Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and Gondola Rides

If you're visiting Jackson Hole with kids who are past the stroller stage, the Aerial Tram is one of those experiences that genuinely earns the word 'unforgettable.' The tram — which locals call the 'Big Red Box' — has been running since 1966 and carries up to 100 passengers in a single enclosed car from the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort up to the 10,450-foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain. The ride takes about 12 minutes and covers 4,139 vertical feet of elevation gain.

For kids, the ascent is pure drama. The tram tilts forward as it climbs, and you can feel the mountain falling away beneath you through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Kids inevitably compete to spot wildlife — moose, marmots, and sometimes even black bears are visible in the alpine meadows and tree lines below. By the time you reach the summit, jaws are typically on the floor.

At the top, the experience continues. There's a boardwalk and viewing area where the whole Teton Range spreads out in every direction, with Jackson Hole valley visible 4,000 feet below. On a clear day you can see into three states.

Older kids and teens who want more can hike the Rendezvous Trail along the ridge — it's demanding but doable for fit tweens and teens. Younger kids are usually happy just running around the summit area and snapping photos at the elevation sign.

A few practical notes for families: there's no stroller access (the tram is a standing-room situation and the summit terrain is rugged), so babies and very young toddlers are tough to manage here. Kids 6 and up are the sweet spot — old enough to appreciate the views, young enough to still find the whole thing magical. Pack layers; even in August the summit can be 25°F cooler than Jackson.

The base area at Teton Village has restrooms and food options, and there's a snack bar at the summit.

Operating hours are typically 11 AM–6 PM in summer, but confirm before visiting as weather can cause closures. This is a paid experience — budget roughly $35-40 per adult and $20-25 per child — and booking online in advance is strongly recommended on peak summer weekends.