season, Jackson Hole, WY, is a perfect, luxurious hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts. Below are the ten best outdoor activities to enjoy in the Grand Tetons. 

1. Horseback riding 

With the beautiful landscapes surrounding Jackson Hole, horseback riding is a great adventure for three seasons of the year. Many local outfitters offer half-day, full-day, and overnight horseback trips through both private and public lands. Mill Iron Ranch offers true mountain horseback rides, and their two-hour rides are highly rated by guests. Horseback rides at Spring Creek Ranch are led by well-trained and experienced guides. This ranch is great for families, as they offer one-hour rides for ages five and up, and two-hour rides for ages seven and up. These guided trips are encouraged for those looking for a relaxing and safe way to take in the epic scenery of Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons. 

2. Golfing

There are a variety of golf courses in Jackson Hole to fit any experience level. For fairways surrounded by natural habitat, scenery, and wildlife, the Teton Pines Country Club has it all. The links at Teton Pines are beautifully designed and stretch a total of 7,412 yards. The course offers memberships in order to access exclusive tee times, unlimited range access, and weekly events. If you’re looking for a more private experience, the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club is the country club for you. Most of Jackson Hole’s golf courses, including the ones mentioned above, offer equipment rentals and lessons for those looking to improve their skills. But given their popularity, always call in advance to get details for teeing off.

3. Kayaking 

Jackson Hole offers a variety of water access for those hoping to kayak. The Snake River can be challenging and dangerous depending on the season of the year, but also has sections that are great for a relaxing paddle trip. Jenny Lake and Slide Lake are both accessible, tranquil areas for a more laid-back kayaking experience, and a different view of the area’s mountain tops. Gear rentals are available from several of Jackson’s professional whitewater and scenic float guide services, and visitors can choose full-, half-day or overnight excursions. 

4. Scenic tours 

Discover the beauty and luxury of Jackson Hole by touring Jackson with a helpful guide, or set out on your own to do some sightseeing in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park. Take a scenic ride via train, chair lift, or your own vehicle to explore the breathtaking Wyoming landscapes. You’ll discover trailheads, gourmet restaurants, and wildlife around every corner. For those looking for a self-guided option, the Gaper Guide is a narrative GPS system to help point out landmarks, geographical features, and recommendations on where to stop. 

5. Snowboarding and skiing

With great mountainous terrain comes plenty of fun winter activities. There are a few areas in Jackson Hole that are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is a gorgeous ski area located 12 miles from Jackson. This resort is home to two distinct mountains, the Apres Vous and Rendezvous mountains. For great lodging and after-hours night skiing, the Snow King Ski Area and Mountain Resort is an exhilarating experience. On the Idaho side of Teton Pass, Grand Targhee Resort offers more than 2,000 acres of family-friendly terrain. There are plenty of local shops in Jackson and on-hill to rent equipment.

6. Fly-fishing

Fishing is an essential part of living in Jackson Hole, and there are many guide services available to lead you on a fishing adventure. If you’re looking for a quick fishing trip, public fishing is available at several rivers, creeks, and lakes throughout Jackson Hole. At Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, there is a variety of fish to catch among the stunning views and abundance of wildlife — just be sure to check up-to-date regulations. Obtain a fishing license and learn more about current conditions at any fishing shop in Jackson. 

7. Camping 

There’s so much camping around Jackson Hole, you may not know where to start. For a true wilderness experience and views of the Tetons, the Gros Ventre Wilderness Area offers free camping sites that are accessible year-round. Yellowstone National Park has a huge variety of sites, from basic to improved campgrounds with facilities and areas for RVs. But be forewarned: camping in national parks comes with crowds and etiquette and discipline that differs from camping in many other locations around the country. Bears, bison, and other big creatures call the park home, and demand space and respect from guests.

8. Hiking

Take advantage of the several thousand miles of beautiful trails throughout Jackson Hole. Go on a solo hike or sign up for a guided hike and learn more about the natural history and ecosystem of the Greater Yellowstone area. Some notable hiking spots in and around Jackson Hole include Hidden Falls and the Summit Trail, which offers downhill hiking and an optional gondola ride. 

9. Snowshoeing 

Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity that allows you to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Tetons during winter. Teton Pass and Grand Teton National Park are both popular spots for snowshoeing, and Teton Pass is known for its backcountry wilderness access and many scenic vistas. The Grand Teton National Park has park rangers that lead daily snowshoe tours through the park. For full or half-day snowshoe adventures, the Hole Hiking Experience in Jackson offers guided trips that give visitors everything they need to hit the terrain. They also offer extensive history about Jackson Hole’s winter ecosystem and are equipped to help visitors answer any nature-related questions.

10. Cross country skiing

Whether you’re looking for a fun and thrilling workout or a tranquil glide through the alpine meadows, Jackson Hole has plenty of terrain for skiing at any skill level. Check out the Shooting Star Nordic Track, which is located on Teton Village Road. This track has multiple terrain options and is dog-friendly, while Emily’s Pond is great for a relaxed skiing experience. Ski rentals are available at local ski shops, and guided trips are always supplied with the necessary gear.

Looking at homes for sale in Jackson Hole?

Jackson Hole is full of woodlands, wildlife, and waterfronts to explore. There’s also a great selection of luxury homes—with unique views, natural resources, and acreage. If you’d like to experience everything that the Grand Tetons and intermountain west have to offer homeowners, reach out to Colby Murphy to find the perfect Jackson Hole luxury home.

Colby Murphy

Colby Murphy

About the Author

Born in the land of the Delta Blues, Colby Murphy grew up as a nationally ranked cyclist and avid outdoorsman. Colby's addiction for competition took his amateur cycling career through college, capturing silver at the USAC National Championship and a spot on Team USA for the 2013 UCI World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, Colby volunteered coaching youth athletes in addition to interning with the D1 NFL Combine Camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It was freshman year when Colby was exposed to the magic of Jackson Hole. Instantly attracted, he began splitting his time to ski Jackson every year thereafter.

Upon publishing research in the International Journal of Exercise Science and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Colby immediately relocated to Southern California in pursuit of his professional cycling career. Once retired from competition, Colby quickly found himself as a top producing sales professional serving owners of high end luxury real estate in areas of San Diego including Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Coronado. With his affection for luxury property, history with Jackson Hole, and prior connection to Christie's International Real Estate, Colby saw a clear path and executed a move to Jackson. In his spare time, he now enjoys turning laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and giving back at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.

Colby is fortunate to have been raised around admirable examples of what drive, tenacity and resilience can yield. His father, a self-made entrepreneur, and uncle, an owner of the Christie's affiliate brokerage in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, both inspired Colby's ambitions from an early age.

Now, Colby has positioned himself among some of the most respected networks in the industry. He feels proud and blessed to have established relationships with multiple Christie’s affiliate owners and associates spanning multiple cities, states, and countries. Colby has also recently become a member of REALM™, the first globally collaborative real estate collective designed to empower the real estate professional by curating new relationships and matching qualified buyers based on lifestyle experiences and passions rather than search criteria.

In a market where there are as many agents as annual transactions, Colby represented clients from Australia, the UK, Mexico, and several U.S. states in his first year alone. He applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients. Always elevating, always seeking excellence, his acquired values and attributes provide a successful combination that will ensure your selling or buying experience is a win.

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Colby applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients.

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