A Guide to the Summer in Teton Valley & Teton Pass
If you are looking to visit Jackson Hole but want to escape the hustle and bustle, the neighboring Teton Valley and Teton Pass areas offer just as much adventure and recreation opportunities, and aren’t lacking on mountain town charm. Here’s what you need to know about these two distinct but connected destinations:
Teton Pass is the scenic mountain pass that connects Jackson, Wyoming to Teton Valley, Idaho. This high altitude mountain pass takes visitors through a winding road, offering incredible views and serves as the bridge between both areas. Once you pass over the last hill, you’ll have a panoramic view of the valley with trailheads and activities accessible right from the road.
Teton Valley lies on the Idaho side of the pass, about 35 minutes west of Jackson through Teton Pass. This valley is home to the mountain towns of Driggs and Victor and offers a different experience from the high-elevation of the pass. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about experiencing what this area has to offer—from navigating adventures in high altitude on Teton Pass to discovering local Teton Valley favorites in Driggs and Victor.
Down in Teton Valley, the hiking experience is diverse and expansive. The valley offers over 250 miles of trails with options for every ability level. Family friendly options like Moose Creek Trail or Packsaddle Lake Trail provide shorter easy-rated pathways perfect for casual walkers wanting to enjoy nature. For those seeking more challenge, the Table Mountain Trail offers a 8.2 mile loop that takes you through alpine meadows and across rivers to reach stunning Teton views at the summit.
Teton Pass provides some of the most accessible high-alpine hiking opportunities, offering a different experience from hikes along the valley floor. At an elevation of 8,432 feet, these trails give you immediate access to beautiful viewpoints and challenging mountain conditions with very rewarding sights. You can access short hikes right off of the main road, making it perfect for those just passing through. Options like Ski Lake give you a 3-mile loop that takes you to a dog-friendly beautiful alpine lake. Old Glory is a classic locals favorite, known for its backcountry skiing routes in the winter, this challenging 4 mile hike provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole, and Idaho.
Mountain biking on the pass is very popular with downhill enthusiasts, with options ranging from long cross country trails, jumps and drops, or challenging freerides. This network of trails include the popular Black Canyon and Lithium trails that are part of the 40 miles of singletrack accessible from the top of the pass. These trails offer serious vertical and technical challenges, taking advantage of the pass’s high elevation and steep terrain.
By way of Driggs, Idaho into Alta, Wyoming, you can explore over 2,000 vertical feet of lift-served trails at Grand Targhee Resort, with 70 plus miles of maintained multi-use trails for cross country or downhill biking. For a more laid back ride, visit Bronze Buffalo Sports Club for e-bike rentals and check out the paved roads and bike paths that connect Teton Valley.
For water enthusiasts, The Teton River winds through the valley, offering fly fishing for native cutthroat trout or wading for rainbow trout. You’ll find plenty of paddle boarders and kayakers on this meandering river, it’s great for a slower paced, relaxed day.
For climbers, there is plenty of access to multiple bouldering areas and technical routes on the west side of the Tetons, via Teton Pass. Some known areas are Darby Canyon, featuring 21 different routes from beginner to advanced levels, The Reef has around 10 sport routes and The Big Rocks is a go-to spot for bouldering.
For climbs closer to Driggs and Victor, the Teton Canyon has a total of 47 climbs ranging from traditional, sport, or bouldering climbing routes. These trails range from beginner-friendly 5.5 routes or challenging 5.13’s routes.
Whether you’re exploring the pass or the valley, check out local outfitters like The Mountain Guides or WorldCast Anglers offer services from exploration to fishing, from half-day trips to multi-day expeditions—making this area accessible for every skill level and interest.
A New Era at the Grand Targhee Bike Park, www.bikemag.com/news/new-era-grand-targhee-bike-park. Accessed 27 May 2025.
Beyond outdoor adventures, Teton Valley’s summer schedule reflects the communities deep ties and appreciation for agriculture, with festivals celebrating everything from local farming to world-class music. One of the valley’s most popular summer events is Music on Main, held every Thursday evening from June through August in the center of downtown Victor. The event features bands ranging from bluegrass to folk rock in a family-friendly outdoor setting where you can grab dinner from food trucks and relax on the lawn with friends. Targhee Fest in July brings together the mountain lifestyle, great food, and live music for a weekend celebrating the region's culture. The Teton Valley Balloon Rally in early July fills the sky with colorful hot air balloons launching from Driggs City Park and in August, Grand Targhee Resort hosts their famous Bluegrass Festival, celebrating mountain music and culture. You can also visit the weekly farmers markets in both Driggs on Saturday morning and Victor on Wednesday nights from June through September.
“Music on Main Announces Lineup.” Jackson Hole News&Guide, 16 Apr. 2025, www.jhnewsandguide.com/scene/music/music-on-main-announces-lineup/article_da26bf50-3875-4301-b51e-95d1899acfee.html. Boyle, Mary. “Experience the Magic of the Teton Valley Balloon Rally This Weekend.” East Idaho News, 28 June 2023, www.eastidahonews.com/2023/06/experience-the-magic-of-the-teton-valley-balloon-rally-this-weekend/.
Teton Valley's dining scene reflects the area’s rich agricultural heritage, featuring everything from farm-to-table restaurants to Western staples. The valley's extremely fertile farmland means local ranches can provide fresh ingredients to restaurants like Forage Bistro and Lounge, which builds their menu around regional crops and meats. For fueling up before an adventure, Badger Creek Café is a locals favorite serving fresh home-style breakfast and lunch, or you can pick up a pastry at the Butter Cafe. The valley has a thriving local beer scene with options like the newly built Refuge Taphouse, offering a rotating tap list of beers ranging from local IPA’s to regional stouts. For fine dining, The Grille at Bronze Buffalo Ranch serves everything from steak to seafood, or head to Maison for wine and tapas. If you’re looking to grab something quick before a hike, stop by Victor Valley Market or Figgie's for a sandwich to fuel your adventures. The weekly farmers markets also give you the chance to choose from organic vegetables, honey, and artisan cheeses so that you can experiment with local produce.
Tellman, Julia “Fresh Faces on Victor’s Main Street.” Teton Valley News, 24 Aug. 2022, www.tetonvalleynews.net/news/business/fresh-faces-on-victors-main-street/article_187b24ac-2000-11ed-9414-a73c4aa74155.html.
Figgies Deli, Google Business page, accessed June 2025
The Teton Valley and Teton Pass areas combine an active mountain lifestyle with Western family charm to give you the ideal mountain experience. Whether you're focused on trying all the local produce or pushing yourself on a mountain bike, this destination offers both excitement and relaxation. Choose from week-long river trips and guided overnight climbs or plan a quick weekend trip for a festival- this area has it all. The Valley allows you to enjoy peaceful morning hikes and listen to great music without dealing with unnecessary crowds.
