4-Hour Winter Wildlife Safari in Grand Teton National Park: A Close Encounter with Wyoming’s Iconic Wildlife
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking on even surfaces
Overview
Experience a close encounter with elk, bison, and more on a 4-hour winter wildlife safari through Grand Teton National Park. Journey into iconic landscapes while enjoying an expert-guided tour complete with a winter sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge.
4-Hour Winter Wildlife Safari in Grand Teton National Park: A Close Encounter with Wyoming’s Iconic Wildlife
Select participants and date
As dawn breaks over the jagged crests of the Teton Range, winter’s hush settles across the frosted landscape of Grand Teton National Park. Steam rises from frozen rivers as the cold air dares you forward into this expansive wilderness, where wildlife stirs beneath a thick blanket of snow. The 4-hour Winter Wildlife Safari invites travelers to traverse this pristine domain, scouting for elk, bison, moose, and the elusive silhouettes of wolves and bears. Guided by seasoned naturalists, the tour moves thoughtfully through the park’s most fruitful habitats, far from the usual crowds.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layered insulated clothing
Winter temperatures can plunge; wear moisture-wicking base layers topped with insulated, waterproof outerwear to stay warm and dry.
Wear sturdy, insulated boots with traction
Snow and ice cover park roads and trails—reliable footwear will keep footing secure during wildlife stops and the sleigh ride.
Bring binoculars and camera with zoom lens
Binoculars enhance distant wildlife viewing, while a zoom lens captures sharp images of elusive animals from safe distances.
Arrive early at the Jackson Hole Visitor Center
Meeting promptly allows for briefing and ensures your spot on the guided safari van, which departs on time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk gather in large herds at the National Elk Refuge during winter.
- Bison roam the open snow-covered plains with resilience under winter’s pressure.
History
The park’s landscape was carved through tectonic uplift and repeated glaciation, creating its rugged topography and diverse habitats that shaped indigenous and settler histories.
Conservation
Tours follow Leave No Trace principles, minimizing disturbance to wildlife and supporting the ongoing preservation of Grand Teton’s fragile winter ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Jackson, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated waterproof jacket
Protects against cold wind and snow during extended outdoor stops.
winter specific
Thermal base layers
Retain body heat and wick moisture away during the cold safari.
winter specific
Sturdy winter boots with grip
Keeps you steady on icy or snowy terrain at wildlife viewing sites.
winter specific
Binoculars with spotting scope (provided or personal)
Enhances wildlife observation distance and clarity in a vast landscape.
winter specific