Overview
This combination tour offers two National Parks in one day for anyone staying in Jackson Hole hoping to maximize their time. We will prioritize the highlights of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park including wildlife, thermal features such as Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring, incredible mountain ranges like the Teton Range, pristine glacial lakes, and various historic sites. Our goal is to cover a lot of ground and enjoy the immense diversity in this landscape. We will enjoy everything from picturesque viewpoints to spur-of-the-moment wildlife sightings, and help you to capture it all with relevant stories and photos for keepsakes.
Highlights
- Wildlife Sightings in Grand Teton & Yellowstone
- Stunning Tectonics & Amazing Geothermal Wonders
- Old Faithful & Grand Prismatic Spring
Our professional guides will manage all aspects of this trip from a carefully thought out itinerary, door to door pickup and drop offs in the towns of Jackson and Teton Village, provisions such as assorted snacks, catered picnic lunches and beverages throughout the day, with the care of education and enjoyment at the forefront of everything they do.
Your exact route and itinerary will be determined by your interests, current wildlife sightings, and current weather and road conditions. Our guides are all highly experienced, with thousands of hours in the field, and will expertly tailor your safari to you and your group.
Our journey begins at your lodging in Jackson or Teton Village. We are immediately met with the beautiful early morning light against the Teton Mountain Range. As the morning progresses, we look for lone moose browsing in ponds and herds of elk grazing. Coyotes, deer, and pronghorn roam the sage flats and a multitude of birds greet the day. Bears make special appearances here and there. We will visit Jenny Lake and the Moulton Barn as well as the Oxbow Bend of the Snake River with its famous picturesque views with many wildlife potentials in nearby willows flats and meadows.
Our itinerary takes us north towards Yellowstone National Park. The 12-mile stretch of road between Grand Teton and Yellowstone known as the John D Rockefeller Memorial Parkway is a wonderful area for deer, moose, elk and bears. At Yellowstone’s South Gate we see the Snake River very near to its source, and we will talk about water systems and watersheds and our scenic river system. We ascend in altitude by thousands of feet onto the Yellowstone Volcanic Caldera plateau, and our guide will explain the change in geography and geology and orient you to the very unique region we are entering.
Our highlights within Yellowstone National Park include geyser basins, waterfalls, historic sites and unique volcanic geology. We will visit stops such as the West Thumb geyser basin, uniquely special for its thermal presence on the banks of the largest alpine lake in the country; Yellowstone Lake. We will traverse Craig Pass to see Old Faithful geyser erupt, and if there is time we will venture into the Old Faithful Inn to see an iconic historic lodge. We will explore other geyser basins to see the myriad of wonderful geologic features such as mud pots gurgling and hot springs wafting streams of mist above their rainbow colors in the sunlight. We will also stop in at the ever picturesque Grand Prismatic Spring for views of this multi-colored geothermal wonder.
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most unique areas in the Rocky Mountain West. It was established 80 years after Yellowstone, its sister to the north, as a result of decades of deliberation and advocacy from concerned individuals and coalitions of conservationists within this small valley occupied by ranchers and homesteaders. Evidence of the 1800’s and early 1900’s settlement is still present throughout the valley. Wildlife such as elk, deer, moose, bears and many others have been here since time immemorial, and new “ish” additions such as bison and wolves have been welcomed back after dissolution, in no small part to recent conservation efforts.
Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first National Park, and sits atop one of the largest volcanoes in the world. The last time the Yellowstone volcano erupted it blew mountains into the sky and created a caldera which filled in with rich volcanic sediment and incredibly unique flora and fauna. Thousands of hydrothermal features remind us of the heat simmering below the surface of the crust of the Earth, constantly creating and changing the landscape above. It is a land of 500 waterfalls, endangered species of mammals and birds, predictable (and unpredictable) geysers and endemic species of bacteria in thermal regions that harken back to the beginning of time.
This tour offers a visit both National Parks in one day, and it is a truly unique opportunity to catalog the miracle of past and present made real in mountains and volcanoes, wildlife, and weather.
What's Included
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Hotel pickup
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Professional naturalist guide
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Small group safari: 8 guests per vehicle, maximum
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Light breakfast
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Assorted snack basket
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Lunch
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Hot and cold beverages
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Use of UHD binoculars and spotting scopes
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Guide gratuities
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National Park entrance fees
Private Safari
Pick-up Times
All guests are picked up and returned to their place of lodging. We pick up at hotels and condos in Jackson and Teton Village. Your exact pick up time will be determined by your hotel location and the season. Please make note of your pickup time, and save it for your reference.
Please give your guide an additional 5-10 minutes before and after the scheduled time to allow for other pickups or traffic conditions. Changes to trip timing may be made to accommodate daylight and/or optimum wildlife viewing.
Approximate pickup times for Jackson Hole include:
May 15 – September 14
- 6:30 AM – Town of Jackson locations
- 6:45 AM – Wilson, Aspens, Amangani and Spring Creek locations
- 7:00 AM – Teton Village locations
September 15 – October 31
- 7:00 AM – Town of Jackson locations
- 7:15 AM – Wilson, Aspens, Amangani and Spring Creek locations
- 7:30 AM – Teton Village locations
Private safari guests are picked up at 6:30 AM from May 15 – September 14, and at 7:00AM from September 15 – October 31.
On the Menu
Excellent customer service, high quality product, thoughtful and intentional production.
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris is proud to partner with Teton Lunch Counter to serve a locally-sourced, sustainable lunch option for all our guests on this tour. The menu includes a sandwich with meats, veggies, and bread, served with chips and a cookie, all from locally-grown products and nearby vendors. Lunch is served in a zero-waste, reusable container.
Since the products come from small growers, bakers and butchers, some substitutions may be made for ingredients that are temporarily or seasonally unavailable. The folks at Teton Lunch Counter will make sure that each meal is sustainably sourced and spectacularly delicious, no matter the season.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free meals are available. Please indicate if you have a food allergy at the time of booking so we can discuss your meal options prior to your tour.
Our trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris was amazing. The verticality of the Tetons was awe inspiring. Our guide went above and beyond to provide us with an unforgettable trip. With his knowledge and experience he managed to check all of our checkboxes and educate us. We also enjoyed his playful humor. He was a great match for us!
We visited Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park and had many opportunities to experience wildlife in their natural environment.
We did find Yellowstone a bit odiferous in some areas but the area is so beautiful and abundant with wildlife it is not to be missed! Just a plug here for the very friendly service at Flagg Ranch in Grand Teton National Park.
We had such a great time that we are planning on returning to Jackson Hole. And we will be requesting our guide with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris.
Safari Tour Gallery
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
FAQs
What can I expect to see on this Grand Teton and Yellowstone tour?
This full-day tour showcases the best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, including breathtaking mountain landscapes, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. Guests often see moose, elk, bison, deer, coyotes, and possibly bears or wolves. In Yellowstone National Park, we explore geothermal wonders like Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, hot springs, and geyser basins, while also stopping at key historic and scenic sites.
How long is the tour, and what does it include?
This tour lasts approximately 10–12 hours, allowing ample time to explore both national parks. We provide door-to-door pickup and drop-off from the town of Jackson and Teton Village, along with snacks, catered picnic lunches, and beverages. Our professional guides tailor the experience based on wildlife sightings, weather conditions, and guest interests to ensure an unforgettable adventure.
When is the best time of year to take this tour?
Each season offers a unique experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, including newborn animals. Summer provides warm weather and peak geyser activity, while fall showcases stunning foliage and elk and moose during their mating season.
How much walking is involved on the tour?
Our tour is designed to be accessible for most guests, with gentle walks at key stops for a more immersive experience. We explore geyser basins, scenic viewpoints, and historic sites, but hiking is not required. Your guide will adjust the itinerary based on your ability, comfort level, and specific interests.
What should I bring on this tour?
We recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are advisable. A camera or smartphone is great for capturing memories, though we also provide high-quality optics to enhance wildlife viewing.
How does this tour maximize wildlife viewing opportunities?
Our expert guides have extensive field experience and use their knowledge of animal behavior to locate wildlife throughout the day. We travel at optimal times for sightings, avoid large crowds, and provide high-powered binoculars and spotting scopes. Additionally, our guides stay connected with other wildlife professionals to track recent animal activity for the best viewing opportunities.
Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes! This tour is family-friendly and designed for guests of all ages. Our guides make the experience engaging with interactive storytelling, wildlife spotting, and educational insights tailored to all ages. Families with young children should be prepared for a full-day adventure with breaks for snacks, meals, and scenic stops. If you child cannot handle a full day on the go, please consider a different option that is better suited for their needs. Our private half day tours are an excellent option for families with younger children.
What type of vehicle do you use for the tour?
We use comfortable, high-clearance SUVs or spacious tour vans, depending on group size. Our vehicles are equipped for a smooth ride through the parks, and our stops allow for guests to get in and out of the vehicle and do some short walks. At some stops, we use high-powered optics, including binoculars and spotting scopes, for wildlife viewing from a safe distance.
Will we see Old Faithful erupt?
Yes! Old Faithful is one of our key stops, and our guides plan the itinerary to ensure you experience its eruption. We also visit nearby geothermal features, such as colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and steaming fumaroles, to showcase Yellowstone’s unique volcanic activity.
Do I need a National Park pass for this tour?
Yes, park entry fees are not included in the tour price. Guests will need to purchase a National Park Pass or pay the entrance fees upon arrival at the park gates. If you already have an annual pass or an applicable interagency pass, be sure to bring it with you. Our guides will assist with the entry process to make it as smooth as possible.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Our tours run rain or shine. In case of severe weather, we adjust the itinerary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks offer incredible sights in all seasons, and our guides are experts at making the most of any conditions.
Can I customize my tour experience?
Absolutely! Each of our tours is tailored to guest preferences. Please communicate any expectations you have to our reservation staff and they will ensure that your goals align with the tour you have selected.
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced, and passionate guides and photographers.
Further Reading
A Month by Month Guide to Grand Teton National Park
Jun 21, 2024
Deciding when to visit Grand Teton is entirely dependent on your personal interests, availability, and preferred weather conditions. Planning ahead is essential to managing expectations and anticipating what you may need. For example, if your number one goal is wildlife sightings of bears or moose, then midsummer may not be the best time for you to go. If you don’t want cold temperatures and wish to hike as much as possible, spring and fall may leave you disappointed. Every month is different and offers equally enchanting possibilities, but knowing what is and isn’t available will help you immensely. No matter when you visit, our wildlife safaris run year round and are sure to show you a spectacular time in the park…
Yellowstone National Park Wildlife
Feb 27, 2025
Few places are home to such exciting and majestic megafauna as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). At the heart of this spectacular region is Yellowstone National Park. A visit to Yellowstone in summer can deliver encounters with bears, elk, bison, moose, wolves, and many, many more. Knowing what the different seasons offer and where in the park to look are key to successfully finding wildlife sightings of a lifetime. Booking a Yellowstone tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris is an excellent way to efficiently see the park with an experienced and passionate guide who knows where to go…
