Grand Teton Wildlife Safari from Jackson: Bears, elk & Oxbow Bend

Watch for grizzlies and elk from a vehicle built for sightlines, with gear that closes the distance.

A half-day Grand Teton wildlife safari from Jackson combines wildlife spotting with visits to the park's signature landscapes (Mormon Row, Oxbow Bend, Jackson Lake, Signal Mountain Summit Road and String Lake) led by a local naturalist guide. The tour runs May through October, includes professional binoculars and a spotting scope, and keeps groups small with individualized attention. Bottled water and snacks are provided, and the vehicle has large panoramic windows designed for viewing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Grand Teton National Park4h
2. Mormon Row Historic District10m · entry included
3. Oxbow Bend10m · entry included
4. Jackson Lake10m · entry included
5. Signal Mountain Summit Road10m · entry included
6. String Lake10m · entry included
7. National Elk Refugepassing by

Half-day Grand Teton wildlife safari

• Pickup at 150 W Simpson Ave, Jackson
• Visit Grand Teton National Park wildlife hotspots
• See historic T.A Moulten Barn and Mormon Row
• Wildlife viewing and photograph at Oxbow Bend
• Enjoy views of Jackson Lake and Snake River
• Panoramic views from Signal Mountain Summit Road
• Visit String Lake, local favorite spot
• Pass by National Elk Refuge scenery

The experience

Pickup happens at 150 W Simpson Ave in Jackson, and the route moves through prime wildlife habitat where grizzly bears, black bears, bison, elk, pronghorn antelope, bald eagles, osprey, beavers and river otters appear depending on season and conditions. The guide shares knowledge about the park's wildlife behavior, geology and history as the day unfolds, so the sightings come with context instead of just a moment of recognition.

The stops anchor around the landscape itself. Mormon Row's historic T.A. Moulton Barn sits against the Teton range. A photograph spot that has drawn visitors for decades. Oxbow Bend is where the Snake River curves and wildlife congregates at the water's edge, and the guide positions the vehicle for viewing and photography. Signal Mountain Summit Road climbs to panoramic views of the park and the Jackson Hole Valley below, where the professional-grade binoculars and spotting scope let you pick out animals across the distance. String Lake, a local favorite, reflects the Teton range and sits less crowded than the main attractions. Jackson Lake and the National Elk Refuge round out the route depending on what the day brings.

The vehicle is spacious with large panoramic windows: the design choice that separates a safari from a standard tour van. No loudspeakers, no script: the guide talks naturally about what appears and what the landscape means. Groups stay small, which changes how the guide can move and where the vehicle can position itself for sightings. The tour runs four to five hours and includes water and snacks, so the day holds together without stops for supplies.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Jackson.
• a local naturalist guide speaking English.
• professional-grade binoculars and spotting scope.
• bottled water and snacks.
• a large spacious vehicle with panoramic windows designed for wildlife viewing.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to4h before

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Ascension Tour Guides

Is this one for you?Small groups work best here. The guide can move the vehicle to follow wildlife and position it for sightings without managing a crowd. This tour suits travelers who want to see bears and elk without spending a full day in the park or arranging their own transport and entrance separately.

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Top questions

What wildlife am I likely to see on the Grand Teton safari from Jackson?

Grizzly bears, black bears, bison, elk and pronghorn antelope are common sightings depending on season and conditions. Bald eagles, osprey, beavers, river otters and wolves also inhabit the park, though wolves are elusive. The guide knows where animals congregate and moves the route to maximize encounters.

Does the tour include Grand Teton National Park entrance fees?

The tour does not include the park entrance fee, which you arrange separately. Hotel pickup in Jackson is included, along with the guide, vehicle, binoculars, spotting scope, water and snacks.

What is Oxbow Bend and why does the tour stop there?

Oxbow Bend is a curve in the Snake River where wildlife congregates at the water's edge, making it one of the park's most reliable spots for sightings and photography. The guide positions the vehicle for viewing and the large windows frame the river and the animals that come to drink.

When does the Grand Teton safari from Jackson run?

The tour operates May 1 through October 31. Pickup is at 150 W Simpson Ave in Jackson, and the half-day tour lasts four to five hours.

Is the tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible and all areas and surfaces in the park are accessible.

What makes this safari different from a standard park tour?

The guide operates with no script or loudspeakers. Just knowledge of wildlife behavior and the landscape. Groups stay small for individualized attention, the vehicle has large panoramic windows built for sightlines, and professional binoculars and a spotting scope are included so you can see animals at a distance.