Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari — Full-Day Guided Tour from Jackson Hole
Start at first light and let local guides lead you through the Tetons’ best viewing windows — Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend and remote backroads where moose, elk and bears appear. This private full-day safari mixes short walks, expert spotting, and a picnic lunch for a focused, flexible wildlife experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring binoculars and a telephoto
Guides supply spotting scopes, but personal optics (8–12x binoculars and a 200mm+ lens) make wildlife viewing and photos easier without disturbing animals.
Dress in layers for temperature swings
Mornings can be near freezing while afternoons warm considerably; a light insulated jacket and breathable base layers work best.
Pack a refillable water bottle and snacks
Even with provided drinks and lunch, having water and energy bars on hand during long observation periods keeps energy steady.
Respect wildlife distance and noise limits
Keep voices low and follow guide instructions — getting too close stresses animals and can end your viewing opportunity early.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Kelly area backroad along the Gros Ventre — prime moose habitat at dawn
- •A roadside overlook above Jackson Hole that offers a broad valley panorama (seasonal access)
Wildlife
- •moose
- •elk
Conservation Note
Grand Teton preserves critical migratory corridors and sensitive riparian zones; visitors are asked to stay on roads and established pullouts to limit habitat disturbance.
Mormon settlers established farms on what is now Mormon Row in the 1890s; those homesteads remain a striking human layer beneath the rugged Teton range.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mormon Row barns framed with the Tetons
- • Oxbow Bend reflection of Mt. Moran
- • Snake River bend pullouts for wildlife and riverlight
What to Bring
Binoculars (8–12x)Essential
Allows distant wildlife viewing without intruding on animals.
Layered clothing with windproof shellEssential
Dawn and valley winds can be cold; layers let you adjust through the day.
Sturdy waterproof shoesEssential
Pullouts and short walks can be muddy or uneven, especially near riverbanks.
Camera with telephoto lens
A 200mm+ lens helps capture detailed wildlife shots without approaching animals.
Common Questions
Do guides guarantee wildlife sightings?
No — sightings depend on season, weather and animal behavior, but a full day increases chances by allowing guides to visit known habitats.
Where does the tour begin and end?
Meet at the Home Ranch Visitor Center (corner of Cache and Gill Streets) two blocks north of Jackson Town Square; pickup at hotels in the valley is available by request.
Are restrooms and food provided?
Guides plan stops with restroom access; a picnic lunch is included in summer and restaurant lunch options are provided in winter.
Is this tour suitable for children and infants?
Yes — private tours accommodate families; strollers are possible and guides can tailor pace and stops to younger guests.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled for safety; if weather allows, guides alter the route to maximize shelter and viewing; full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours prior.
Can I request focus on a particular species?
Yes — the private format lets guides prioritize habitats where your target species are most likely, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Jackson, Wyoming
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness — mostly vehicle-based with several short (≤0.5 mile) walks on uneven ground suitable for most active travelers.
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