Grand Teton: Sunrise Wildlife Safari & Scenic Stops

Summary

Sunrise colors, wildlife stirring, calm water reflections in the Tetons

You’ll catch first light over Grand Teton’s peaks, watch wildlife wake along riverbanks, and share quiet moments with your small group as your local guide leads you to sunrise spots like Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend. With hotel pickup from Jackson Hole included, this tour gives you time for wonder—and maybe muddy shoes too.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I’m not a morning person, but when our guide pulled up outside the hotel in Jackson Hole at 5:20am, I was actually kind of excited. The van still smelled faintly of coffee and pine needles (from someone’s boots?), and everyone kept their voices low as we drove out toward Grand Teton. There’s something about that blue-black hour before sunrise—like the park is holding its breath. Our guide, Mike, pointed out silhouettes of elk in a field just as the sky started to go pink behind the mountains. I fumbled my phone trying to get a photo and almost missed it entirely.

We stopped first at Schwabacher Landing. The air was cold enough that my breath came out in little clouds, and there was this sharp smell—wet grass mixed with river mud. The water was so still it mirrored every bit of those jagged peaks, all lit up soft pink and gold. Mike set up a scope for us and suddenly there was a moose, just… standing there on the far bank, chewing like he had nowhere better to be. Someone whispered “wow” but honestly it felt wrong to talk much at all—just birds calling and the crunch of gravel under boots. I tried to say “good morning” in a whispery voice but probably sounded ridiculous.

Later we made our way to Oxbow Bend—by then the sun was higher and you could see steam rising off the river. We saw bald eagles perched up in dead trees (Mike said they come back to this spot every year), and at one point a fox darted across the road so fast I almost doubted I’d seen it. Snacks appeared from nowhere (I think granola bars?) and someone passed around hot tea from a thermos that tasted slightly metallic but warmed me right up.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel even with other people around—like everyone knew not to mess up that early-morning peace. On the drive back into town, Mike told stories about growing up here and how he always tries to guess where the bison will show up each season (he got it right today). My shoes were muddy by then but I didn’t care; I still think about that view reflected in the water when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunrise wildlife safari in Grand Teton

• Early-morning pickup from Jackson Hole
• Travel to sunrise spots like Schwabacher Landing
• View wildlife with high-powered scopes
• Visit Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row
• Spot moose, elk, bison, bears, and eagles
• Enjoy peaceful lakes and mountain views
• Return to Jackson Hole

Top questions

What animals can I see on this sunrise safari?

You might spot moose, elk, bison, foxes, bears, and eagles during early morning hours in Grand Teton.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, early-morning pickup from Jackson Hole hotels is included.

How long does the sunrise wildlife tour last?

This is a half-day tour starting before sunrise and returning later in the morning.

Are snacks or drinks provided on this trip?

Bottled water and snacks are included during your safari experience.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 8 years old for participants on this tour.

Will we have binoculars or scopes for viewing wildlife?

Yes, high-powered scopes and binoculars are provided by your guide.

What should I wear for an early morning safari?

Dress warmly in layers; weather can be cold before sunrise even in summer months.

Do tours operate if it’s raining or snowing?

The safari runs in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for comfort.

What’s included

Your day includes early-morning hotel pickup from Jackson Hole, bottled water and snacks along the way, plus use of high-powered scopes and binoculars for spotting wildlife before returning later that morning.