Grand Teton & Elk Refuge: Wildlife tour with sleigh ride

Summary

Watching elk from a sleigh in Grand Teton with soup warming my hands

You’ll join a local guide to search for moose, eagles, and more in Grand Teton National Park before warming up with a picnic lunch outdoors. Then ride by horse-drawn sleigh into the heart of the National Elk Refuge to see thousands of elk up close — an experience you’ll remember long after your toes thaw out.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was mostly curious — you hear about Grand Teton National Park and all its wildlife, but I didn’t really expect to feel so small out there. Our guide, Jamie, picked us up right in Jackson (I was still half-asleep), and before I knew it we were driving through this frosty landscape where the mountains just sort of loom over you. She handed me binoculars and pointed out a moose almost hidden behind some willows. The air smelled sharp, like snow and pine needles, and I kept thinking how quiet it was except for our boots crunching on the frozen ground.

We stopped for lunch in the field — nothing fancy, just sandwiches and hot chili, but honestly that soup felt like magic after standing in the cold scanning for bald eagles. Jamie told stories about the park’s wolves and how sometimes you only see their tracks. There was this moment when she laughed at my attempt to spot a coyote (“that’s actually a rock,” she said). It made everything feel less like a formal tour and more like hanging out with someone who really knows these mountains.

The real surprise was the sleigh ride into the National Elk Refuge. You sit bundled up under thick blankets while these huge horses pull you right into the middle of thousands of elk — it’s almost surreal. Their breath clouds in the air, antlers everywhere you look. The driver explained how important this place is for them every winter; I didn’t realize how much work goes into keeping these herds healthy. My toes were numb by then but I didn’t care — there’s something about being that close to wild animals that sticks with you. Even now, I can picture those elk moving through the snow, all quiet except for their hooves crunching along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife Safari and Sleigh Ride

• Explore wildlife with naturalist guide
• Picnic lunch in the field
• Horse-drawn sleigh ride in Elk Refuge

Top questions

How long does this Grand Teton wildlife tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a picnic lunch with sandwiches, hot soup or chili, fruit, and dessert is included.

What animals might we see on this tour?

You may spot moose, elk, bighorn sheep, coyote, wolves, mule deer, bald eagles, and more.

Is hotel pickup available in Jackson?

Yes, pickup is included from Jackson or nearby locations.

Are binoculars or spotting scopes provided?

Yes, use of binoculars and spotting scopes is included during your wildlife search.

Can children join this wildlife safari?

Yes, children are welcome; infants can ride in prams or strollers and specialized seats are available.

What is the sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge like?

You’ll ride on a horse-drawn sleigh right among large herds of wintering elk with narration from your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Jackson Hole or nearby areas, all entry fees for Grand Teton National Park and the shared public Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride, use of binoculars and spotting scopes (which honestly helps if you’re not great at finding animals), snacks and bottled water throughout the day plus a picnic lunch served outdoors with hot soup or chili before heading back in the afternoon.