Although Jackson Hole is known as a top ski destination, the spring shoulder season is an excellent time for other outdoor activities. Ski resorts are closed, but the picturesque outdoors of the American West beckons to be explored. Offering a nostalgic adventure in the heart of the American West, Jackson Hole is between the sweeping Teton and Gros Ventre mountain range making way for great adventures and sightseeing. Along the Snake River and in the Yellowstone National Park through the fields of grazing bison and elk, Spring is the ideal time to visit as the wildlife is most active during these months as you will be able to see wildlife emerge from hibernation.

Spring temperatures and weather from April to June can flip between winter and summer climates and ranges from 35-70 degrees Fahrenheit. With the warmer weather comes the runoff from the melting mountain snowpack and wildflowers begin to line the valley floor. For those who like to hike, Taggart and Bradley lakes are popular hiking destinations, but best to wait until April/early May as trails will be muddy. You can certainly hike with snowshoes on the flats of the park, but be forewarned you will be getting dirty!
Along with a detailed 3-day itinerary below, here are a few other free spring activities that won’t cost you a dime.

Just four miles north of Jackson and adjacent to the National Elk Refuge, the National Fish Hatchery, welcomes visitors for free tours from 8 am-4 pm daily. Get a close-up view of fish in several indoor tanks and view photographic displays of spawning and stocking. Check out the beautiful night sky every Friday during April, with Wyoming Stargazing as they host free, public stargazing events from 7:30-9:30 pm at the Center for the Arts in downtown Jackson. Guests will have access to a giant Dobsonian Telescope with a 20-inch primary mirror to look at planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and more. One last fun and free activity is the Sculpture Trail at Wildlife Art Museum. In the ¾ mile trail designed by award-winning landscape architect Walter Hood, view sculptures of bison, moose, elk, birds against the Gros Ventre Mountain Range backdrop.

If your schedule permits, some other unique attractions and events include the Old West Days, the Jackson Hole Rodeo and the famous Jackson Hole Elkfest, which celebrates nature, outdoor skills, and hunting, and ecological education and awareness.

Now to plan your 3-day weekend itinerary, follow the ideas below and be sure you will have a memorable experience in Jackson Hole.
Day 1

A good way to start your action-packed long weekend in Jackson Hole is to stretch your legs get up close and personal with the Grand Tetons. Before heading to Grand Teton National Park’s southern entrance – which is five miles from the Aspens on Moose Wilson Road and paying a $30 entrance fee, which provides the visitor with a seven-day entrance permit for Grand Teton National Park – stop off at Elevated Grounds for a morning brew and pick up items at Aspens Market for a gourmet lunch in the outdoors. Make sure you have your camera ready, as there will be ample opportunity to see wildlife, several spots to connect with nature, and a plethora of hiking trails. Speak to a ranger when entering the park and getting your map, or visit the park’s hiking guide here, which gives you a detailed map of nine popular hikes in the area.

Day 3

Head for the hills for the Swiss-style Teton Village, better known as “The Vil” by locals and travelers alike. Located at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, take a ride on the aerial tram to the top of Rendezvous Peak and spend some time enjoying some of the many activities the resort offers which include: horseback riding, mountain biking, a ropes course, bungee tramp and Frisbee golf.

If you aren’t totally exhausted, spend some time around the water either going fly fishing or whitewater rafting on the Snake River. Cast your lick with the first hatches of the year and the hungry trout waiting for them or take one of the scenic and exhilarating whitewater rafting tours, trips normally take four hours.

For those who want to take a break from all the outdoor activities, or want to simply decompress and enjoy a little vacation, the Village offers a mix of shops and restaurants. To finish your trip, cap your evening out at some of the hottest mountainside bars and restaurants.