Discover Yellowstone & Grand Teton's iconic animals on expertly guided wildlife safaris and viewing tours from Jackson Hole.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, sits at the doorstep of two of America's most celebrated national parks: Grand Teton and Yellowstone. This unique geography makes it an unparalleled base for wildlife safaris and viewing tours. Imagine the thrill of spotting a grizzly bear foraging on a mountainside, a herd of bison crossing the road, or a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead, all within their natural habitat. These excursions are designed to maximize your chances of encountering the region's diverse and iconic fauna, guided by experts who know the best locations and the animals' habits. Whether you're an avid photographer seeking that perfect shot, a nature enthusiast eager to learn about the ecosystem, or simply looking for an awe-inspiring adventure, Jackson Hole's wildlife tours offer something for everyone. Beyond the popular residents like elk, moose, bears, and wolves, you might also encounter pronghorn antelope, coyotes, various bird species, and if you're exceptionally fortunate, even elusive mountain lions. The sheer abundance and accessibility of wildlife here are remarkable, transforming a simple drive into a potential gallery of natural wonders. These tours provide a safe and educational way to experience this wild landscape, ensuring you get the most out of your visit while respecting the animals and their environment.
Discover our top picks for wildlife safaris & viewing in Jackson Hole

Scenic Horseback Rides with Stunning Grand Teton Views in beautiful Jackson Hole. Join our experienced guides for a horseback adventure through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, offering the closest and most breathtaking views of the Grand Teton Mountains. Ride through aspen groves, wildflower meadows, and rugged trails as you climb higher into the untouched Wyoming wilderness. Enjoy wildlife sitings including mule deer, elk, and moose just to name a few. We offer 90-minute, half-day, and cookout dinner rides just like the cowboys. Loading and guidance will take on average 30 minutes but may take over an hour depending upon the experience level of guests. Guests are in 100 percent control of their horses at all times.

Take a relaxing and fun 3-hour scenic raft tour on the Snake River from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Stunning scenery, wildlife, and information on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem will be the major points of interest on this tour. A perfect raft trip for families, senior citizens, first time river users, bird and wildlife enthusiasts.

Thousands of mule deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep and bison migrate into the valley in search of food each year along with coyotes, fox, bald and golden eagles, swans, and even packs of wolves. This gathering of wintering wildlife makes winter one of the best times to view wildlife in Jackson Hole! After a full morning in the field we will enjoy lunch together at a local eatery before heading back out for the afternoon. When available, we will take a horse drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge into the middle of the largest wild elk herd in North America. Following the sleigh ride, we will head back into the field to spot more wildlife. **Sleigh rides are optional.

This small-group tour is a fantastic way to observe wildlife as well as take in Grand Teton's beauty and Yellowstone’s numerous geyser basins. We will be making stops at Oxbow Bend, Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, Fountain Paint Pots and Mud Pots, West Thumb Geyser Basin, the Lower Falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, as well as several other geyser basins. Yellowstone National Park’s rich history, geology, wildfires and wildlife will be discussed in detail throughout the tour. Wildlife that is often observed on this tour are bison, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, elk, eagles, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. We will offer many stops throughout the tour for guests to get out of the vehicle and observe the different wildlife viewing opportunities with the binoculars and scope that we provide, and to walk the various boardwalks we stop at. This tour will include a picnic style lunch that will be served by your guide.

Explore Grand Teton National Park in search of wildlife on this exhilarating eco- tour. Traveling at dawn or dusk from Jackson Hole will give us the best chances to show you the most wildlife in Grand Teton National Park, as this is the prime feeding time for many of the animals. Sightings may include grizzly and black bear, wolves, moose, bison, elk, eagles, bighorn sheep, fox and so much more! Your naturalist guide will ensure your enjoyment and safety, teach you all about the park’s geology and ecology, and stop along the way to let you take photos of your gorgeous surroundings. Guests traveling late spring to early fall (approximately June 1st-September 10th *Weather dependent*) will discover the park in our customized and exclusive open-air safari-style vehicle. Guests traveling mid fall, winter, and late spring will discover the park in an enclosed, heated and air-conditioned vehicle. This small-group tour is limited to 10-12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Explore the National Elk Refuge, home to thousands of wintering elk, hundreds of bison, bighorn sheep and an array of bird life before venturing into Grand Teton National Park. Jackson Hole’s wintering wildlife is abundant with opportunities to see bison, elk, deer, moose, fox, coyote, bald eagle, trumpeter swans, and if we’re lucky, wolves. If time allows we might also choose to stop at the Jackson Hole Visitor Center or the new Moose visitor center in Grand Teton National Park. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park.

Experience the Tetons at their most magical. On our Sunrise Tour, you’ll be out early—when the air is crisp, the mountains are glowing, and wildlife begins to stir. We’ll guide you to the best sunrise spots like Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend, where calm waters mirror the pink-lit peaks of the Teton Range. It’s quiet, serene, and simply unforgettable. As the park wakes up, so do the animals. This is prime time to see moose, elk, bison, foxes, eagles, and even bears, moving through the landscape in the soft morning light. With our high-powered scopes and expert tracking, you won’t miss a thing. Expect a relaxed pace, personal attention, and insights from a local guide who knows where to go—and when. Whether you're a photographer or just love wild places, this tour sets the tone for an incredible day. Tour includes: ✔️ Early-morning pickup from Jackson Hole ✔️ Small-group or private options ✔️ Wildlife viewing gear provided

Thousands of mule deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep and bison migrate into the valley in search of food each year along with coyotes, fox, bald and golden eagles, swans, and even packs of wolves. This gathering of wintering wildlife makes winter one of the best times to view wildlife in Jackson Hole! After a full morning in the field we will enjoy lunch together at a local eatery before heading back out for the afternoon. When available, we will take a horse drawn sleigh through the National Elk Refuge into the middle of the largest wild elk herd in North America. Following the sleigh ride, we will head back into the field to spot more wildlife. **Sleigh rides are optional.

We begin this wildlife tour by heading north along the western boundary of the National Elk Refuge to Grand Teton National Park. Here we will travel along the southern park roads watching for wildlife and stopping frequently for photo-ops. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park.

Join a naturalist guide for this expedition to explore Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding areas scenic beauty and abundant wildlife. 1 - Search for and learn about moose, elk, bald eagles, coyote, wolves, mule deer, bighorn sheep and more. Your guide providing color stories and narration. Use of optics included. 2 - Picnic lunch, served in the field, with hot soup or chili. 3 - Next join a horse drawn sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge for a close-up view of part of the world’s largest elk population. Thousands of elk and other wildlife species spend the winter months in southern Jackson Hole. You will search for and commonly viewed elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, bald eagles, coyote and more. Your guide will manage the team of sturdy horses and provide interesting information and answer questions. 6 hours

Our full day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari explores the wildlife, geology, and natural history of Grand Teton National Park. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park. Private tours allow children younger than 8 years old to participate.

Our full day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari explores the wildlife, geology, and natural history of Grand Teton National Park. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park.

Join an experienced naturalist guide on a wildlife safari tour of Yellowstone National Park with a focus on the geology, wildlife, and natural history of Yellowstone National Park. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park. This wildlife safari will make frequent stops as opportunities for wildlife viewing present themselves.

Enjoy a private wildlife safari tour of Yellowstone National Park. Your group will focus on the geology, wildlife, and natural history of Yellowstone National Park while customizing the safari around your specific areas of interest. The entire day will be suited to your schedule and areas of interest by your experienced naturalist guide. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park.

We begin this wildlife photo tour by heading north along the western boundary of the National Elk Refuge to Grand Teton National Park. Here we will travel along the southern park roads watching for wildlife and stopping frequently for photo-ops. Wildlife we frequently encounter on this trip includes bison, elk, deer, moose, pronghorn, (aka antelope), fox, coyote, bear, bald eagle, trumpeter swans, and if we’re lucky, wolves. If time allows we might choose to stop at the Jackson Visitor Center or the new Moose visitor center in Grand Teton National Park. The guides at Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris will make every effort to showcase as many highlights as possible, and will structure the day around making your experience a memorable one. They will take current road conditions, weather, seasonality, and your personal interests into consideration as they move through the park.
Jackson Hole is situated in one of the richest wildlife regions in North America, offering high chances of seeing iconic animals.
Tours are set against the dramatic peaks of the Teton Range and the vast landscapes of Yellowstone, providing breathtaking scenery.
Knowledgeable guides use their expertise to locate animals and share insights into their behavior and the park ecosystems.
These tours are ideal for capturing incredible wildlife and landscape photography, often with optimal viewing conditions.
Tours prioritize ethical wildlife viewing, maintaining safe distances and respecting the animals' natural behaviors.
Beyond the 'big five,' expect to see a wide variety of mammals, birds, and other fascinating creatures native to the region.
Focuses on the abundant wildlife found within Grand Teton National Park, known for its scenic vistas and accessible animal populations. Tours often explore areas like Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, and Antelope Flats.
These extended tours venture into Yellowstone, America's first national park, offering a chance to see a wider array of species including grizzly bears, wolves, and bison. Trips often include visits to Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley.
Tailored for photographers, these tours are designed to maximize photographic opportunities. Guides often have photography backgrounds and know the best times and locations for light and animal activity.
Capitalize on the 'golden hours' when wildlife is often most active. These shorter, specialized tours focus on the early morning or late evening periods for heightened chances of sightings and beautiful light.
Tours typically range from 4 hours (half-day) to 10-12 hours (full-day, especially for Yellowstone). Some specialized photography tours might extend beyond typical daylight hours.
Weather in Jackson Hole and the national parks can change rapidly. Expect cool mornings and evenings, even in summer. Layers are essential, as are rain gear and sun protection.
Group sizes can vary significantly. Some tours are small, intimate experiences with 4-6 people, while others might accommodate up to 15-20 guests in larger vans or minibuses.
Most tours include transportation in a comfortable vehicle, services of a knowledgeable naturalist guide, park entrance fees (if not already covered), and often binoculars or spotting scopes. Some full-day tours include a packed lunch or snacks.
Meeting points are usually in Jackson, WY, often at designated tour operator pick-up locations or central hotels. Some operators offer hotel pick-up and drop-off services within the town.
Prices vary based on tour length, park visited, and group size. Expect to pay from around $125 USD for a half-day Grand Teton tour to $300+ USD for a full-day Yellowstone or photography-focused excursion.
Book in advance, especially during peak summer and fall seasons. Wildlife tours are popular and fill up quickly.
Dress in layers. Mountain weather is unpredictable, and you'll want to be comfortable from a chilly dawn to a warmer afternoon.
Bring high-quality binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens. While guides provide scopes, personal equipment enhances the experience.
Be patient. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The guides are experts at finding animals, but patience is key for observation.
Listen to your guide. They are trained to spot animals and understand their behavior, and they will ensure safe viewing practices.
Consider an early morning or late evening tour. These times often offer the best chances for active wildlife, especially predators.
Pack snacks and water, even if a meal is included. Having your own provisions ensures you're comfortable throughout the duration.
Be prepared for bumpy roads. Some of the best wildlife viewing areas might involve driving on unpaved or uneven terrain.
A: Spring (late April to June) offers newborn animals and active migration. Summer provides consistent sightings, and fall (September to October) is spectacular for fall colors and elk rut, though bears are busy preparing for hibernation. Each season has its unique charm and animal behavior.
A: While guides are experts at finding wildlife, sightings of specific animals like grizzly bears or wolves are never guaranteed. These are wild animals, and their movements depend on many factors. However, Jackson Hole and its surrounding parks offer some of the highest chances in North America to see them.
A: You can certainly drive through the parks yourself and keep an eye out for wildlife. However, tours offer significant advantages: expert knowledge of animal locations and habits, access to spotting scopes, and guidance on safe viewing distances, which greatly increases your chances and safety.
A: Always follow your guide's instructions. Generally, this means staying in the vehicle, keeping a safe and respectful distance, not feeding the animals, and keeping noise levels down. Your guide will ensure everyone has a good view without disturbing the wildlife.
A: Yes, many full-day tours are designed to cover significant portions of both parks. These longer excursions allow you to experience the distinct ecosystems and wildlife populations of each park, though they require a substantial time commitment.
A: Absolutely. Many tour operators offer private or custom wildlife tours. These are ideal for families, small groups, or those with specific photography or itinerary needs, offering a more personalized and flexible experience.
A: Common sightings include elk, bison, pronghorn antelope, deer, moose, coyotes, black bears, and various bird species like eagles and osprey. With luck and expert guidance, you might also see grizzly bears, wolves, foxes, or bighorn sheep.
Experience the grandeur of the Tetons, offering unparalleled mountain adventures and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Discover Jackson Hole's charming Western town square, a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter, with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's legendary challenging terrain.
Immerse yourself in the rich cowboy heritage and vibrant arts scene found throughout Jackson Hole's historic downtown.
Savor incredible farm-to-table dining and enjoy authentic Western hospitality at local ranches and restaurants.
Connect with the wild spirit of the American West in a breathtakingly beautiful and rugged landscape.
Jackson Hole experiences dramatic seasonal shifts. Summers are warm and sunny with cool nights, ideal for outdoor activities. Winters are cold and snowy, perfect for skiing, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. Spring and fall offer transitional weather, with potential for snow in early spring and late fall, and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Consider June through September for warm weather and access to all park activities, or December through March for prime skiing conditions at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. September offers beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds.
Summer (June-August) and winter ski season (December-March) are peak times in Jackson Hole, bringing the best weather for their respective activities but also higher crowds and prices. Expect vibrant energy and full amenities during these months.
Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are Jackson Hole's off-seasons. You'll find fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, though some services may be limited, and weather can be unpredictable, with lingering snow in spring and early snow possible in fall.
Explore comprehensive guides to plan your perfect trip, including food tours, cultural experiences, and more.
Discover the towering peaks and pristine lakes of Grand Teton National Park with expertly guided tours departing from Jackson Hole.
Explore the rugged frontier history and enduring Western spirit that defines Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Master the slopes of Jackson Hole with expert-led ski and snowboard lessons, tailored for all skill levels.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting and adrenaline-pumping adventure sports amidst the stunning Teton Mountain landscapes.
Discover Yellowstone's wonders on expertly guided day trips departing from Jackson Hole, showcasing iconic geysers, thermal features, and abundant wildlife.
Navigating Jackson Hole is easiest with a car, especially for exploring the national parks. Rental agencies are at the airport. Within the town of Jackson, walking is pleasant, and the free START Bus system connects town to Teton Village and surrounding areas, making getting around Jackson Hole convenient for many. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available but can be limited. Consider the local bus for budget-conscious travel between key points.
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