Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals – Summer

Jackson Hole Adventure Rentals is a summer-season UTV (side-by-side) and ATV rental and guided tour operation, with locations in Jackson and Alpine, Wyoming. They run new model-year fleets, provide all required safety gear, and put you on the network of forest service roads and backcountry trails that wrap the valley and Star Valley. The right fit is a visitor who wants a half-day or full-day off-road experience in country the resort lift cannot reach. The wrong fit is anyone planning to drive these vehicles inside Grand Teton or Yellowstone (not allowed), or treating them as transportation around town.

Self-guided vs guided

Two paths. Self-guided rentals: you take a vehicle, get a route briefing, and drive yourself on cleared trails. Best for visitors comfortable navigating forest service roads with a map or GPS. Guided tours: a guide leads you on a fixed route, handles navigation and trail decisions, and includes terrain you would not be sent on as a self-guide. Best for first-timers, people short on time, or anyone who wants the better terrain without the navigation work.

Where you actually go

The Jackson location runs trails north and east of town. The Alpine location opens up the Greys River drainage and the south end of the Wyoming Range, with longer ride-outs and fewer crowds. Both fleets reach country with real elevation, real views, and real conditions; expect dust, mud, water crossings from mid-summer onward, and weather that changes mid-ride.

Top Summer Rentals: Boating, Motorbikes & Rafting

Operating season runs roughly May through October. Trail access opens in stages: May is limited as snow lingers in higher zones; full trail systems are typically open by early June; river crossings come online late July or early August; September is peak (clear weather, golden aspens, thinner crowds); October closes out as winter snows arrive. Mid-to-late September is the sweet spot if you can plan for it.

Who can drive what

Driver and passenger age rules differ by vehicle and location: side-by-side from Jackson is 21+ for road segments; from Alpine, 18+ for off-road. ATV from Alpine is 18+ driver, 8+ passenger. Side-by-side passenger minimum is 6 from either location. Confirm at booking; rules can shift with insurance updates. Helmets and goggles are provided.

How to book it well

Reserve ahead, especially in July and August. Same-day availability happens, but a day or two ahead is the safer call for popular slots. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes; layer for changing weather; bring sunscreen, bug spray, and water. Eat first; trail food options are minimal once you are out. Plan for 4 to 6 hours including check-in, briefing, and ride time on a half-day rental.

The catch

Three honest tradeoffs. First, this is summer-only; the same business runs snowmobile rentals in winter as a separate operation, with different rules and rates. Second, you cannot ride into the National Parks; that rules out Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and most of the Snake River corridor inside park boundaries. Third, weather. Summer storms in the Tetons can come fast; if a storm rolls in mid-ride, waiting it out is the safer call rather than pushing through.

Word to the wise

For a different summer ride experience on a different vehicle, Turpin Meadow Ranch runs guided trips into the Gros Ventre. The Adventure Rentals network covers the south and east of the valley well; Turpin's reach is north and east. If you want two distinct ride-out experiences in one trip, that is the pairing to consider.

Last word

Self-driving an ATV or side-by-side is one of the strongest ways to see country around Jackson Hole that the standard tourist circuit misses. Adventure Rentals is the operational backbone for that in town and in Alpine. Book a guided tour for your first time; come back self-guided once you know the trails.

FAQ

What is the difference between an ATV and a side-by-side (UTV)?

An ATV is single-rider straddle-seat; a side-by-side (UTV) is bench seating for two to four riders, with seatbelts and a roll cage. Side-by-sides are easier for new operators and friendlier for groups; ATVs are more nimble on tight trail.

Can I drive these in Grand Teton or Yellowstone?

No. Off-road vehicle access is restricted in the National Parks. Trails outside park boundaries are the playground.

What if it rains?

You ride in light rain. In hard rain or lightning, the operation may pause runs for safety. Refund and rescheduling rules vary; ask at booking.

How early should I book?

July and August: a day or two ahead at minimum. September weekends fill fast for the fall colors. May, October, and mid-week shoulder season have more day-of availability.