Outdoor Off-Season Activities
Spring in Jackson offers unique outdoor experiences, with May being prime time to begin exploring the trails of Grand Teton National Park, surrounded by stunning mountain views everywhere you turn. Rent a bike and take a self-guided tour through the mountains or visit the National Elk Refuge for views of wildlife as massive elk herds prepare for their time to migrate.
Jo. “Spring Fat Biking in Jackson Hole: Teton Mtn Bike Tours.” Teton Mountain Bike Tours, 27 Mar. 2018, www.tetonmtbike.com/still-fat-biking/.
Yellowstone National Park is also a great place to explore in the off-season, walking past geysers, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes with dramatically reduced crowds. Some of the National Park roads, like the West Entrance, open back up to the public on the third Friday of April while all park roads generally open by Memorial Day weekend. Visit The National Park Service to check the status before you head out! Those searching for wildlife could get lucky and catch glimpses of bears who have just emerged from hibernation and bison becoming more active. If you’re looking to be near the water, May provides excellent fishing conditions on the Snake River before the snow melt hits, with great options for guided tours through Grand Teton Fly Fishing or Snake River Anglers. The snowmelt typically begins in late May and peaks in June depending on spring temperatures and snowpack. Once the snowmelt starts, river flow increases drastically, transforming fishing conditions and creating more challenging water through June and into early July as the water picks up debris on its way down the mountains. Snow King Mountain’s new Observatory and Planetarium is also open with a rooftop observation deck surrounded by telescopes for prime stargazing. While you’re there, make a reservation at Snow King’s new mountain-top restaurant, Aurora, and be sure to try the fondue!
Indoor Off-Season Activities
Jackson’s vibrant nightlife doesn’t stop for off-season either. Music lovers can enjoy Bluegrass Tuesdays at The Silver Dollar Bar in the historic Wort Hotel while the Million Dollar Cowboy hosts live music Monday through Saturday with free dance lessons every Thursday evening. The Virginian Saloon offers “Industry Nights” on Mondays with bingo and trivia, plus complimentary spirit tastings every Thursday from 4-6pm. To wind the weekend down, enjoy some old-fashioned swing dancing for Sunday night "Church" at the Stagecoach Bar, where the Stagecoach band has been playing every week since 1969. The Cloudveil Hotel has live music playing on Wednesday and Fridays while Nora's Fish Creek Inn in Wilson has performances on Sunday mornings and Tuesday and Thursday evenings both with daily happy hour specials.
Outpostjh. “Tuesday Night Bluegrass.” Outpost Jackson Hole, 8 Jan. 2019, www.outpostjh.com/jacksonhole/tuesday-night-bluegrass/.
The town also offers excellent opportunities to explore indoor cultural attractions beyond just nightlife. The Jackson Hole History Museum showcases exhibits like “Women Artists of the American West,” giving us insights into our region's past. You can also visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art, housing over 5,000 wildlife artworks and overlooks the Elk Refuge. If you're a local resident, take advantage of “First Sundays” when the museum offers free admission for area locals on the first Sunday of every month year-round, with special events connected to the exhibits on display. Downtown art galleries feature local and western artists with special exhibitions popping up throughout town and the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts hosts diverse workshops and performances year-round. Families can enjoy the interactive Jackson Hole Children's Museum, where kids can have hands-on experiences with traditional crafts. These activities are perfect for when you need to take a break from the unpredictable spring weather.
Off-Season Deals in Jackson Hole
Jackson's off-season brings exceptional dining deals that make exploring our local culinary scene more affordable and rewarding. Fine Dining Restaurant Group offers a generous "buy one entrée, get the second for $2" promotion at multiple well known restaurants including The Bistro, Il Villaggio Osteria, The Kitchen, Bin22, and Roadhouse Pub & Eatery until May 11. This bi-annual fundraising initiative has raised over $281,000 for local non-profits, with each week supporting different organizations—Jackson Hole Youth Soccer (April 14-20), Grand Teton National Park Foundation (April 21-27), Teton Literacy (April 28-May 4), and Mental Health & Recovery Service (May 5-11).
“The Bistro at the Cloudveil.” Jackson Hole Restaurants, 12 July 2024, jacksonholerestaurants.com/restaurants/the-bistro-at-the-cloudveil.
Other specials include Calico's 20% off total bill promotion through May 15th and $15 Happy Hour bar menu and FIGS' two-for-one breakfast special throughout May. Pizza lovers can enjoy Pinky G's free cheese bread with any 18" pizza purchase (using promo code BOGO2654) and $10 buckets of 5 tall boy beers, while Sidewinders West Bank offers '90s-era pizza pricing (under $20) for the remainder of the year.
“Pinky G’s Pizzeria in Jackson Hole.” Jackson Hole Traveler, 21 Feb. 2025, www.jacksonholetraveler.com/article/pinky-gs-pizzeria-jackson-hole/.
Looking for more off-season ideas to make the most out of Jackson's quieter months? Our team of local experts are here to help! Whether you’re seeking new hiking trails, additional dining deals, or personalized recommendations based on your interests, connect with one of our agents and we would love to help guide you around the area.
