Adventure Collective
Winter Wildlife & Horse-Drawn Sleigh in Grand Teton National Park - Jackson

Winter Wildlife & Horse-Drawn Sleigh in Grand Teton National Park

Jacksonmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate physical fitness recommended, as the tour includes some walking and standing

Overview

Discover the rugged winter wilderness of Grand Teton with a private wildlife tour and cozy sleigh ride—unforgettable moments await amidst towering peaks and icy plains.

Jackson, Wyoming

Grand Tetons Winter Wonderland: Full Day Private

For all ages! • 8 Hours! • December - April

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable 8-hour adventure through Grand Teton National Park, where you'll spot majestic wildlife like moose and bison. Enjoy a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge, capturing stunning photos of wintering elk. Expert guides enrich your experience with fascinating insights into this breathtaking winter landscape.

Private Tour

Duration

8 Hours

About

  • Take an immersive look at the glory of Grand Teton National Park in an enclosed and heated vehicle
  • Enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride onto the National Elk Refuge
  • Get the chance to see wildlife such as moose, bison, bighorn sheep, eagles, elk and wolves
  • Receive expert insight from your outgoing and professional tour guides

Itinerary

After early-morning Pickup from your Jackson Hole hotel, your naturalist guide will take you into Grand Teton National Park. Even in the quiet of a snowy winter, wildlife can be spotted in the park and your guide knows where to look for animals. On any given day, you could see moose, bison, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, pronghorn, coyotes, or even wolves as you explore the park. You'll witness the beauty of the wide, snowy plains that stretch out to the jagged mountains, as you learn about the ancient geology that gave rise to the landscape.

At midday, you can come in from the cold to enjoy lunch in the famous western-cowboy town of Jackson, Wyoming where you can dine at a local Jackson, Wyoming restaurant. Following lunch, you will head back outside for a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge. The horse-drawn sleigh will carry you through the low valley that hosts thousands of wintering elk, providing another spectacular sight.

You can snap social media–worthy pics of the large herds as your guide explains how the elk migrate from the surrounding area to the refuge, a 24,700-acre (9,996-hectare) winter sanctuary hosting 47 different mammals and nearly 175 species of birds such as trumpeter swans and bald eagles. At the end of a memorable 8-hour tour of this winter wonderland, your guide will return you to your hotel where your tour ends.

What's Included

  • Pickup/Drop-off from your local area accommodations
  • National Elk Refuge tickets
  • Restaurant lunch in Jackson, WY
  • Use of Binoculars and Spotting Scope
  • Snacks and Refreshments

Not Included

  • Park Entry fee. The park entry fee is $20.00 per adult (16 and up), and good for seven days. Guests who have a “Golden Age Pass” or an “Interagency Park Pass” can use these passes on the tour as well.
  • Guide gratuity (10-15% of tour price recommended)

Large groups

For groups larger than 10, please call to book.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Wear moisture-wicking base layers and warm outerwear to stay comfortable in the cold weather.

Bring camera gear

Carry a telephoto lens and extra batteries to capture wildlife and landscape shots.

Arrive early

Start the day early to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.

Stay on designated paths

Help preserve the habitat by following the guides' instructions and staying on trails.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Elk
  • Red fox

History

The National Elk Refuge was established in 1912 to protect migrating elk and has become one of the premiere winter wildlife refuges in North America.

Conservation

This tour emphasizes responsible wildlife viewing and supports local conservation efforts to preserve the Teton ecosystem.

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Adventure Hotspots in Jackson

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Insulated waterproof boots

Essential

Keeps your feet warm and dry while walking through snow and ice during the tour.

winter specific

Warm hat and gloves

Essential

Vital for retaining heat and preventing frostbite in cold conditions.

winter specific

Photo gear (telephoto lens, batteries)

Essential

Enhances wildlife and landscape photography by capturing distant subjects.

Binoculars

Helpful for spotting distant wildlife in snow-covered terrain.