Three days is enough time to get a real feel for Jackson Hole, if you spend them right. We mapped out a summer itinerary that hits the highlights without feeling rushed: the hike worth waking up early for, the best spot to watch the sun hit the Tetons, where to eat, and how to end each day properly. Consider this your starting point.
Plan your stay: Browse Outpost homes across Jackson Hole
72 Hours in Jackson Hole at a Glance
Day 1: Grand Teton National Park, wildlife safari or scenic float, String Lake, private chef dinner
Day 2: Whitewater rafting or fly fishing, Teton Village, aerial tram, dinner in town, Snow King evening
Day 3: Coffee in town, Jenny Lake hike, shopping, rodeo or live music, Cowboy Bar
Jump to: Day 1: Grand Teton National Park, Day 2: Hoback Canyon and Teton Village, Day 3: Downtown Jackson, Good to Know, Where to Stay, FAQs
Day 1: Grand Teton National Park
Pearl Street Bagels → Wildlife safari or scenic float → Dornan's → String Lake → Private chef dinner
Breakfast
Pearl Street Bagels
We love Pearl Street Bagels as a first morning stop. It's a local staple, the bagels are excellent, and it's a great way to start the day. Pearl Street is about 30 minutes from the park entrance, so plan to leave early enough to beat the summer morning crowds that build up at the entrance by mid-morning.
Morning
Wildlife safari or scenic float in Grand Teton National Park
This is the first real choice of the trip, and both options are strong. It really comes down to what kind of morning sounds most exciting to your group.
A wildlife safari is a great option for a chance to see bison, elk, moose, and other animals with a guide who knows where to look. Outpost partners with Backcountry Safaris, and guests receive a discount after booking a home with us, so it's an easy and worthwhile add-on to plan before you arrive.
The scenic float is a different kind of morning and every bit as special. The float worth doing runs from Deadman's Bar to Moose through Grand Teton National Park, and that part matters. It's a calm, mellow trip on flat water and it's rare to get wet, making it a great option for all ages and groups with kids six and older. Plan on about two hours on the water, and do not forget sunscreen.
Want to skip the wildlife guide? Check out our Wildlife Watch Guide including a printable wildlife bingo card
Lunch
Dornan's, Moose
Since you're already in the park, Dornan's in Moose is the move for lunch. Large windows offer great Teton views, and if you're 21 or older, the roof deck gives an even better perspective. Grab a pizza and a drink, then head north to String Lake for the afternoon.
Afternoon
String Lake
String Lake is one of our favorite spots in the valley. It sits right at the base of the Tetons, and the water warms up nicely by mid-afternoon. Swim, paddleboard, walk the shoreline, or just find a spot and stay a while. There's no agenda here.
Dinner
Private chef dinner at your Outpost home
We saved the best for tonight. After you book your home with Outpost, schedule a private chef dinner through Provisions. A chef comes to your home, cooks a full dinner using local ingredients, serves it at your table, and cleans everything up. No reservations, no driving, no waiting. Just your group, your home, and a meal that feels like the right way to end a day like this.
Post Dinner
End the night in the hot tub, on the porch, or around the table with a drink and a deck of cards. This is exactly what summer nights in Jackson Hole are supposed to feel like.
Day 2: Hoback Canyon and Teton Village
Provisions breakfast at home → Whitewater or fly fishing → Bodega → JHMR aerial tram → Glorietta → Snow King
Breakfast
At home
When you book the Provisions private chef dinner for Day 1, add on breakfast for the next morning. Before leaving, the chefs can stock your kitchen with a breakfast casserole ready for the oven or a box of the donuts they are well known for. All Outpost homes are stocked with Snake River Roasting Co. coffee, so brew a pot, warm up the food, and take a slow morning before heading out.
This is exactly the kind of flexibility that makes staying in a vacation rental feel different from staying in a hotel.
Morning
Whitewater rafting or fly fishing, Hoback Canyon
Head south into Hoback Canyon for a morning on the water. The two options here are pretty different, so it's worth knowing which one fits your group going in.
Whitewater rafting is for the more adventurous. The Hoback River runs fast in summer, and a half-day trip is a real adrenaline experience with great canyon scenery. Pack a change of dry clothes because you will get wet.
Fly fishing is a different pace entirely. You're on calmer water, usually three people to a boat, though larger groups can split across multiple boats with separate guides. The canyon is beautiful either way, and you'll be back in the village in plenty of time for lunch.
Lunch
Bodega, Teton Village
Bodega is one of those places locals casually mention and visitors end up loving. It is tucked beside the gas station in Teton Village and makes an easy lunch stop before spending the afternoon at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Afternoon
Aerial tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
The aerial tram takes you from the village base to 10,450 feet in about nine minutes. From the top, you can see the Snake River, the sagebrush flats, and the Teton range across the horizon. Worth knowing: Corbet's Cabin at the top serves gourmet waffles that have developed something of a following. If your legs are good after the morning on the water, the ridgeline hike is worth it. If not, just take your time up there. Guests staying in Granite Ridge or Crystal Springs are just minutes from the tram base and all the summer activities in Teton Village.
Dinner
Glorietta
Glorietta is one of the most consistently recommended restaurants in Jackson for a reason. The atmosphere is lively, the pasta is excellent, and it works for two people or a full table. Be sure to make a reservation before you arrive.
Post Dinner
If there's a Snow King concert tonight, it's a must do. The venue sits at the summit of the mountain and looks out on the Tetons. This setting alone makes it worth the ticket even if you don't know the artist. Check the schedule before you arrive and grab tickets before they sell out. If there's no concert, the Snow King mountaintop observatory is a good evening alternative. Jackson Hole is a designated dark sky area, and the planetarium programs are worth the trip up.
Day 3: Downtown Jackson
SRRC and Pearl Street Market → Jenny Lake → Lunch on trail → Shopping → Early dinner → Rodeo or live music → Cowboy Bar
Breakfast
Snake River Roasting Co., then Pearl Street Market
Snake River Roasting Co. on the Town Square is a great way to start your last morning. The coffee is excellent, the breakfast is delish, and it has a great atmosphere. After you eat, walk around the corner to Pearl Street Market and grab a sandwich for the hike. You'll be glad you did.
Morning
Jenny Lake hike
The loop runs about 7 miles through mostly flat terrain with good views the entire way. If you want a shorter hike, take the ferry from the east dock to cut the approach in half. Plan on three to four hours total and leave early enough to get back and walk around town before an early dinner.
Jenny Lake is about 40 minutes north of Jackson, so build that into both ends of the day. Guests staying north of town have a considerably shorter drive. If Grand Teton National Park is a priority for your trip, this is one of the easiest ways to save time.
Looking for more hikes? Read our hiking guide.
Lunch
On the trail
Now back to that sandwich from Pearl Street. Find a good rock on the far side of the lake with the Tetons in front of you. This is one of those simple travel moments people end up remembering most.
Afternoon
Shopping in town
Back in Jackson, the Town Square and surrounding blocks are worth an afternoon. Galleries, outfitters, Western clothing shops, and local boutiques give you an easy way to wind down from three active days.
Dinner
Snake River Brewing or Local Restaurant and Bar
Plan to sit down around 5:30 or 6:00 so you can make the rodeo after. Snake River Brewing is a great last night choice: the food is good, the beer list earns its reputation, and the outdoor seating is ideal. Local Restaurant and Bar is a good alternative if you want something a bit more elevated.
Post Dinner
If your last night falls on a Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday, the Jackson Hole Rodeo at the Teton County Fairgrounds is worth experiencing at least once. We know it might sound like a tourist thing, but it really is fun. Be sure to get tickets as soon as you book your trip! If the timing doesn't line up, the Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel has live music most nights and is worth the stop.
However the night starts, it ends at the Cowboy Bar on the Town Square. It's one of the most iconic bars in the West and the right way to close out a trip in Jackson Hole.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Driving takes longer than you think
One of the most common surprises for first-time visitors is how spread out the valley is. Downtown Jackson to the park entrance is about 30 minutes. From there, Jenny Lake and String Lake are another 15 to 20 minutes north. Hoback Canyon is 25 to 30 minutes south of town, and Teton Village is about 20 minutes west. On busy summer mornings, park entrance queues can add another 15 to 30 minutes. Expect some traffic heading back into town in the afternoon. We've built the itinerary with those drives in mind, but it's worth knowing so nothing catches you off guard.
Book your activities before you arrive
The best wildlife safari guides, float trips, rafting trips, and fishing guides fill up weeks out in peak summer. Getting that sorted before you land means you arrive ready to go rather than figuring out what's still available.
Scenic float versus whitewater
If you're still deciding: the scenic float through the national park from Deadman's Bar to Moose is calm, suitable for all ages, and one of the best ways to see the Tetons from the water. Whitewater on the Hoback is a different energy entirely, more athletic and adventurous. If you have an extra day, do both.
Pack layers every day
Summer mornings in Jackson Hole start cool, afternoons warm up, and evenings drop off again once the sun goes behind the mountains. A light layer in your bag makes a real difference, even in July.
Where to Stay
We're a little biased, but staying in a vacation rental makes a trip to Jackson Hole better. There's space to spread out after a long day on the trail, a kitchen stocked with Snake River Roasting Co. coffee for the mornings, a porch to come home to, and the kind of setup that makes things like a private chef dinner or a slow breakfast actually feel the way they're supposed to.
Outpost has more than 200 homes across Jackson Hole. Where you stay makes a difference for this itinerary:
North of town homes put you closest to Grand Teton National Park and cut the morning drives on Day 1 and Day 3 significantly. If the park is your priority, this is where you want to be.
Teton Village homes put you right at the base of the mountain, steps from the aerial tram. Day 2 is a different experience when you can walk to all of it.
Downtown Jackson homes keep you close to restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and Town Square.
Spring Creek Ranch offers a quieter stay with great views.
The Westbank puts you between town and Teton Village with its own shops and restaurants nearby.
Want the slow evening part built in? Browse homes with hot tubs for the kind of end-of-day reset this itinerary was made for.
Browse the full collection and filter by area, bedroom count, and amenities. We book direct, which means no OTA fees and better value for the same home.
Summer availability in Jackson Hole fills quickly, especially for homes near Grand Teton National Park and Teton Village. Booking earlier gives you the best selection for peak summer dates.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Jackson Hole?
Three days gives you a real feel for the valley without rushing through it. You can cover a full day in Grand Teton National Park, a day in Hoback Canyon and Teton Village, and a day hiking Jenny Lake before exploring town. Five to seven days lets you slow way down, repeat the things you loved, and add a day trip up to Yellowstone.
What is the difference between a scenic float and whitewater rafting in Jackson Hole?
The scenic float runs through Grand Teton National Park from Deadman's Bar to Moose on calm, flat water. It's relaxed and great for all ages, kids six and older are welcome, and you rarely get wet. Whitewater rafting on the Hoback involves real rapids and a lot more adrenaline. Bring dry clothes and plan to change after. Both are worth doing if you have the time.
What is the best time to visit Jackson Hole in summer?
July and August are peak season with everything open, though they bring the biggest crowds and highest prices. June is a strong choice with smaller crowds and full access to the park and activities. Late August through September offers near-identical conditions with shoulder season pricing. Whatever month you come, book lodging at least two to three months out.
Should I stay in Jackson town or Teton Village?
It depends on what you want to be close to. Homes north of town are the best choice for Grand Teton National Park access. Teton Village puts you at the base of the mountain steps from the aerial tram. Downtown Jackson is walkable to restaurants, nightlife, and the Town Square. Outpost has homes in all three areas.
What is there to do in Jackson Hole besides hiking?
Wildlife safaris in Grand Teton National Park, scenic and whitewater Snake River rafting, fly fishing in Hoback Canyon, paddleboarding and swimming at String Lake, the JHMR aerial tram, the Jackson Hole Rodeo on Wednesday and Friday and Saturday evenings, live music at the Wort Hotel, the Snow King mountaintop observatory and planetarium, e-biking, shopping on the Town Square, and the Saturday Farmers Market from late May through October. Three days barely scratches the surface.
Is Jackson Hole worth visiting in summer?
Yes. Grand Teton National Park, the Snake River, great hiking, wildlife, rafting, and a good mountain town all in the same valley. We've lived here and we still feel lucky every summer.
Do you need a car in Jackson Hole?
Yes. While downtown Jackson is walkable, many of the best summer activities require driving, including Grand Teton National Park, String Lake, Teton Village, and Hoback Canyon. Staying in the right location can make a big difference in how much time you spend in the car.
Plan Your Summer Stay
Whether you want to stay closer to the park, walk to the tram in Teton Village, or keep restaurants and nightlife nearby in town, Outpost has homes across Jackson Hole designed to help you experience the valley at your own pace.
