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 7 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 close proximity and access to both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park is just the beginning. There are also miles and miles of whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, boating, and abundant wildlife to enjoy. We reccommend 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 which 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 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! 

2. Teton Views Scenic Float

Duration: 3.5 hours

Starting west of Jackson Hole near Teton Village, this scenic 13-mile float trip along Snake River is an unforgettable experience. Often rife with wildlife like eagles, otters and maybe even a moose depending on the time of year. The Teton Views Scenic Float tour promises relaxation and beautiful views, so make sure to pack your camera. You are not required to paddle on this tour, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonders of the Teton Wilderness! This section of river is perfect for the family looking for less wet and wild and more peaceful scenery. 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 days 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 wildlie from outside the vehicle while always practicing safe distancing and giving the utmost respect to the animals themselves. 

4. Yellowstone Full Day Loop Tour 

Duration: 12 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 5 years and older and always operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly and bring some layers as 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, for 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 6 years old and 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 go quickly, secure your spot and book now.

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

Look no further than Jackson Hole and Yellowstone! There are plenty of tours available for an unforgettable vacation.

Try out the 6-mile Geyser Hiking Tour in Yellowstone, for example. This is a family-friendly tour with wildlife viewing, awe-inspiring views, and a visit to Old Faithful. This is the only walking tour of its kind regularly offered in Yellowstone! Lunch is provided at the secluded Brooks Lake Lodge and your friendly and informative tour guide will be outfitted with bear spray and a field guide for flora identification. Feel free to ask questions and get involved, this is a beautiful tour to see the geysers-- one of Yellowstone's most exciting features. For a full day of wildlife encounters and jaw-dropping views, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike is a world-class guided tour. A twelve-hour hike with lunch and snacks included, this tour is a loop around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and through meadows, around waterfalls and more. See it all on this tour and experience one of Yellowstone's most iconic treasures. For more summer tours, keep reading for the best summer wildlife tours in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone.

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

With varied time commitments and offerings, you have your pick of curated tours managed by local tour operators with our summer wildlife tours. For those looking for a half-day tour, the four-hour Grand Teton Wildlife Tour is built for them! With no minimum age requirement, it’s a kid-friendly tour with unmatched comfort and wildlife viewing. Those who want a more in-depth experience on a summer’s day in Jackson Hole should look no further than the twelve- to thirteen-hour Yellowstone Full Day Lower Loop tour. This is an amazing opportunity to see a variety of animals and historic sites in Yellowstone with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided. In between these two is the six-hour Wildlife Hiking Adventure, one of the best hiking tours in Yellowstone! You and your family will be met in Jackson Hole with the tour’s vehicles to take you on an unforgettable journey into the wonders of the National Park. The knowledgeable and friendly tour guides are prepared to answer all your questions and point out animals and special sites. Lunch and trekking poles will be provided.

Whatever your interests, whether you’re hoping to photograph some amazing wildlife or get a little wet on the Snake River, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone have experiences available for everyone! Scenic views, local wildlife, and beautiful waterways, all with the knowledge of a helpful and friendly tour guide – what more could you ask for? Book your tour now to experience the best of Jackson Hole!

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: Teton View Scenic Float Small Boat Whitewater Rafting Adventure Grand Teton Wildlife Tour Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson 

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

As many of the tours fill up quickly, it’s important to book early once you decide which activities you want to do. We reccommend 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 Grand Teton Wildlife Tour promises an abundance of wildlife in a four-hour trip. For those interested in whitewater rafting, consider the Small Boat Whitewater Rafting Adventure or the more liesurly Teton View Scenic Float.

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. The only tour that goes to Yellowstone from the town of Jackson is the Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour from Jackson.