Jackson Hole Winter Wildlife Safari: Private Full-Day Tour & Optional Sleigh Ride
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; most time is spent in a vehicle with short walks on even terrain
Overview
Spend a day tracking elk, bison, and raptors across the glacial valley of Jackson Hole. This private full-day wildlife safari—complete with scopes, local lunch and an optional horse-drawn sleigh—pairs naturalist expertise with prime winter viewing.
Jackson Hole Winter Wildlife Safari: Private Full-Day Tour & Optional Sleigh Ride
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A low sun slides across the Teton foothills and the valley breathes cold air — you step into a field of tracks. The van idles while a guide scans the flats with a spotting scope, pointing to a dark shape among trunks: elk, dozens of them, huddled like old friends arguing over a patch of willow. That first sighting is the rhythm of a day on the Best of Jackson Hole Wildlife Private Safari: concentrated watching, patient pacing, and a steady parade of wildlife that migrates into the valley once winter buries the high country.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures swing; start with a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer shell for standing still during long watches.
Bring spare batteries
Cold drains camera and phone batteries fast—carry spares in an inner pocket to keep them warm.
Use provided optics, but bring your own
Guides supply UHD binoculars and scopes, but a personal pair cuts wait time for close looks and reduces group movement.
Plan for pickup logistics
Confirm pickup time and lodging address — the operator coordinates hotel pickups across Jackson and Teton Village.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bald and golden eagles
History
The National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to protect wintering elk and remains one of the country's earliest federal wildlife refuges.
Conservation
Guides follow strict viewing-distance practices to minimize disturbance; winter feeding and sleigh operations are managed to balance tourism with elk health.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jackson, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated, waterproof boots
Keeps feet warm and dry during roadside stops and short walks through snow or mud.
winter specific
Warm layers and windproof jacket
Necessary for long periods of stationary observation in cold valley winds.
winter specific
Binoculars (8–12x)
Improves quick scanning between scope stops and personal viewing comfort.
Telephoto lens or long-range camera
Helps capture distant animals without disturbing them or relying solely on group scopes.