Jackson Hole: Grand Teton Wildlife Tour & Scenic Picnic Lunch

Summary

Moose sightings, old barns, and wild moments near Jackson

You’ll set out from Jackson Hole for a full day exploring Grand Teton’s wild side—spotting moose or bears (if you’re lucky), pausing for photos at Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row’s weathered barns, then sharing a casual picnic lunch with your small group before heading back with new stories and maybe muddy boots.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Grand Teton National Park wildlife tour

• Depart from Jackson Hole
• Explore Grand Teton National Park
• Stop at Oxbow Bend viewpoint
• Visit Mormon Row Historic District
• See T. A. Moulton or John Moulton Barn
• Stop at Jenny Lake for views
• View Tetons and Snake River photo spot
• Look for wildlife near Jackson Lake
• Enjoy outdoor picnic or restaurant lunch
• Return to Jackson Hole

Top questions

How long is the Grand Teton wildlife tour from Jackson?

The tour lasts about eight hours, starting from Jackson Hole and returning there after exploring Grand Teton.

Is lunch included on this Grand Teton day trip?

Yes, a picnic-style lunch is included (or restaurant lunch if weather is bad), along with snacks and drinks.

What animals might I see on this tour?

You might spot grizzly or black bears, moose, bison, elk, eagles, wolves, foxes, coyotes, or bighorn sheep during the tour.

Are binoculars provided for wildlife viewing?

Yes, both binoculars and spotting scopes are available for guests to use during wildlife sightings.

Does this tour include stops at Jenny Lake or Mormon Row?

Yes, you’ll stop at Jenny Lake Overlook as well as Mormon Row Historic District during the day trip.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small-group tour limited to 10 people for a more personal experience.

Is transportation heated or air-conditioned?

The vehicle used is enclosed with both heating and air conditioning for comfort in any season.

Are children allowed on this wildlife tour?

Children under 6 years old are not allowed on this public tour; older kids can join if accompanied by adults.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Jackson Hole in an enclosed vehicle (heated or air-conditioned), use of binoculars and spotting scopes for wildlife watching, plenty of snacks and bottled drinks along the way, plus a casual picnic-style lunch—or a cozy restaurant meal if weather turns rough—before returning to town together.

What’s the experience like?

The day didn’t start perfectly—our driver (I think his name was Tom?) had to circle back because someone forgot their jacket at the hotel. It was still early, that blue-grey Wyoming light just coming up over Jackson Hole. I actually liked the pause; gave me time to sip my coffee and watch the sleepy town wake up. When we finally rolled out toward Grand Teton, our little group was already swapping stories about what animals we hoped to see. I said moose. Always moose.

Our guide Li had this way of spotting things before anyone else—she’d slow down and quietly point out shapes moving through the brush. At Oxbow Bend, she handed me the binoculars and I caught a glimpse of something brown and lumbering by the water’s edge (moose? elk? Still not sure). The air smelled like pine needles and river mud. We stopped at Mormon Row next, where those old barns lean into the wind like they’re listening for news. Someone in our group tried to take the “most photographed barn” shot but ended up with their thumb in it—Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her scope.

Lunch was supposed to be outside by Jenny Lake but clouds rolled in quick, so we huddled under a covered spot instead. Sandwiches tasted better than expected—maybe just because everyone was hungry from scanning tree lines for bears all morning. There were snacks too, plus cold soda and water bottles passed around like a little picnic club. I remember wishing I’d brought gloves; Wyoming spring isn’t really warm even when the sun comes out.

We circled Jackson Lake slowly on the way back, windows cracked for fresh air even though it was chilly. Someone spotted a bald eagle perched above us—a silent moment as everyone tried not to breathe too loud or scare it off. By then my phone battery was dead but honestly I didn’t care; some things are better left as memories anyway.