Grand Teton & Elk Refuge: Winter Wildlife Tour with Sleigh Ride

Summary

Winter wildlife moments in grand teton with sleigh ride elk herds lunch

You’ll wake up to crisp mountain air in Grand Teton, searching for moose and bison with a naturalist guide before warming up over lunch in Jackson. Then glide across snowy fields on a horse-drawn sleigh at the National Elk Refuge—blankets provided—watching elk herds up close. It’s one of those days you’ll keep replaying long after your boots are dry.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I almost left my gloves at the hotel because I thought the van would be warm enough. But the second we stepped out near Grand Teton, that Wyoming air hit me right through my sleeves. Our guide, Sarah, just grinned and handed me an extra pair from her stash (she said she keeps spares for “city folks”). The mountains looked like they’d been dusted with powdered sugar, and there was this hush everywhere except for our boots squeaking in the snow. We spotted a moose before we even finished our coffee — Sarah pointed it out calmly while I nearly dropped my thermos trying to get a photo. I still don’t know how she saw it through all those trees.

We drove slow through Grand Teton, windows fogging up every time someone leaned in to look for wolves or eagles. There’s something about seeing bison just plodding along with steam rising from their backs — it makes you feel tiny but kind of lucky too. Someone asked about the elk migration and Sarah started telling us about how the herds move down into Jackson every winter. She knows all these little facts, but not in a show-off way — more like she’s sharing secrets from an old friend.

Lunch in Jackson was just what we needed after being outside so long. My toes were still thawing when we sat down at this local place (can’t remember the name, but they had chili that actually made my nose run). Then came the part I didn’t expect: climbing onto a horse-drawn sleigh at the National Elk Refuge. The horses snorted clouds into the cold air and our driver — Tom? Todd? — told us to tuck our blankets tight. The sleigh glided over packed snow while hundreds of elk just stood there watching us pass by, antlers backlit by this pale winter sun. It was quiet except for the creak of leather and someone’s laugh behind me.

I kept thinking about how close we got to those animals without bothering them at all. Even now, weeks later, sometimes I catch myself remembering that silence on the refuge or how Sarah winked when I finally managed to spot a coyote on my own (okay, with some help). If you’re looking for a day trip from Jackson Hole that doesn’t feel rushed or fake — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife tour and elk refuge visit

• Tour Grand Teton National Park
• Have lunch in Jackson, Wyoming
• Ride horse-drawn sleigh at Elk Refuge

Top questions

How long does the Grand Teton & Elk Refuge winter tour last?

The tour is a full-day adventure including morning wildlife viewing in Grand Teton and an afternoon sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Jackson Hole?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included as part of your booking.

What animals can you see during winter in Grand Teton?

You may spot moose, wolves, bison, bighorn sheep, eagles, coyotes, and large elk herds during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this winter wildlife tour?

A sit-down restaurant lunch in Jackson is included after your morning exploring Grand Teton.

Do I need to bring anything special for the horse-drawn sleigh ride?

It’s recommended to bring a small blanket for extra warmth during your time on the sleigh at the National Elk Refuge.

Are children allowed on this winter tour?

This public tour is suitable for most fitness levels but children 5 years old or younger are not allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Jackson Hole, entry fees for both Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge, use of binoculars to spot wildlife (trust me—you’ll want them), snacks and drinks along the way, plus a hearty restaurant lunch before heading out for your horse-drawn sleigh ride among elk herds.