Private Afternoon Wildlife Tour — Grand Teton & Jackson Hole
Spend an attentive afternoon tracking bison, moose, elk and raptors beneath the razor edge of the Teton Range. This private, guide-led tour pairs close-up wildlife viewing with a concise, 4-hour loop through Grand Teton and the National Elk Refuge.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring layers for sudden temperature changes
Afternoon sun can be warm but valley breezes and shade cool quickly once the sun drops; pack a windbreaker and mid-layer.
Keep camera telephoto ready
Use a 200–400mm lens or your zoom and keep it on a tripod or monopod for steady long-distance shots.
Respect wildlife distances
Follow your guide’s instructions—do not approach animals on foot; distance limits protect you and the wildlife.
Charge devices and bring extra memory
The tour includes binoculars but not battery packs — long drives and repeated stops mean plenty of photo and video opportunities.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Schwabacher Landing viewpoint for mirror reflections of the Tetons at low wind
- •Historic Mormon Row (Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve nearby) for classic barn-and-peak compositions
Wildlife
- •Bison
- •Bald eagle
Conservation Note
Keep to roads and follow the guide’s distance rules—feeding or approaching wildlife is illegal and disrupts migration and feeding patterns; consider offsetting the trip with a donation to local land or wildlife trusts.
The Teton Range rose along a fault line; the Jackson Hole valley is a down-dropped graben shaped by ice and river action, and the National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to support wintering elk after ranching pressures intensified.
Photographer's Notes
- • Along the Moose-Wilson Road for marsh and moose views
- • National Elk Refuge overlooks for bison and herd shots
- • Schwabacher Landing for reflections and classic Teton framing
What to Bring
Weatherproof layersEssential
Protects against wind, sun, and sudden showers in the valley and near water.
Binoculars or spotting scopeEssential
Included on the tour, but personal optics can speed up spotting and framing shots.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)
Helps capture close-up wildlife images from vehicle distance without disturbance.
Sturdy, closed-toe shoesEssential
Comfortable for short roadside walks and standing during stops.
Common Questions
How long is the tour?
The private afternoon tour is four hours (240 minutes) including round-trip hotel pickup from Jackson.
Are park entry fees included?
Yes — park entry fees are included in the tour price.
Can I bring children or use a stroller?
Yes — the tour is stroller-accessible and suitable for children; mention ages when booking for pickup logistics.
Is transportation wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the operator indicates wheelchair-accessible transportation and surfaces.
What wildlife am I most likely to see?
Common sightings include bison, elk, pronghorn, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes and bald eagles; rarer species like wolves are possible but not guaranteed.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour operates rain or shine; guides adapt stops and routes but do not issue refunds for weather-related issues.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Jackson, Wyoming
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — minimal walking, vehicle-based viewing
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