Is prior snowshoeing experience necessary?

No, this outing is designed for all skill levels with guides providing instruction and support.

What is included in the tour price?

Transportation, snowshoe rental, lunch at Dornan’s, the sleigh ride, and guides with naturalist expertise are all included.

Are children allowed on the tour?

Children are welcome but should be comfortable with moderate walking in winter conditions; please inquire about age restrictions.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled for safety; Hole Hiking Experience communicates promptly with guests regarding weather.

Can I bring my own gear?

Yes, personal snowshoes and winter gear are allowed, but equipment is also provided to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Is the National Elk Refuge open year-round?

Yes, but the sleigh rides operate primarily through the winter months when snow covers the refuge.

Snowshoe + Elk Sleigh Ride with Hole Hiking Experience | Guided Tour | Hiking

The Bridger-Teton National Forest, sprawling across northwestern Wyoming, offers some of the most striking winter landscapes in the Rocky Mountain West. Here, Hole Hiking Experience delivers a six-hour day that pairs invigorating snowshoeing with an unforgettable horse-drawn sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. This unique itinerary presents a rare window into the region’s winter ecology, blending active adventure with intimate wildlife encounters.

Your day begins with a guided snowshoe trek into the snow-dusted forests of Bridger-Teton. Unlike crowded ski slopes, these trails carve through quieter stands of lodgepole pine and spruce, where the fresh powder muffles sound and the crisp mountain air sharpens your senses. Along the route, your naturalist guide highlights winter adaptations of local flora and fauna and offers geological insights into this rugged landscape shaped by glaciers and volcanic forces.

After working up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at Dornan’s, a historic spot in Moose that has welcomed visitors since the early 20th century. The rustic charm and warming fare provide a perfect reset before the afternoon’s highlight—the sleigh ride across the National Elk Refuge.

As your horse-drawn sleigh carries you slowly through expansive snowy meadows, you’ll be surrounded by one of the largest elk herds in North America. Binoculars and spotting scopes included, your guide shares stories of the elk’s survival strategies, predator-prey dynamics, and the refuge’s critical role in preserving this vital winter habitat. The quiet glide of the sleigh and the panoramic snowy vistas make for a deeply immersive experience.

Hole Hiking Experience stands out for combining education, physical activity, and cultural history into a seamless, small-group outing. This trip uniquely showcases a winter ecosystem that remains off the beaten track for most visitors, offering an intimate perspective on Wyoming’s wild heartland just outside Jackson. Ideal for all ability levels, it balances accessibility with meaningful engagement, making it a memorable choice for travelers seeking a genuine winter adventure.

About Hole Hiking Experience

Hole Hiking Experience operates guided hiking and wildlife tours around Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The company offers a range of experiences — from half-day hikes and sunrise wildlife drives to full-day mountaineering and winter snowshoe tours. Many trips are led by trained naturalists and a named biologist, Cathy Shill, who leads the Hike + Mindfulness experience.

Tours include transportation, snacks or meals on specific itineraries, essential gear when needed, and options for private or mixed group bookings. The seasonally available activities span summer wildflower and wildlife viewing to winter snowshoe and elk sleigh experiences. Trip durations range from four-hour samplers to eight-hour full-day adventures, with customizable itineraries to match skill level and goals.

Hole Hiking Experience focuses on low-impact practices and wildlife-safe viewing guided by naturalists familiar with local habitats. The business operates in Wyoming and Idaho landscapes, emphasizing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Grand Teton National Park. Guests receive expert interpretation of flora, fauna, geology, and regional history while guides tailor route choices to conditions and participant ability. By offering both educational and recreational elements—such as guided raptor center visits, hot springs soaks, and picnics—Hole Hiking Experience blends outdoor skills, wildlife education, and memorable scenic experiences. This combination of credentialed guides, diverse trip options, and attention to safety and comfort establishes credibility for visitors seeking guided adventures in the region. Booking information and seasonal availability are listed on official trip pages, and itineraries can be adapted for accessibility needs and family groups.