1) Climb the Tetons

Looking for some vertical adventure? Making it to the top of a mountain is a major triumph and can be one of the highlights of your trip to Jackson Hole. Whether you want to make an epic ascent of the Grand Teton or try your hand at climbing for the first time, Jackson Hole’s various outfitters have you covered.

2) Play Golf

Add an extra 25 yards to your tee shot on one of Jackson’s world-class courses. At this high altitude, your drives go farther-but don’t expect your scores to get any lower!  Teton Pines Resort & Country Club has been recognized as one of the 75 best courses in the country by Golf Digest and Conde Nast Traveler. This facility is open to the public, though tee times are required.

3) Paraglide

Does the idea of running off of a mountain, taking flight like a bird, and soaring between the Tetons’ peaks appeal to you? If so, look no further than one of Jackson Hole’s paragliding services. Paragliding is a safe, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will give you a whole new perspective on the Jackson Hole landscape. Flyers strap into a tandem paraglider with an experienced pilot who will navigate you over 3,200 feet back to the valley floor.

4) Mountain Bike

Over the past decade, Jackson Hole has emerged as a world-class mountain biking destination. The area’s abundance of trails and bike shops makes it easy for bikers of all abilities to get off the pavement. In the town of Jackson, Snow King Mountain’s network of cross-country bike trails winds through a series of sunny aspen groves as it crisscrosses the ski hill and stretches into nearby Cache Creek. For those looking for a mellower ride, check out Jackson’s popular Pathways. These paved bike trails not only run between Jackson, Wilson and Teton Village, but continue into the stunning heart of Grand Teton National Park.

5) Take a Scenic Flight

If you think the Tetons look spectacular from the valley floor, just wait until you’re at 12,000 feet. Local flight services like Fly Jackson Hole,  Teton Aviation Center and Jackson Hole Paragliding boast fleets of planes, gliders and hot air balloons designed for every type of flying experience imaginable.

6) Camp

Whether you’re a hardcore backpacker or laid-back car camper, Jackson Hole is a premium spot for getting into the woods.  You can pitch your tent at a Park Service – or Forest Service – maintained site or venture farther afield. Just north of the town of Jackson, Curtis Canyon provides a low-impact camping option in the Bridger-Teton Forest on the far side of the National Elk Refuge.

7) Wildlife Viewing

Want to feel like you’re walking around the set of an Animal Planet special? Perfect. No matter the season, Jackson Hole teems with wildlife. The 17 million acres that comprise the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem enable visitors to see many of the species that have come to define the West, including the iconic grizzly bear, wolves, moose, pronghorn and elk. Local guide services lead hiking and driving excursions throughout Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone—just don’t forget to bring your camera!

8) Take a Scenic Drive

Be a “Sunday driver” any day! While oohing and aahing is simply the name of the game out here, we’ve curated a few of the really jaw-dropping scenic drives around Jackson Hole.

• Moose Wilson Road: Wildlife spotting is a given on this narrow and winding, 8-mile road that runs between the Grand Teton National park entrance just outside of Teton Village to Moose.
• Inner Park Loop Road: Travel for 20 unforgettable miles through Grand Teton National Park underneath the watchful eyes of the towering Tetons.
• Jenny Lake Scenic Loop: This one-way, three-mile road off the main park roadway is a less traveled gem.
• Kelly Loop: The Kelly herd of bison comes out and plays in force just before sunset on this 16-mile loop that starts and ends at Gros Ventre Junction. Other sights include Mormon Row, Mouton Barn and Shadow Mountain.
• Teton Pass: This high mountain pass starts in Wilson and connects the valleys of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Teton Valley, Idaho.

9) Take a Hike

Hiking in Jackson Hole runs the gamut from river walks to boulder scrambles to mountain panoramas and getting high—like thousands of feet high. Everyone has their own definition of a day hike, and Jackson Hole offers abundant options. Near the town of Jackson, the Goodwin Lake and Jackson Peak hikes are popular, low-stress options. In Grand Teton National Park, the Bradley and Taggart Lake hikes are pleasant loops around serene mountain lakes at the foot of the Tetons. Further into the park, hikers can make the trek up to the Phelps Lake overlook and Death Canyon trail for impressive views. Check in with park rangers, visitor centers, or the local Valley Bookstore on the Town Square for recommendations and trail guides.

10) Get Up High

Take an Aerial Tram ride. Also known as “Big Red,” the tram takes passengers 4,139 vertical feet from the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain.

Learn the ropes. Both Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King offer ropes course adventures. Aerial challenges include riding ziplines and walking over moving wooden pieces, wires and balance beams.

Pull up a chair(lift). The scenic, 15-minute chairlift ride to the top of Snow King Mountain allows you nearly unbeatable views of the Tetons and the town of Jackson.

Gondola to Happy Hour. Catch the Bridger Gondola for free at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort starting at 4:30 p.m. every day and enjoy Happy Hour and stunning views at The Deck.