Jackson Hole is the western mecca of unforgettable outdoor activities, offering scenic wildlife tours, whitewater rafting, and even hiking through the backcountry! Experience the beautiful flora and fauna for yourself on one of Jackson's best summer tours and get the most out of your time in the area! Visiting Jackson Hole or Yellowstone in the summer is bound to be a great experience for families, friends, and adventure-seekers alike. We've made a list of the seven best tours in Jackson Hole, as well as other things to take into consideration when vacationing in the area. Oftentimes, people come to visit Jackson Hole as a way to better connect with nature. The proximity and access to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are just the beginning. There are also miles and miles of whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, boating, and abundant wildlife to enjoy. We recommend booking a variety of tours and activities depending on your interests, skill levels, and companions to make the most of your time. The breathtaking scenery of the national parks, combined with memorable excursions, makes Jackson Hole an incredible place to vacation during the summer months.

Summer Tours in Jackson Hole

For those who have not visited the area before, you may beg the question - is it Jackson Hole, Wyoming, or simply Jackson, Wyoming? To clarify, Jackson is the largest town, which lies within the valley of Jackson Hole. The other towns that are considered part of Jackson Hole include Wilson, Teton Village, Moose, Kelly, Moran, and Hoback. Jackson, the valley’s most populated town, is a popular destination full of unrivaled shopping, art, museums, dining, nightlife and more. Relax at an award-winning spa or explore Snow King Mountain Resort. Explore the valley more intimately by booking a sightseeing tour or outdoor excursions. Jackson Hole is a great place for hiking, rafting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, making it a place with many tours and activities to choose from. Be sure to book all your tours on different days to make time for everything! 

1. Small Boat Whitewater Adventure 

Duration: 3.5 hours

Hands down, one of the most popular and exciting summer tours in Jackson Hole! Take home the memory of a lifetime and experience the thrill of a whitewater rafting trip down the Snake River Canyon in the summertime. This trip is great for the whole family and is one of the most sought-after tours Jackson has to offer. A great way to spend an afternoon- this tour uses a smaller raft (capacity 6-8 people) for a more agile, exciting, yet safe ride through the waves. Legendary rapids like Lunch Counter, Big Kahuna, and Champagne await! This trip does not require any previous whitewater rafting experience or knowledge, as you will be led down the river by a professional whitewater guide. Each participant should be willing to paddle for the best adventure possible in terms of both safety and fun. This small boat whitewater trip is an amazing way to take advantage of summer beauty on the Snake River and bond with your friends and family in a thrilling and memorable Jackson Hole river experience. Book today to reserve your seats, adventure awaits! 

Private Grand Teton Day Tour

Duration: 9 hours

The Grand Teton Day Tour highlights the best of Grand Teton National Park on a day of adventure and awe-inspiring scenery. Enjoy this tour from the comfort of a luxury vehicle with the privacy of your guide. Your knowledgeable and friendly guide will take you throughout the park while looking for native flora and fauna (e.g., bison, bears, wolves, moose, elk, etc.), so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! Vortex binoculars will be handed out to each guest so that up-close details won't be missed. This tour provides transportation from your lodging in Jackson Hole and provides breakfast, lunch, and top-of-the-line spotting scopes and binoculars. Fun for all ages!

3. Sunrise or Sunset Wildlife Discovery Tour

Duration: 4 hours

Two times a day, nature comes alive in the Greater Yellowstone Eco-system. Experience the world-renowned flora and fauna that graces each day, sunrise or sunset, during this private wildlife tour! This is an exciting opportunity to take in the stunning wildlife of Jackson Hole, along with iconic views of the Teton Mountain Range. From the comfort of a clean and cozy vehicle, your experienced guide will point out bison, elk, coyotes, bald eagles, and other local animals according to migratory patterns and the season. This is a great way to expand your knowledge of wildlife and bond with your friends and family, no matter how young or old! You’ll be provided with binoculars and spotting scopes to catch the best views out of the enlarged windows. There will be opportunities to get out and view wildlife from outside the vehicle while always practicing safe distancing and giving the utmost respect to the animals themselves. 

4. Private Yellowstone Full Day Tour 

Duration: 10 hours

Planning to head up to Yellowstone from Jackson Hole during your visit? If you’re looking for an immersive, full-day experience with scenic mountain and valley views, wildlife, and history, consider the Yellowstone Full Loop Tour. Spend an immersive full day with a knowledgeable and friendly guide who will take you to Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, various waterfalls, and more. This tour is for those looking forward to a full day of sightseeing and wildlife viewing with a moderate amount of activity and the opportunity to see and learn about Yellowstone National Park’s top highlights. Given this tour’s longer duration, you’ll be provided with both a light breakfast and lunch. This tour is appropriate for people five years and older and always operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring some layers, as the weather in this area can shift quickly and at any minute. Don't forget your camera; there will be opportunities to get out and walk around at times, and you won’t want to miss the sights to be seen! This tour of Yellowstone is a great way to learn from an experienced guide while also getting the chance to see grizzlies, bison, wolves, and more. This is one of the most immersive summer tours you can take because of its wealth of knowledge, its extensive path, and its kid-friendly activities. A great option for the entire family or group.

5. Classic Raft Whitewater Adventure 

Duration: 4.5 hours

Looking for a whitewater trip with a little more chill? The Snake River Whitewater Adventure is the trip for you! This whitewater experience takes you down the same 8 miles as the Small Boat Whitewater Adventure but on a larger boat where you can request not to paddle if you desire. This makes for a more stable and mellow experience (though you will still get wet!) The minimum age for this tour is six years old, and it is suitable for families. Enjoy the scenery of the Snake River Canyon with your entertaining and trained whitewater guide, who will make sure your adventure is fun and safe and will be sure to point out highlights and wildlife along the way. Enjoy the thrill of legendary rapids Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Cottonwood! Availability for popular summer trips goes quickly, secure your spot and book now.

Hiking Tours In Jackson Hole: Planning the best summer ever.

Wildlife Tours In Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Make the most of your summer with incredible wildlife tours in Grand Teton and Yellowstone!

If you want to get your "beak" wet with wildlife viewing, consider our Wildlife Discovery Tour. It departs at either sunrise or sunset for prime opportunities to catch animals out and about. While some tours are a full-day affair, this tour is only four hours. 

If you are traveling solo or with the whole family, the Sunrise Drive and Walk combination trip is another great option. Your naturalist guide will take you through the national park at sunrise to catch animals headed to their daytime beds. Then, guests head to the scenic Shadow Mountain for a short hike that showcases the best views of the Grand Teton range from the valley perspective. 

Our most immersive wildlife viewing tour is the Sunrise Drive and Hike. If you are passionate about animals or have a "must-see" list, including elk, moose, or bears, this is the excursion for you. Offering breakfast and lunch and the amenities needed for an eight-hour foray in a comfortable vehicle and on foot, our guests are set up for success to catch a glimpse of the most iconic animals in the area. 

To read more about viewing wildlife in Jackson Hole, check out our blog here.

FAQs About Summer Tours in Jackson Hole:

Q: Which Summer tours are suitable for all ages?

Check out these kid-friendly tours offered out of Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. Make sure to check any restrictions, as our guides are unable to make exceptions for safety reasons. Some of the best summer tours for kids include the  Classic Whitewater Adventure, Sunrise/Sunset Wildlife Discovery Tour, and Private Group Yellowstone Tour. 

Q: Should I book tours before I get to Jackson? 

Yes! As many of the tours fill up quickly, it’s important to book early once you decide which activities you want to do. We recommend booking 3-6 weeks in advance to ensure you get the dates and departure times that you want.

Q: Which are the best half-day tours? 

Half-day tours provide a great way to see as much as possible in a relatively short amount of time. The Wildlife Drive and Walk Tour promises an abundance of wildlife in a six-hour trip. For those interested in whitewater rafting, consider the Small Boat Whitewater Rafting Adventure.

Q: Is transportation included for tours from Jackson Hole & Yellowstone?

Almost all tours that originate from Jackson will provide round-trip transportation or pickup from your lodging. This is the same with tours from Yellowstone.