Overview
Winter in Jackson Hole isn’t just a season, instead, it’s one of the most remarkable times to witness nature in motion. The snow-draped valley that includes Grand Teton National Park and the sprawling National Elk Refuge attracts thousands of wintering animals each year, drawing elk, moose, bison, bighorn sheep, and more into the open where they are easier to see and photograph. On safari, you’ll experience this extraordinary seasonal spectacle with a professional naturalist guide who knows exactly where to find wildlife and how to interpret their behavior in a way that transforms sightings into lifelong memories.
Highlights
- National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride & Elk Herd
- Wintering Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park
- See Moose, Elk, & Bighorn Sheep
This tour includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge, bringing you right into the heart of North America’s largest wintering elk herd.
What to Expect on Your Safari
From the moment your day begins with a light breakfast and warm beverage, your guide will set the tone for an immersive winter adventure. You’ll depart in a comfortable luxury vehicle and head out to the valley to search for wintering wildlife, where animals descend from higher elevations in search of food and shelter. This predictable seasonal movement makes winter one of the most rewarding times of year to observe wildlife in large numbers. Expect to see herds of elk and bison grazing across open fields and, if you’re fortunate, moose browsing riparian willows or coyotes or even wolves moving through the snow-covered landscape.
Midday, stop for a relaxed lunch at a local eatery in Jackson — a chance to warm up, share stories, and let your guide customize the afternoon portion of your safari. In winter, animal movement patterns shift with weather and daylight, and your guide uses real-time knowledge to position you where wildlife activity is most likely. Whether tracking tracks in soft snow or scanning with ultra high definition binoculars and spotting scopes, you’ll gain insights into how species interact with each other and their environment.
In the winter months, (December through March), your afternoon will include a winter sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge, near North America’s largest wintering elk herd. This historic experience, offered by local partners, allows incredibly close viewing while still respecting wildlife space and behavior. If sleigh rides are unavailable, your guide simply extends your time in the field, maximizing wildlife watching opportunities and giving you every chance to capture the perfect moment.
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 at a local restaurant
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Hot and cold beverages
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Use of UHD binoculars and spotting scopes
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Sleigh ride
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Guide gratuities
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National Park entrance fees
Public Safari
Private Safari
Tour Information
What time is my hotel pickup?
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:
November 1 – April 30
- 7:00 AM – Teton Village locations
- 7:15 AM – Wilson, Aspens, Amangani and Spring Creek locations
- 7:30 AM – Town of Jackson locations
Private safari guests staying in Teton Village are picked up at 7:00 AM and private safari guests staying in Wilson, Aspens, Amangani, Spring Creek, and the town of Jackson are picked up at 7:30 AM.
What is the itinerary?
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.
I would recommend this safari to anyone. Go early in your trip to get acquainted with the park, and you'll be very glad you did!
Safari Tour Gallery
All photography has been shot by our talented tour guides.
FAQs
What is the best winter tour in Jackson Hole?
Our full day “Best of Jackson Hole” tour is designed to offer the best opportunities at finding wintering wildlife in Jackson Hole. This tour travels along the National Elk Refuge, where you’ll see elk wintering in the valley. You may even see a coyote, or a wolf, hoping for an opportunistic meal. If your time is limited, we do offer half day tours that depart in the morning and the afternoon, but a full day tour is recommended for the best opportunities to see wildlife.
What are the best things to do in Jackson Hole during the winter?
Jackson Hole may be known as a world-class ski destination, but many winter visitors are dazzled by the abundance of wintering wildlife that can be seen right outside (and sometimes in!) the town of Jackson. Winter brings some animals to the valley floor in search of lower elevations for the winter months. The National Elk Refuge is home to 5,000+ elk each winter and moose, coyote, fox, eagles, swans, and other wildlife can be seen around the valley in the winter months. For the best opportunities at winter wildlife watching, we recommend a full day with a guide on the “Best of Jackson Hole” wildlife tour.
What do others say about this tour?
Guests consistently give our winter wildlife safaris 5 stars, noting that our guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about this incredible landscape. Visitors love that we handle the winter driving, provide high-quality optics, and share expert wildlife insights that lead to memorable sightings like moose, bison, bighorn sheep, foxes, coyotes, and even wolves. Many guests say their day with us is one of the best tour experiences they’ve ever had, especially when paired with a scenic sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge. Reviews frequently highlight the comfort, educational value, and attention to detail that make this safari a favorite winter adventure in Jackson Hole.
What wildlife can I expect to see during winter in Jackson Hole?
Winter in Jackson Hole is one of the best times to see wildlife. Elk, moose, bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn often gather in the valley, and predators like coyotes and foxes stay active. You can also watch bald eagles, trumpeter swans, ravens, and other hardy birds throughout the season.
How long does the full day Grand Teton Winter tour last?
Our full-day Grand Teton winter tour lasts about 8 hours. This gives guests plenty of time to explore a variety of habitats, enjoy scenic views of the Tetons, and spot multiple wildlife species throughout the day.
Will I need to drive or navigate winter roads by myself?
No. During winter in Jackson Hole, our experienced guides handle all driving and navigation. You can relax in a warm, comfortable vehicle while we take care of the winter road conditions.
When is the best time to tour Grand Teton National Park in the winter?
Grand Teton National Park in winter offers great wildlife viewing from December through March. Early mornings are especially rewarding for spotting animals and enjoying fresh snow with fewer crowds.
How does the full day winter wildlife safari differ from the half day experience?
The full-day winter wildlife safari gives you roughly 8 hours to cover varied habitats: meadows, river bottoms, refuge lands, increasing the chance to spot a wide range of animals. A half-day tour is shorter and more limited, so you may see fewer species and visit fewer locations, but it’s a quicker option for those short on time.
How cold can it get in Jackson Hole in the winter?
During Jackson Hole winter, temperatures often drop below freezing. Daytime highs can be crisp and evenings or early mornings especially cold, sometimes dipping well below 0 °F (-18 °C). Dress in layers, bring a warm jacket, hats, gloves, and waterproof boots to stay comfortable on safari.
Vehicles & Optics
Our Vehicles
At Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris we use top-of-the-line vehicles designed to enhance your wildlife safari experience while ensuring comfort and safety. These rugged and comfortable vehicles feature expansive windows, giving you unobstructed views of the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes of Jackson Hole. We use small passenger vans and SUVs for small group sizes to accommodate a personalized experience. With high-clearance capabilities, the vehicles can easily navigate any terrain we encounter, ensuring a smooth and stable ride through the area’s remote spots. Spacious seating, climate control, and knowledgeable guides ensure a comfortable, immersive experience, allowing you to connect with nature while minimizing your impact on this beautiful, pristine environment.
Our Optics
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris provides top-tier binoculars and spotting scopes for their tours to ensure guests have the best possible viewing experience of wildlife in the stunning landscapes of the region. We utilize high-quality, durable optics that offer sharp, clear images, even at long distances, making it easier for guests to spot elusive animals and enjoy close-up views of birds, mammals, and other wildlife. Our Athlon binoculars are lightweight and easy to handle, perfect for all ages and experience levels. The Vortex spotting scopes, equipped with powerful magnification, allow for exceptional detail when observing wildlife from afar. These professional-grade tools enhance the overall safari experience, giving guests a front-row seat to the beauty of Jackson Hole’s natural world.
Guides and Staff
Our Team
Local, experienced, and passionate guides and photographers.
Further Reading
For the Love of Jackson Hole’s Moose
December 15, 2016
In the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, which includes Yellowstone and Grand Teton, the National Park Service estimates we have slightly less than 1000 moose with approximately 200 of them in Yellowstone and the remainder in the Tetons. Moose move around to prime feeding grounds throughout the year. In late spring and summer moose are found in riparian (wetlands, river banks and beaver dammed rivers) areas. During the fall and winter, moose gradually move into the sagebrush-bitterbrush meadows and fir-spruce forests.
Extraordinary Wildlife on the National Elk Refuge
February 26, 2020
Guides in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are fortunate. We are able to witness some of the best wildlife in the world, and our most bountiful single species is the elk. We become, through our time and efforts, intimately acquainted with them in all their seasons of life. We cherish the moments we are lucky enough to watch them, in their world, seemingly oblivious to our presence (though we know better).
