LOCAL
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Flowers in June have been spectacular! June is typically a drier month, and this year, recent warm temperatures have allowed plants to flourish. Usually, cooler weather and more rain slow things down—but not this time. While we could still use rain to support budding vegetation, the potential for afternoon showers has increased. The valley is lush and green, pulsing with the summer rhythm of visitors, wildlife, and natural beauty.
For the next two months, town will be full of vacationers, and people will flock to the mountains and rivers for a wide variety of activities. There are endless options this time of year.
By the start of July, fire danger is already high. We recently saw a firefighting team on Teton Pass suppressing a blaze caused by a lightning strike. Deep gratitude to the Bridger-Teton National Forest wildland firefighters—hardworking individuals who often hike through tough terrain to reach a fire. With the arrival of afternoon thunderstorms, lightning-triggered fires become more likely. It’s early in the season for such high fire danger, so let’s all do our part to prevent any human-caused fires.
Summer is a great time to volunteer and support our local community. As a hiker, I see firsthand how noxious weeds can overtake native vegetation. Removing invasive plants helps restore balance to the landscape and preserves critical food sources for wildlife.
I want to give a big SHOUT OUT to HABITAT HEROES, a fantastic program run by the Teton County Weed and Pest Department. Outreach coordinator Meta Dittmer has organized several weed-pull events. You can find the volunteer calendar here: https://www.tcweed.org/programs/outreach-education/volunteer
We’re participating again this year and have another day on our calendar to help remove musk thistle from Shadow Mountain—July 27. View information here and please come join us! It’s inspiring to see how our local, park, and forest agencies collaborate to fight noxious weeds together. And it’s gratifying to be a part of it!
Wishing you a wonderful July—hope to see you on the trail!
Cathy
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Public Lands Protected—For Now
Senator Mike Lee of Utah had proposed selling off between 600,000 and 1.2 million acres of federally protected land for development in Western states. Thanks to everyone who spoke out in opposition and stood up for preserving our public lands—for both our enjoyment and the protection of wild nature.
I applaud our Western delegates for listening to their constituents and rejecting the sale. Public lands must be protected—once they’re gone, we can’t get them back.
Yeah for nature and wild species! 🌲🦌🌻
SPIRIT
“Love is the only force capable
of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
Join a Naturalist in Jackson Hole
We take pride in our guides – their commitment to providing excellent service is the key to our success.
Each of our staff members has chosen guiding as a profession in order to share his or her expertise and passion for nature. Their dedication, depth of knowledge, loyalty, and strong work ethic is what makes our tours memorable, safe and fun!
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Mountain weather can change suddenly, and temperatures can drop rapidly during a storm. Be prepared—hypothermia is a real risk, even in the summer months. Here’s what to pack: What to Pack for Grand Teton Hiking
- Never leave a fire unattended, and always have a shovel and water nearby. Use several gallons of water to fully extinguish your campfire. Given the current dry conditions, the recommendation is to avoid building fires altogether.
Field Facts
- July is peak wildflower season! With over 1,000 plant species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, there’s so much beauty to enjoy. Visit tetonplants.org to find walks, hikes, and lectures hosted by the Teton Chapter of the Wyoming Native Plant Society.
- Our cold climate limits the number of reptiles in the area. Jackson Hole is home to only four species: one lizard—the northern sagebrush lizard—and three snakes. The wandering garter snake is the most common, while the valley garter snake and rubber boa are less frequently seen. While rattlesnakes are found in parts of Wyoming, they are not present in Jackson Hole.
Tour Suggestions
It’s a wonderful time to explore the high country!
The ridge walk on Teton Pass is always a great afternoon adventure—usually with a refreshing breeze to go with the views. Taking the aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village brings you right into the alpine zone, where you’ll find stunning vistas, alpine plants, and fantastic hiking opportunities.
These high-elevation areas are shared spaces, so feel free to reach out to us for fun route suggestions or ideas.
The canyons in Grand Teton National Park are now mostly snow-free and offer endless options for exploration. Be sure to stop by a visitor center for up-to-date trail conditions before heading out.
Have fun and stay safe out there!
