You can’t beat summer in the Tetons. Summers are short but certainly sweet. With our cool, wet spring, the wildflowers are thriving and the valley is green, green, green. Summer began on June 21 and the crisp, clear mornings and blue skies make Jackson Hole an idyllic place to be. Snowpack still limits trail access and options in the high country but it’s quickly melting. Mid-elevations, around 8,000-9,000 feet are clear, offering great trails, beautiful flowers and endless places to explore. There is lots of fun to be had on these long days of summer.
Local—Something for Everyone
There’s something for everyone who makes a summer visit to the region of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park! The wildlife diversity, beauty, endless trails, pathway system, recreational options, summer music and happenings around town, restaurants and shopping deliver fun for all. Some of our favorites would be: a night at the rodeo, a huckleberry milkshake at the Victor Emporium, Sunday music in Teton Village, and the peaceful solitude found in the hidden gems of the Jackson Hole backcountry (we know the spots).
The folks at the Wall Street Journal wanted to share some of JH’s summer highlights in a recently published article, “A Guide to Jackson, Wyoming’s Increasingly Chic Mountain Town.”
Regional — Yellowstone National Park Floods
Yellowstone is slowly recovering from the catastrophic flooding in June. Snowmelt and heavy rain caused historical high water destroying roads and bridges which isolated some gateway communities, closed the Park, destroyed homes, and changed Yellowstone for the foreseeable future.
Learn more: Yellowstone National Park Floods »
Note about road closures: As of early July, most roads have reopened in Yellowstone but the entrance through the north and northeast gates will remain closed until further notice. Best to check out current conditions as you plan your adventure.
Spirit
“It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside.” — Maud Hart Lovelace
Trail Suggestion
It’s a great time of year to spend the cool mornings on the trail and the warm afternoons near the water. There are lots of hiking and water sports options throughout the region. Great half day hikes can be found near the town of Jackson or Teton Pass. On Teton Pass, you can choose the Old Pass Road, Phillips, Mt. Elly, Mail Cabin or Coal Creek. Enjoy String Lake in Grand Teton National Park or Slide Lake up the Gros Ventre, or go for a float down the river, paddleboard, or just soak your toes. Enjoy!
Field Facts
- July is flower month so enjoy the mosaic of colors and diversity. Join us to learn all about them!
- Roses are blooming at lower elevations so look for the blooms along the bike paths and forest trails.
- Check out the Teton County Chapter of the WY Native Plant Society for fun field adventures
Backcountry Tips
- Beautiful flowers mean beautiful bugs so remember to bring your bug spray! Also bring along sunscreen, water and extra layers as you head to the hills.
- PLEASE give animals space. Three people have been gored by Bison in Yellowstone. Animals move very quickly and you can be trampled in the blink of an eye. Remember to stay at least 25 yards from all animals and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
