Planning a short trip to Jackson Hole and wondering how to fit town sights, national park visits, and river time into only two days? Here’s an itinerary that captures the best of Jackson Hole, by the locals. We live here and guide visitors on the Snake River daily, so our suggestions come from local experience and a genuine love for this valley.
Day 1 – Explore Jackson’s Heart
Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Stroll the Town Square and Pick Up Wheels
Start your visit in Jackson’s Town Square, a park established in 1934 whose iconic elk-antler arches mark the gateways to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Wander the wooden boardwalks lining the square, browse shops and galleries, and snap photos under the arches.
If you want to cover more ground, walk a block to the Home Ranch Visitor Center and rent a START Bike, day passes cost about $10 and allow unlimited 60-minute rides in a 24-hour period. Hop on the paved multi-use path north toward the national park; the pathway opens after snow melts and follows the National Elk Refuge before continuing to Antelope Flats Road.
Midday (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Wildlife Art and the Elk Refuge
Take a short drive or bike ride north to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, which houses more than 5,000 artworks depicting wild animals from around the world. Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the museum is only a seven-minute drive from town.
After lunch, continue to the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 N. Cache Street. Exhibits there explain how the National Elk Refuge was established and outline how federal and state agencies manage the land. The refuge borders Jackson, and the paved pathway is the best way to spot wildlife like elk, bison, and pronghorn during the day.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Bikes, History, and Western Fun
With your bike, follow the pathway along the refuge to Antelope Flats Road and enjoy views of the Tetons before looping back toward town. In the late afternoon, swing by Town Square again for the Jackson Hole Shootout, a lively western skit performed at 6:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s a free event that has entertained visitors since 1957.
Evening (7:00 PM Onward): Stargazing or Rodeo
Finish your first day with a quintessential Jackson evening. On clear Friday nights from 9:30–11:30 p.m., May–September, Wyoming Stargazing offers free public stargazing programs on the lawn next to the Center for the Arts. Alternatively, attend the Jackson Hole Rodeo, a tradition dating back more than a century. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, rodeos are held Wednesdays and Saturdays (additional Friday shows in July/August) at 8 p.m. at the Teton County Fairgrounds. Uncovered General Admission tickets typically start around $38 per adult.
Day 2 – National Park Adventures
Sunrise (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): Mormon Row or Antelope Flats
Rise early and head north on Highway 89/191 to Antelope Flats Road in Grand Teton National Park. Here you’ll find Mormon Row and the T.A. Moulton Barn, one of the most photographed barns in North America, thanks to its perfect alignment with the Tetons. The morning light paints the mountains pink and gold, making this a photographer’s dream. This is also the best time to spot bison and pronghorn grazing the open flats.
Mid-Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Hike Taggart or Phelps Lake
For an easy hike with classic Teton views, drive to the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The Taggart Lake trail is an easy 3-mile (4.8 km) round-trip outing with about 360 ft (110 m) of elevation gain. The path climbs an aspen-covered moraine and offers spectacular reflections of the Teton Range. Arrive before 8 a.m., parking fills quickly during summer, and carry bear spray.
If you prefer a moderate challenge, consider the Phelps Lake Overlook trail. From the Death Canyon Trailhead, hikers descend to the lake via a series of switchbacks before climbing back to the overlook. The route is a 3.7 mile round-trip hike with 1,080 ft of elevation gain. Bring plenty of water.
Midday (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Jenny Lake & Hidden Falls
After your morning hike, continue north to Jenny Lake, one of the park’s most popular destinations. Time-Saving Tip: You can hike around the lake or take a shuttle boat across (fee applies). Using the shuttle shortens the round-trip hike to Hidden Falls from 5 miles to about 2 miles (including the boat ride). Both black and grizzly bears inhabit this area, so carry bear spray and maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other wildlife.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Float the Snake River
No trip to Jackson Hole is complete without time on the Snake River, the lifeblood of our valley. Our Snake River scenic float trips are the perfect relaxing afternoon activity. This braided river carries mountain snowmelt westward and offers stunning views of the Tetons while wildlife such as moose and beavers frequent its banks. Guided scenic float trips are ideal for beginners, as the river’s channels shift every year and require navigation skills. Our Snake River Float Tours team provides all necessary equipment and the local stories to go with it, so you can relax and enjoy the views.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM Onward): Summit Views
Wrap up your trip by climbing (or riding) to one of Jackson Hole’s high points:
- Signal Mountain Summit Road: This narrow road climbs about 800 ft over 5 miles to panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Jackson Lake. Trailers and RVs are prohibited.
- Jackson Hole Aerial Tram: In Teton Village, the Aerial Tram ascends 4,139 vertical feet in about nine minutes and delivers 360-degree views. At the 10,450-foot summit, visitors can sample world-famous waffles at Corbet’s Cabin.
- Snow King Scenic Gondola: Right in town, Snow King Mountain’s scenic gondola carries guests 1,571 feet up to the summit, where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Tetons and the National Elk Refuge. After your ride, try other activities at the base like the Cowboy Coaster, mini golf, or a treetop adventure course.
Tips for a Stress-Free Visit
- Plan ahead for parking and permits. Trailhead parking at Taggart Lake and Jenny Lake fills early; arrive before 8 a.m. or take the park shuttle.
- Practice wildlife etiquette. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to view animals and never approach or feed wildlife. Always stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other animals.
- Pack layers and water. Even summer mornings can be chilly, and afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Respect closures and seasonal conditions. The bike path along the National Elk Refuge is closed from November 1 to April 30 for elk migration. Check park websites for updates.
Jackson Hole rewards explorers with a remarkable blend of culture and wilderness. In just two days, you can wander the Town Square’s historic boardwalks, admire world-class wildlife art, hike to alpine lakes, float past moose on the Snake River, and savor 360-degree Teton views from a mountain summit. When you’re ready to experience the river, join us at Snake River Float Tours. We can’t wait to show you the magic of the Snake River up close.
