A Pit Stop in Jackson Hole
Summer in Jackson Hole: Our Epic Adventure
If you’ve ever thought about escaping to the mountains for a few days, Jackson Hole in the summer should be at the top of your list. We got there on a Thursday, ready for some outdoor fun and local vibes, and it didn’t disappoint.
Stay Downtown—You Won’t Regret It
First things first—if you’re heading to Jackson Hole, stay downtown. We were able to walk to everything—shops, restaurants, and of course, the Cowboy Bar. It was so nice not having to drive everywhere. We did have a car, so we made a trip out to Teton Village, but being able to stroll around the town was perfect.
Evening Drinks, Views, and Music
After getting settled, we headed out to Teton Village and took the gondola up to The Deck for drinks. The view? Unbeatable. Seriously, you’ll have the best view of the Teton Range while sipping your drink and listening to live music. It was the perfect way to kick off our time in Jackson.
For dinner, we went to The Spur. It was decent, but honestly, we were bummed we didn’t have a reservation at Mangy Moose—I’ve heard so much about it! Pro tip: book reservations early, especially in summer! After dinner, we headed back to town and wrapped up the night at the Cowboy Bar with more live music, dancing, and drinks. It was a blast. The energy in that place is contagious.
Phelps Lake: A Beautiful Hike
The next morning, we got up early for Phelps Lake. We swung by Pearl Street Bagels (again, because it’s that good) to grab breakfast and lunch bagels to go. Seriously, you have to go here if you’re in Jackson. The hike to Phelps Lake is relatively easy and the views are totally worth it. You get to the lake and there’s a big rock you can jump off into the water. It’s freezing, but so worth it!
And don’t forget your bear spray—just a heads up, we saw a black bear within the first 5 minutes of our hike! Always better to be safe.
Afterward, we stopped by Creekside Market for their daily Sloshies—they’re like slushies with different flavors each day. They were so refreshing, and perfect after the hike.
Sushi and More Live Music
Later that evening, we went to King Sushi, and I was honestly shocked at how good it was. I didn’t expect to get such amazing sushi in Wyoming, but Jackson proved me wrong. Afterward, we hit up the Silver Dollar Bar for some more live music and dancing. The place had such a cool Western vibe, and the music was perfect for winding down after a full day of activities.
Delta Lake: A Tough But Rewarding Hike
On Saturday, we woke up early to hike Delta Lake. We stopped by Creekside Market again for breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and while they were good, I really wish we’d gone for round two of those amazing Pearl Street Bagels. If you're a bagel fan, trust me, you need to try them.
We started the hike by 7:30 AM—if you’re doing Delta Lake, get there early for parking, especially on weekends. This hike is way more intense than Phelps Lake. It’s basically two hours of switchbacks in the sun, climbing up a mountain. The last part is a bit tricky, too, with a scramble over rocks and no clear path. But once you make it to Delta Lake, the water is insanely blue, and you’ll want to just sit and enjoy the views. We had our sandwiches, took some pics, and soaked in the sun. The hike down was much quicker, which was a relief.
After the hike, we grabbed beer and snacks at Snake River Grill. The food was great—definitely a spot we’d go back to for lunch or dinner.
The Jackson Hole Rodeo
That evening, we decided to check out the Jackson Hole Rodeo and country fair. Pro tip: bring cash for snacks and drinks, because they don’t take cards. It was a perfect way to unwind after a long day of hiking. Watching the rodeo and strolling around the fair felt so Jackson Hole, and we loved it.
A Fun Last Day
On our last day, we grabbed breakfast at Cafe Genevieve (make a reservation—it’s popular!) and then headed over to Beaver Creek Hats and Leather to pick out custom cowboy hats. It was such a fun experience getting to choose the style, color, and shape, plus we added some personal touches like ribbons and brands. If you’re in Jackson, definitely check this place out. It's the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by.
Afterward, we packed up and started our drive through Yellowstone National Park on our way to Bozeman, MT. It was a bittersweet goodbye to Jackson Hole, but what an incredible adventure.
Final Thoughts
Jackson Hole in the summer is everything you want in a getaway—beautiful scenery, fun outdoor adventures, amazing food, and a laid-back vibe. Whether you’re into hiking, chilling at the Cowboy Bar, or experiencing the local culture, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and have some unforgettable experiences. Just don’t forget to make those dinner reservations, bring your bear spray, and enjoy every minute of your time there. We sure did!