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Grand Teton

Grand Teton Wildlife Tours

4.9 (4 352 reviews)

Explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem on a guided wildlife safari through Grand Teton National Park. Led by professional naturalists, these excursions offer the chance to spot bears, wolves, moose, and bison in their natural habitat.

🔭 Binoculars and scopes provided
🚙 Specialized safari viewing vehicles
🐻 Led by professional naturalist guides
📅 Free 24-hour cancellation available
Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle (season dependent)
4.9 (1 228) ⏱ 4h

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in a Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle (season dependent)

Search for moose, bears, and wolves at dawn or dusk on a guided naturalist tour through Grand Teton National Park.

Sunset 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure Free Cancellation
4.9 (1 087) ⏱ 4h

Sunset 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure

Explore the wildlife and geology of Yellowstone and Grand Teton alongside expert naturalists in custom 4x4 vehicles.

Sunrise 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure Free Cancellation
5.0 (931) ⏱ 4h

Sunrise 4-Hour Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure

Explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone with expert naturalist guides in custom 4x4 safari vehicles with premium optics.

Half-Day Wildlife Safari Tour in Grand Teton National Park Free Cancellation
4.8 (349) ⏱ 4h

Half-Day Wildlife Safari Tour in Grand Teton National Park

Search for wildlife and capture photos on a guided journey through Grand Teton National Park’s southern loop.

Half Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour Free Cancellation
4.9 (269) ⏱ 4h

Half Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour

Track wintering elk, moose, and wolves through the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park with local guides.

From Jackson: Full-day Grand Teton Wildlife and Scenery Tour with Lunch
5.0 (189) ⏱ 8h

From Jackson: Full-day Grand Teton Wildlife and Scenery Tour with Lunch

Track bears, wolves, and moose on an 8-hour guided tour through Grand Teton’s most iconic landscapes.

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (123) ⏱ 8h

Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour

A full-day guided exploration of Grand Teton’s wildlife, geology, and history tailored to current park conditions.

Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (75) ⏱ 8h

Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour

Spend a full day tracking wildlife and exploring the natural history of Grand Teton National Park with expert guides.

Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Private Tour Free Cancellation
5.0 (65) ⏱ 4h

Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Private Tour

Track moose, bears, and bison through Grand Teton National Park on a flexible, photography-focused wildlife safari.

Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari & Sightseeing Tour Free Cancellation
4.8 (36)

Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari & Sightseeing Tour

Spot wildlife and visit iconic landmarks like Mormon Row and Jenny Lake on this guided half-day Grand Teton tour.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Grand Teton — from practical tips to personal highlights.

L
Lena W. Germany, May 2026
4.7

"Did a winter wildlife safari and the landscape was magical. We saw bighorn sheep and wolves in the snow. You definitely need full snow gear like they advise, but the heated vehicle kept us comfortable between stops. Fascinating to see the park so quiet."

E
Emily K. Australia, Aug 2025
5.0

"We had to book a private tour because we had our 4-year-old with us, and it was the best decision. The guide was so patient and customized the pace perfectly. The vehicle was enclosed and heated, which was great for the crisp May morning. Saw tons of elk!"

D
David R. United States, Jul 2025
5.0

"We did the dawn safari and it was absolutely incredible. Our guide knew exactly where to look and set up the spotting scope so we could safely watch a grizzly and her cubs. The open-air vehicle was a bit chilly at 6:30 AM, but they had blankets and hot coffee ready."

S
Sophie M. United Kingdom, Jul 2025
4.8

"Booked the half-day sunset tour. The premium binoculars they handed out were a game changer! We saw a massive bull moose at Oxbow Bend right as the sun was going down. Just remember to buy your park pass online beforehand since it isn't included in the tour price."

M
Marcus J. United States, Jun 2025
4.5

"Great experience overall. Pick-up from our hotel in Teton Village was right on time. The guide used iPads to show us wildlife migration patterns which was super cool. Docked half a star just because the mosquitoes near the river were insane—bring bug spray!"

C
Carlos T. Canada, Jun 2025
4.9

"The full-day wildlife and scenery tour was worth every penny. Our naturalist guide explained the geology of the Teton Range in such a fun way. We stopped at Mormon Row for photos and had a great lunch. Highly recommend if you want the complete park experience in one day."

What to Expect on Your Grand Teton Wildlife Tour

Exploring Grand Teton National Park on a guided wildlife tour is the ultimate way to experience the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Led by professional naturalists, these excursions take you to prime viewing spots at peak times to observe the region's iconic animals while learning about the area's fascinating geology and history.

🐻

Abundant Wildlife

Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, bison, and elk. Guides know the best habitats and use premium spotting scopes to get you a safe, close-up view.

🏔️

Iconic Landscapes

Marvel at the dramatic, jagged peaks of the Teton Range rising 7,000 feet directly from the valley floor, alongside pristine glacial waters like Jenny Lake and Jackson Lake.

🔭

Expert Naturalist Guides

Travel with guides who have backgrounds in biological and geological sciences. They provide deep insights into animal behavior, ecology, and the 2.68-billion-year-old rocks that shape the park.

🏚️

Historic Mormon Row

Many tours stop at this 1890s homestead settlement. You can photograph the famous John Moulton and T.A. Moulton barns perfectly framed against the towering mountains.

🌊

Oxbow Bend Views

Visit this peaceful section of the Snake River where the slow-moving waters create stunning mirror reflections of the Tetons, a world-renowned spot for photography.

🚙

Comfortable Safari Vehicles

Ride in specially designed 4x4 vehicles. Depending on the season, you might enjoy open-air seating, roof hatches for panoramic viewing, or climate-controlled comfort.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning your Grand Teton wildlife safari requires a few key considerations to ensure you pick the right experience for your group. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Tour Durations

You can choose between half-day safaris (typically 4 hours) and full-day excursions (around 8 hours). Half-day tours usually focus on either sunrise or sunset when wildlife is most active, while full-day tours allow for deeper exploration of the park's geology and historic sites.

Age Restrictions

Public group tours often have strict age minimums, typically requiring children to be at least 5 or 8 years old. If you are traveling with infants or toddlers, you will need to book a private tour, which has no age minimum and offers specialized infant seats.

Park Entrance Fees

Most tour prices do not include the Grand Teton National Park entrance fee. You will need to pay this separately ($20 per person or $35 per vehicle, valid for 7 days). Keep in mind that the park is entirely cashless, so you must pay electronically or bring an existing park pass.

Provided Equipment

There is no need to pack heavy optics. Safari operators provide premium UHD binoculars and professional spotting scopes for every guest. Many also use iPads and physical wildlife specimens to enhance the educational experience.

Pick-up Logistics

Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Jackson and Teton Village are included in most tours. Exact pick-up times fluctuate throughout the year based on changing sunrise and sunset times, so expect your operator to confirm your exact time shortly before your trip.

Cancellation Policies

Standard small-group day tours usually offer a full refund if canceled 24 to 48 hours in advance. However, if you are booking a multi-day safari or traveling with a large group (15+ people), stricter 14-day or 30-day cancellation policies often apply.

Seasonal Vehicles & Dress

From June to mid-September, many tours use open-air safari vehicles, so you should bring a jacket and wear long pants. From mid-September through May, you will travel in enclosed, heated vehicles, and winter snow gear is highly recommended.

Accessibility Options

Several wildlife safaris offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and cater to all physical fitness levels. If you have mobility concerns, verify with the operator beforehand, as some summer open-air safaris are not recommended for travelers with back problems.

Which Grand Teton Wildlife Tour Is Best for You

Half-Day Sunrise/Sunset SafariFull-Day Wildlife & Scenery TourPrivate Wildlife Safari
Duration 4 hours8 hours4 to 8 hours
Best for Early risers, photographers, and peak wildlife activityComprehensive park exploration and geology loversFamilies with kids under 8, tailored itineraries
Includes Binoculars, snacks, drinks, hotel pickupLunch, binoculars, snacks, hotel pickupPrivate transport, custom pace, binoculars, snacks/lunch
Price from $159 - $198$279 - $305$375 - $547

Plan Your Visit to Grand Teton

Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Because the park never officially closes its gates, you can drive through at any time, which is especially useful for early morning wildlife tracking.

However, visitor facilities and roads have significant seasonal variations. From November through April, winter conditions force the closure of some roads, all campgrounds, and most visitor facilities. For instance, the Colter Bay Visitor Center is only open from May 8 to September 30.

By Air: The Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) is uniquely located entirely within the national park, offering spectacular views right on the runway. You can rent a car on-site or take a shuttle to nearby Jackson.

By Car: If driving from Salt Lake City (SLC), expect a 300-mile journey taking about 5 hours. You will drive north through the Snake River Canyon and enter the park's Moose Entrance via Highway 89.

By Bus: During the summer, the Alltrans public shuttle operates from downtown Jackson to various park locations. The 13-mile trip takes about 30 minutes, costs $14.00, and runs several times daily between 7:30 AM and 7:00 PM.

The prime time to visit Grand Teton is from May through September. During this busy summer season, all roads, campgrounds, and visitor facilities are fully operational. You can enjoy the full range of hiking trails, ranger programs, and water activities. Keep in mind that mosquitoes can be aggressive near the water, so pack high-quality repellent.

The worst months for general tourism are November through April. Harsh winter weather sets in, heavily limiting accessibility. Most facilities and several park roads are closed, though it is a quiet time for dedicated winter sports enthusiasts.

Grand Teton is highly accommodating for visitors with mobility needs. The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay visitor centers feature paved, flat routes, push-button doors, and wheelchairs available to borrow.

For outdoor exploration, a fully paved multi-use path runs for over six miles along Teton Park Road. Paved, accessible trails are also available at the Colter Bay headwall, Jackson Lake Dam overview, and Menors Ferry Historic District. Accessible bus tours with lifts can be arranged with advance notice.

The park offers several major visitor centers, including Craig Thomas, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay, which provide maps, ranger programs, and exhibits. Campgrounds and lodging are available but must be reserved well in advance, as they often fill up months ahead of time.

Important Payment Info: As of May 1, 2026, Grand Teton is a strictly cashless park. All entrance fees ($35 per vehicle, $20 per person on foot/bike) and permits must be paid via electronic methods.

For campers, heavy metal bear boxes are provided at all campsites to safely store food and scented items away from wildlife.

  • Wildlife Safety: You must maintain a strict distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves. Carrying EPA-registered bear spray is highly recommended. Feeding or harassing wildlife is illegal.
  • Drones: Launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft (drones) is strictly prohibited anywhere in the park.
  • Pets: Dogs must be kept on a leash of 6 feet or less and remain within 30 feet of roadways. They are not allowed on hiking trails, the multi-use path, or in visitor centers.
  • Prohibited Items: Fireworks and pyrotechnics are banned. Collecting natural or historic items, including wildflowers and elk antlers, is forbidden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the wildlife tours include the Grand Teton National Park entrance fee?

No, the park entrance fee is typically not included in the tour price. You will need to pay $20 per person or $35 per vehicle. The park is completely cashless, so you must pay electronically or bring a valid park pass.

Can I bring my young children on a wildlife safari?

Most public group tours have a minimum age requirement of 5 or 8 years old. If you are traveling with infants or younger children, you must book a private tour, which has no age minimum and can provide specialized infant seats.

What kind of animals might we see on the tour?

Depending on the season and time of day, you have a high chance of spotting grizzly and black bears, wolves, moose, bison, elk, and pronghorn. Guides also point out smaller residents like foxes, coyotes, and migratory birds.

Will I need to bring my own binoculars?

You do not need to bring your own. Safari operators provide premium UHD binoculars and professional spotting scopes for all guests to use during the tour.

Where do the tours pick up from?

Most tours offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off at hotels, condos, and private residences in the town of Jackson and Teton Village. Exact pick-up times are coordinated prior to departure based on your location and sunrise/sunset times.

What is the cancellation policy for these safaris?

For small groups on day tours, you can usually get a full refund if you cancel 24 to 48 hours in advance. However, multi-day tours or large groups of 15 or more typically require a 30-day notice for cancellations.

What should I wear on the wildlife tour?

Layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended. If you are taking a summer open-air safari, bring a jacket and wear long pants. For winter tours between November and April, full snow gear is necessary.

Are the wildlife tour vehicles enclosed or open-air?

It depends on the season and the specific tour. From June to mid-September, many operators use open-air vehicles. During the colder months, tours use enclosed, climate-controlled vehicles, some of which feature roof hatches for better viewing.

Can I fly a drone to get wildlife footage during the tour?

No, launching, landing, or operating drones is strictly prohibited everywhere within Grand Teton National Park. This rule is heavily enforced to protect the wildlife and preserve the natural quiet.

Do I need to book my tour in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is strongly recommended. Tour groups are kept small (usually a maximum of 8 to 10 guests per vehicle) to ensure a personalized experience, and they sell out quickly during the peak summer months.

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