Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Weekend Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Jackson Hole

Colby Murphy

10/24/25


Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is a destination defined by sweeping mountain views, abundant wildlife, and a vibrant small-town atmosphere. It attracts visitors from around the world who come to experience its striking natural beauty and sense of adventure. From towering peaks and winding rivers to art galleries, fine dining, and year-round outdoor recreation, Jackson Hole offers something for everyone. For first-time visitors, planning a weekend itinerary helps make the most of every moment. This guide unveils how to spend three unforgettable days discovering the highlights of Jackson Hole’s remarkable landscape and culture.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Jackson Town Square

Arriving in Jackson Hole offers an immediate sense of the town’s charm and energy. Visitors can check into a range of accommodations, from boutique hotels in the town center to lodges on the outskirts, providing easy access to local attractions. Begin the day with a walk around Jackson Town Square, where the iconic elk antler arches welcome guests to explore. The square is lined with unique shops, galleries, and cafes, offering opportunities to browse local art, handmade crafts, and specialty souvenirs.

In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the town’s well-regarded restaurants, sampling regional cuisine or casual dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. This first day provides a relaxed introduction, blending cultural exploration with the inviting ambiance of Jackson Hole.

Day 2: Grand Teton National Park Adventure

No visit to Jackson Hole is complete without experiencing the natural grandeur of Grand Teton National Park. Just a short drive from town, the park offers dramatic mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. A morning visit to Jenny Lake allows for either a scenic boat ride or a hike along trails that showcase the stunning surroundings. For those seeking more vigorous activity, trails such as the Delta Lake or Cascade Canyon routes provide challenging hikes that reward visitors with panoramic views and serene alpine landscapes.

Wildlife spotting is another highlight, with opportunities to see moose, elk, bison, and even bears in their natural habitat. Guided tours with local experts can enhance this experience, offering insights into the park’s ecosystem and ensuring safe, informed encounters with wildlife. Following a day immersed in nature, a relaxing evening in nearby hot springs offers a soothing way to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures, blending the thrill of exploration with restorative tranquility.

Day 3: Scenic Views and Local Culture

The final day of the weekend itinerary emphasizes both scenic vistas and local culture. Starting with a ride on the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, visitors ascend high above the valley floor, enjoying sweeping panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and the surrounding wilderness. From the summit, the vistas provide incredible photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of the region.

Back in town, the focus shifts to exploring Jackson Hole’s cultural offerings. Local art galleries, historical museums, and craft shops provide insight into the area’s rich history and artistic traditions. Visitors can spend time wandering through exhibitions, learning about the heritage of the region, and collecting unique pieces of local artistry as souvenirs. To cap off the weekend, enjoying a final meal at one of the town’s vibrant restaurants or eateries ensures a memorable end to the trip, blending excellent food with the warm hospitality that defines Jackson Hole.

Activities Beyond the Itinerary

While this itinerary provides a structured approach for a first weekend in Jackson Hole, the area offers countless additional experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts might consider horseback riding through the valleys, rafting or kayaking on the Snake River, or exploring additional hiking trails in the surrounding national forests. Winter visitors have access to world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers mountain biking, fly-fishing, and guided wildlife photography tours. Cultural experiences can also be incorporated, from attending local rodeos and live music events to participating in seasonal festivals that celebrate the town’s Western heritage.

Planning Tips for First-Time Visitors

Maximizing a weekend in Jackson Hole requires some advance planning. Consider starting each day early to make the most of daylight hours and avoid peak crowds at popular attractions. Checking weather conditions in advance is also essential, as mountain climates can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature or precipitation. Booking guided tours, outdoor excursions, and dining reservations ahead of time helps ensure a smooth experience. Bringing appropriate clothing and gear for hiking, wildlife viewing, or other outdoor activities is also recommended, as is carrying a camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular landscapes.

Considering Making Jackson Hole Your Home?

Jackson Hole’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and outdoor lifestyle make it a place many dream of calling home. From cozy mountain retreats to luxurious estates, the region offers a variety of real estate opportunities that suit different tastes and needs. For expert guidance in navigating the local market and finding the perfect property, contact Colby Murphy today to help turn the dream of living in Jackson Hole into a reality.

*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash



Colby Murphy

Colby Murphy

About the Author

Born in the land of the Delta Blues, Colby Murphy grew up as a nationally ranked cyclist and avid outdoorsman. Colby's addiction for competition took his amateur cycling career through college, capturing silver at the USAC National Championship and a spot on Team USA for the 2013 UCI World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand. While attending Middle Tennessee State University, Colby volunteered coaching youth athletes in addition to interning with the D1 NFL Combine Camp in Nashville, Tennessee. It was freshman year when Colby was exposed to the magic of Jackson Hole. Instantly attracted, he began splitting his time to ski Jackson every year thereafter.

Upon publishing research in the International Journal of Exercise Science and receiving his bachelor’s degree, Colby immediately relocated to Southern California in pursuit of his professional cycling career. Once retired from competition, Colby quickly found himself as a top producing sales professional serving owners of high end luxury real estate in areas of San Diego including Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, and Coronado. With his affection for luxury property, history with Jackson Hole, and prior connection to Christie's International Real Estate, Colby saw a clear path and executed a move to Jackson. In his spare time, he now enjoys turning laps at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and giving back at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association.

Colby is fortunate to have been raised around admirable examples of what drive, tenacity and resilience can yield. His father, a self-made entrepreneur, and uncle, an owner of the Christie's affiliate brokerage in San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, both inspired Colby's ambitions from an early age.

Now, Colby has positioned himself among some of the most respected networks in the industry. He feels proud and blessed to have established relationships with multiple Christie’s affiliate owners and associates spanning multiple cities, states, and countries. Colby has also recently become a member of REALM™, the first globally collaborative real estate collective designed to empower the real estate professional by curating new relationships and matching qualified buyers based on lifestyle experiences and passions rather than search criteria.

In a market where there are as many agents as annual transactions, Colby represented clients from Australia, the UK, Mexico, and several U.S. states in his first year alone. He applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients. Always elevating, always seeking excellence, his acquired values and attributes provide a successful combination that will ensure your selling or buying experience is a win.

Work With Us

Colby applies the principles and work ethic he learned through sport and his impressive circle of mentors to ensure he creates the highest value for his clients.

Follow Us