Field Notes

Tours from Jackson Hole

by Monica RobinsonDec 4, 2024

Jackson Hole is a picture-perfect vacation destination that is conveniently located near two of the most spectacular national parks in the US: Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. There are endless opportunities for fun and entertainment to appeal to any and all visitors in Jackson, but the proximity to these parks makes this destination incredibly special. Yellowstone sprawls over rugged wildlands about 50 miles north of Jackson, and Grand Teton is the beautiful space in between. Grand Teton is mere minutes from the center of town and is a fraction of the size of Yellowstone. Whether you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to see all that you can see, or only have time for a short jaunt nearby, Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris tours from Jackson Hole have every option to suit your itinerary, no matter what time of year!

A Great Grey Owl Perched On A Branch Resting In Tall Grass On Forest Floor
Black Bear Walking Through The Brush

Summer Tours

The summer season boasts fair weather, accessibility, and wonderful wildlife activity. In addition to schools’ summer vacation, these are reasons why this is the most popular time to visit. Town is buzzing and people are touring the park, but it can be overwhelming to find out where the best places are to visit that most align with your interests. This is where hiring a professional guide can make all the difference. Our expert guides know the park intimately and are up to date on the recent goings-on, and are excellent at tailoring your tour based on what you’re looking for. All tours pick you up and drop you off at your place of lodging or at a convenient location for you.

Full Day Grand Teton National Park

Get the full Grand Teton experience in our 8 hour guided tour that begins early in the morning. In the first 10-15 minutes you’ll be within the boundaries of the park and begin the day with jaw-dropping mountain views bathed in the first light of morning. Many animals in the ecosystem are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk hours, so you will be on the lookout immediately for any kind of wildlife! After visiting some prime wildlife habitat in the morning, your guide will take you to a picturesque spot for a delicious picnic lunch. The remaining trip will be spent searching for daytime wildlife and enjoying spectacular mountain vistas. Grand Teton has several back roads to explore and many viewpoints to enjoy and any wildlife sighting is possible!

Half Day Grand Teton National Park

If you don’t have a full day to dedicate to Grand Teton, a half day tour runs 4-5 hours and is offered either during the morning or the afternoon hours. You will enjoy some of the prime wildlife hours on your tour, and you will get a wonderful introduction to the park touching on everything from geology, human history, and wildlife ecology! Half day tours are an excellent option for visitors tight on time with snacks and water provided. Book your tour at the beginning of your visit to give you an overview of the area and a better idea of what you might want to explore further on your own time later on.

Full Day Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is a sprawling paradise full of natural wonders to be discovered. Jumping off from Jackson, you get to travel through Grand Teton on your way to the south entrance, enjoying mountain landscapes and wildlife sightings on your way. When in Yellowstone, you’ll revel in the roaring waterfalls, plunging canyons, winding rivers, and marvel at the shooting geysers, steaming hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. Visit grizzly bear and wolf habitats for a chance at spotting elusive species. You’ll be amazed at how many awe-striking gems you will see in a single day exploring such a vast, wild place. Consider this a tour of Yellowstone’s greatest hits!

A Red Fox Yawning And Walking Through A Snow Covered Field
A Bull Elk Running On A Snow Covered Ridge

Winter Tours

Full Day Grand Teton

If you thought that there wasn’t anything to do in Jackson during the winter except ski, think again! We offer tours year round, and winter is a magical time to be in the park. Crowds disperse, the snow blankets the landscape in bright white, and everything slows down a little bit. The National Elk Refuge, which lies empty during the summer, is full of thousands of grazing elk during the winter. The refuge was established in 1912 when it was realized that the town of Jackson cut off the elk’s migration route going south, providing safe wintering grounds for the herds to get through the winter with supplemental feed. You can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride straight out onto the refuge amongst the herd in a winter wonderland scene. Explore bighorn sheep wintering grounds, and watch moose munching on vegetation that grows above the deep snow. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a cozy local restaurant before finishing the day in search of more wildlife like foxes, coyotes, and maybe even wolves!

Half Day Grand Teton

Like summer, choose from a morning or afternoon half day tour depending on your schedule. You’ll be provided with snacks and water while you explore the snow-draped valley in search of local wildlife. Gain an insightful overview of the park as a whole, and get tips from your local guide on local winter activities that are available, or the best ways to come back into the park again on your own.

Monica Robinson
Our Expert

Monica Robinson

Writer / Naturalist Guide
See Bio