Grand Teton Wildlife Tour & Snake River Scenic Float

The wildlife you may see in Grand Teton National Park varies by season.  Some animals migrate, some animals hibernate and some animals are visible throughout the year, if you know where to look.  In spring, you might find grizzly bears, black bears, mountain bluebirds and bison calves.  In the height of summer, you’re more likely to find bison and pronghorn.  In the autumn, black bears and moose may be easier to spot.  During the winter months, you may see elk, bighorn sheep, moose (possibly without their antlers), coyotes, foxes, and more.

Please dress comfortably for your tour – layers are always a good idea.  The morning may be cool, even in the summer months, so it’s important to have a layer you can remove later on when it warms up.  Dress in shoes that you are comfortable walking around in.  While you’re on the river, you can expect to stay relatively dry. It may feel slightly cooler on the raft, so it’s advisable to have an extra layer handy in case you feel the need for additional warmth. You’re welcome to bring a small backpack on the river for your personal belongings, (make sure you don’t leave personal items in the river shuttle vehicle, as you will not be returning to that vehicle). Your feet should remain dry, allowing you to wear most types of shoes like tennis shoes or walking shoes. However, please avoid wearing footwear that could potentially damage the raft, such as cleated hiking boots, sandals with heels, or shoes with hard soles.  Sunglasses and a hat is generally advisable – and don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you head outside for the day.

The Snake River offers a multitude of scenic sections to float, each with its own unique beauty and charm. However, one particularly picturesque stretch renowned for its captivating scenery is the portion that runs through Grand Teton National Park. As the river meanders through the park, it winds its way at the base of the majestic Teton Mountain Range, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush alpine forest, and high altitude meadows. The tranquil waters of the upper Snake River reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere. Floating along this section of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park provides an immersive experience in the heart of one of nature’s most remarkable and breathtaking landscapes.

The designation of the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park as a Wild and Scenic River (2009) stands as a testament to its exceptional natural value and the need for its preservation. This prestigious designation recognizes the river’s remarkable qualities, including its outstanding scenic beauty, pristine water quality, and diverse ecosystem. As the river winds through the heart of the park, carving its way at the base of the mountains and offering awe-inspiring views of the iconic Teton Range, its waters support a rich array of plant and animal life, making it a vital habitat for numerous species. The designation as a Wild and Scenic River serves to protect and maintain the river’s unique character, ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at its splendor and enjoy the transformative experiences it provides.

While a wildlife safari may not entail as much physical exertion as other outdoor activities, it’s important to consider a few factors when assessing your readiness for this experience. Grand Teton National Park is situated at high elevation, which necessitates proper hydration in the summer months especially. The majority of walks during the safari are optional, providing you with the flexibility to tailor your activity level according to your personal comfort. This allows you to enjoy the safari at a pace that suits you best while taking into account the unique characteristics of the park’s elevated terrain.

Participating in a scenic float does not require a high level of athleticism, but it does necessitate some degree of agility and mobility. While our drivers and guides are available to provide assistance, it is essential that you take personal responsibility throughout the duration of the trip. Transportation to the launch site will be in a 15-passenger van, which may require stepping up into the vehicle and possibly climbing into the back, if needed. The van ride itself is relatively short, lasting around 15-20 minutes. Upon arrival at the launch site, you will encounter three steps leading to the trailer used as a dock. From there, you have a short walk to the raft and a significant step down, into the raft. Once aboard the raft, seating is on the tube without any shade cover or solid back support. When the trip concludes, disembarkation involves walking on uneven ground up a river bank for approximately 5 yards until reaching a flat pavement area. It’s important to note that the landing area may vary depending on the time of year, with limited maneuvering space when water levels are high during the spring season.

As our collective office staff cannot fully assess individual circumstances from a distance, we kindly request that you honestly reflect on these requirements and determine for yourself whether you feel capable of participating in this activity. Your safety and comfort are of utmost importance, and we want to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience on safari and on the river with us.

For an open safari, we ask that children are 8 and older in order to participate.  Children under 8 years of age may not be booked on an open safari.  For this particular tour, because every guest will participate on the Grand Teton Scenic Float as well, the minimum age for our private tours will be 6 and older.  (Our wildlife safaris that are strictly van-based do not have an age minimum for private tours).  Children under 45lbs will not be allowed to participate because they cannot safely fit into a required flotation device.

Guests weighing more than 260lbs (118kg) or who have a chest circumference of more than 56in (142cm) may not fit into the universal floatation device required for the river.  Please contact us immediately if you are questioning your ability to participate.

We will have a few vehicle transitions throughout the day as well as short walking distances on uneven or unstable terrain.  Guests with limited mobility should contact us directly to discuss these concerns.  We will help you evaluate the minimum requirements to participate and make our best recommendations based on your abilities.