Winter Wildlife Safari: Grand Teton & National Elk Refuge Sleigh Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking required but you should be comfortable standing outdoors in cold weather.
Overview
Spend a full winter day chasing Tetons views and elk herds—starting with a guided naturalist drive through Grand Teton National Park and ending on a horse-drawn sleigh across the National Elk Refuge. Expect close wildlife views, practical winter logistics, and a true Wyoming cold-sky experience.
Winter Wildlife Safari: Grand Teton & National Elk Refuge Sleigh Tour
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The bus pulls away from a snow-swept Jackson morning and the Tetons rise like a clipped jawline against a pale sky—granite and shadow etched by cold light. Inside the heated vehicle, a naturalist points out tracks in the roadside drifts: moose prints the size of dinner plates, faint wolf trails cutting through sage. The drive through Grand Teton National Park in winter feels like an invitation—landscape pared down to ridgelines and animal narratives—until the day shifts gears and you trade wheels for a horse-drawn sleigh to cross the powder flats of the National Elk Refuge.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer aggressively
Temperatures can swing; base layers, an insulating midlayer, and a windproof outer shell keep you comfortable during vehicle stops and the sleigh ride.
Bring binoculars and a zoom
Binoculars are provided but personal optics increase your chance of identifying distant animals without disturbing them.
Insulated footwear
Snow boots with good grip are essential for boarding vehicles and navigating icy sleigh platforms; consider traction devices for safety.
Carry a small blanket
A compact wool or fleece blanket makes the open sleigh far more comfortable during long elk-viewing stretches.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Moose
History
The National Elk Refuge was established in the early 20th century to protect migratory elk herds; Jackson Hole’s modern identity grew from ranching and winter tourism.
Conservation
Winter tours concentrate visitors into vehicles and designated sleigh routes to minimize disturbance; avoid feeding or approaching wildlife and follow guide instructions.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jackson, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulated winter coat
A waterproof, insulated parka blocks wind and retains warmth during long stops and the sleigh ride.
winter specific
Warm, waterproof boots
Snow boots with good insulation and traction keep feet warm and safe when boarding and disembarking.
winter specific
Thermal base layers
Moisture-wicking base layers help regulate body temperature during fluctuating activity levels.
winter specific
Compact blanket
Useful on the sleigh for extra insulation; operators recommend bringing one for comfort.
winter specific