on a Grand Teton Tour to Mormon Road iconic barn

9 Best Grand Teton Tours to Book In Summer 2024

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST SUMMER GRAND TETON TOURS?

Well, you’ve landed in the right place, as compiled below is a list of 9 amazing Grand Teton tour options! Choose from sightseeing and safaris to rafting and horseback adventures, or combine your Grand Teton trip with neighboring Yellowstone National Park. 

Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park

In a rush? Reserve this 4D/3N Grand Teton & Yellowstone Wildlife Tour for a 5 Star private experience to see all attractions of both parks and plenty of wildlife. You really should go see both, and one day is not enough!

But if you’re only into a one-day thing, I get it. Here’s a good full-day small-group tour to book.

As an avid snowboarder, I went to the Grand Teton area to carve through the legendary Jackson Hole powder. But, more than just epic slopes – the Teton Range will surely make your jaw drop. And right in time for the opening season in May, I even kayaked the Snake River with ice blocks floating by before making my way to Yellowstone.

To help you explore all your options, check out the below for a list of 9 best Grand Teton tours. 

Top 3 Picks: Best Grand Teton Tours for the Summer Season

#1 Top Pick
snowy mammoth hot springs on a multi-day yellowstone tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Yellowstone & Grand Teton 4D/3N Wildlife Adventure

✅ 4 Days to Everywhere in Both Parks

✅ All-inclusive experience

#2 Pick
snake river grand teton overlook

Full-Day Guided Grand Teton Tour

✅ Best of Grand Teton & Wildlife

✅ Small-Group w/ Hotel Transfer & Food

#3 Pick
kayaking jenny lake to hike hidden falls and inspiration point in grand teton national park

Scenic Wildlife Float in Jackson Hole

✅ 13 Mile Float Down Snake River

✅ Safety Equipment


A Bit About Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a dazzling landscape of jagged peaks and glacial lakes. Located in Wyoming, the park spans 310,000 acres and is home to some of the clearest alpine lakes and most abundant wildlife in North America.

Keep your eyes peeled for moose and elk grazing in the meadows, bison wandering through the grasslands, and black bears foraging for berries in the forests. Aside from its critters, this park beckons outdoors enthusiasts to hike through the backcountry, take a boat tour, or set up camp under the stars.


Top 9 Summer Tours of Grand Teton National Park

Check out these top tours, separated into the following categories.

  • Best Yellowstone & Grand Canyon Tours – multi-day tours that take you to both parks
  • Best Full-Day Grand Teton Tours
  • Best Half-Day Grand Teton Tours
  • Best Activity Grand Teton Day Trips – activity focused like rafting and horseback riding

Note! Be aware that the tours listed here are only available during the summer months (April – November), as a significant portion of the park cannot be accessed during winter.


Best Yellowstone & Grand Canyon Tours (Multi-Day)

Because Yellowstone is so close to Grand Teton, I highly recommend spending more than one day and hitting both parks.

Related Post: Looking for the best Yellowstone-focused tours from Jackson? Or from West Yellowstone or Bozeman?

Tip! Hotel rooms fill up quickly inside National Parks. Most tours can only guarantee accommodation on bookings made within 30 days of travel. Otherwise, you may need to make arrangements outside of the park.

1. Yellowstone and Grand Teton 4 Day 3 Night Wildlife Adventure

Best Multi-Day Trip to See Everything in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

the colorful morning glory pool in yellowstone national park

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Days| 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • You want to see everything noteworthy in Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park
  • You want an all-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and transportation handled
  • Explore together with up to 9 new friends

Join this exceptional 4-day tour of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, where you don’t have to worry about planning the perfect itinerary, as your guide does that for you. With so many things to see, I’m so happy that you’re thinking of staying for more days! It’s certainly worth it!

Experience the best of both parks with plenty of time to take pictures, go on short hikes, and explore all the sights without feeling rushed.

Kenny is a great guide. We appreciate his knowledge of the parks’ history, the best locations for spotting animals, and he kept us safe and comfy during the trip. We covered most major scenic spots on our 3-4 day trip and saw tons of wildlife.

– Wenxi (Read more reviews)

This package is for a small group tour of at most 10 people and includes accommodation, breakfast, snacks, entrance fees, and transfers.

Trip Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Best of Grand Teton National Park & Wildlife Chasing
  • Day 2: Half of Lower Loop (West Thumb Geyser Basin, Hayden Valley, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone)
  • Day 3: Best of Upper Loop
  • Day 4: Wildlife Viewing & Other Half of Lower Loop (Lamar Valley, Old Faithful, Mammoth Springs, Fountain Paint Pots)

2. Yellowstone & Grand Teton Wildlife Adventure (2D/1N)

Best Multi-Day Trip to See the Highlights of Grand Teton & Yellowstone

Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days | 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • You want to see the best of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park
  • You want an all-inclusive experience with food, lodging, and transportation handled

Join this 2-day expedition across Grand Teton & Yellowstone for the ultimate wildlife adventure through the American Serengeti. With the guidance of an expert, discover fascinating creatures like wolves, bison, moose, and bears.

Start your journey on the first day by visiting some of my personal favorite panoramic views in Grand Teton Valley, such as Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook, and Mormon Row Historic District. Look out for herds of buffalo along the road toward the Lower Loop, before spending the night at a hotel in West Yellowstone or Cooke City.

On the second day, set out early in search of wolves and grizzly bears. Afterward, take easy, short hikes through geothermal features and geysers. 

No Other Way to see Yellowstone. I cannot say enough good about this tour!…Being a small group, we all got to know each other, and we made new friends we will remember forever. One of my favorite tours of all time!

– Juanita (Read more reviews)

The package accommodates up to 10 people and covers park entrance fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and overnight accommodation.


Best Full-Day Grand Teton Tours

3. Full-Day Guided Grand Teton National Park Tour

Best Full-Day Small Group Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 – 9 Hours| 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • Combines wildlife viewing with Grand Teton National Park highlights
  • Small-group experience

Join this 8 hour Grand Teton National Park wildlife and nature tour through the best of the Teton Mountain Range. Your local guide will pick you up from your lodging to explore this beloved destination’s local ecology.

Capture the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn with the Tetons in the background. Then go on a scenic drive to Signal Mountain and Antelope Flats, where you’ll encounter panoramic overlooks.

Take in the serenity of Oxbow Bend, featuring the reflection of Mt. Moran in still water while watching for wildlife.

We got to see several MOOSE right away! Highlight! Shane had a high powered camera, several pair of binoculars and a scope…Overall it was a great tour and we all (even my teenage girls) enjoyed our day and got some pretty amazing pictures!

– Tricia (Read more reviews)

Breakfast and lunch are covered, so sit back and keep your camera on standby. And, if you’re visiting in the summer (May 15th – September 30th), you’ll even get to take a boat ride on the gorgeous Jenny Lake to hike to Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point.

4. Private Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Tour

Best Private Full-Day Tour

buffalo herd on the side of the road in front of the teton mountains on a yellowstone tour from jackson hole

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • Combines wildlife viewing with Grand Teton National Park highlights
  • Want a private personalized experience just for your fam and friends

Say goodbye to crowded tours and scaring off the animals with lots of chitter chatter. Join this full-day private safari tour option with a flexible, personalized route limited only by the conditions in the park.

With the company of a professional naturalist guide, immerse yourself in the views of Grand Teton. Savor complimentary breakfast, a picnic lunch, and snacks throughout the day as you travel through the park in style with our private transportation. Spotting scopes and binoculars are provided.

Be brought to highlight places such as Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose, Moose Wilson Road, Oxbow Bend, Antelope Flats Road, Jenny Lake, Jackson Lake, and more!

Tiffany Taxis was an incredible guide. Her passion for wildlife overflows into her job. She enthusiastically tailored the tour to our interests and we saw so many animals we would have missed on our own.

(Read more reviews)

Best Half-Day Grand Teton Tours

5. Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an Enclosed or Open-Air Vehicle

Best Half-Day Small Group Wildlife Safari

on a Gran Teton Tour to Mormon Road iconic barn

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • Small group tour with sunrise and sunset departures 
  • Focuses mainly on searching for big game wildlife
  • Operates all year round

Tramp around the wildlands of Grand Teton National Park on this small-group Grand Teton wildlife safari. Accompanied by a local naturalist, board our customized open-air safari vehicle (enclosed in winter) and traverse the dirt roads and highways within the park to witness the magic unfold at dawn or dusk. 

Be swept off your feet as you meet wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, bald eagles soaring high above, or deer walking gracefully through the woods. And for all you photographers out there, they’ll stop frequently for your camera lenses to catch up.

A great all around family experience! Well worth the early morning, the time and the cost.

– Loehler (Read more reviews)

This safari tour is one of the few that operate year-round, but the itinerary and equipment adjust with the season. Summers are limited to just 9 passengers (10 during winters), and you’ll also stop at Mormon Row Historic District’s TA Moulton Barn.

6. Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Private Tour

Best Half-Day Private Wildlife Safari

buffalo herd on the road to yellowstone from bozeman

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • Private tour with a flexible start time (sunrise or sunset options) and itinerary 
  • Focuses largely on searching for big game wildlife

Immerse yourself in nature on this Half-Day Grand Teton Wildlife Safari Private Tour to the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton National Park. Your experienced guide will focus on taking you to the best spots to spot rare wildlife like moose and pronghorn in their natural habitats.

This private tour is perfect as your personal guide will tailor the agenda to meet the needs and interests of your group. The route depends on the road and weather conditions, so every tour is unique!

He took us the amazing place, especially we could see a hundred of Bison and a couple of Elk.

– Yuichi (Read more reviews)

This tour includes round-trip transport, bottled water, and snacks. The best time to see animals are dawn and dusk, and you can choose when to start. 

7. Grand Teton Half Day Tour

Best Half-Day Grand Teton Sceneries Tour

jenny lake near the hidden falls and inspiration point hike

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Why You Should Join This Tour:

  • You want to combine the highlights of Grand Teton with Viewing Wildlife
  • Small group capped at 8 people

Embark on this half-day excursion into the heart of Grand Teton National Park. Traverse the glorious landscape of Grand Teton, relishing in park highlights like Signal Mountain, Oxbow Bend, and Snake River Overlook, among others.

A passionate naturalist guide will bring you and up to 8 other travelers cruising along the Gros Ventre River, where magnificent moose often roam. You’ll stop by the historic district of Mormon Row, a nostalgic century-old settlement.

Channel your inner explorer as you look out for elusive species of mammals, like bears, wolves, elk, moose, and mule deer. Use the provided spotting scopes and field glasses to get an up-close view.

Amazing half day tour in the Grand Teton National Park! This tour has completely sold me on the need for a guided tour when going to a new place it was so worth it!

– Mika (Read more reviews)

Choose from a morning or afternoon departure for your convenience or upgrade to make yours a private tour. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your Jackson or Teton Village hotel, snacks, and water. 

Best Activity Grand Teton Day Trips

8. Scenic Wildlife Float in Jackson Hole

Mount Teewinot and Mt Owen on Jenny Lake to hike hidden falls and inspiration point in grand teton national park

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Relax and enjoy this peaceful rafting trip down the Snake River, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of towering, snow-capped Teton peaks and the Gros Ventre Range. 

This 13 mile scenic float section exposes you to the wilderness lying between the Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger Teton National Forest. 

As you drift by Jackson Peak and the other mountains of the Gros Ventre Wilderness, observe animal behavior and spectacular scenery right from your raft.

Easily the highlight of our trip. There’s a reason their company has such fantastic reviews. Perfectly organized, fun bus trip to the river, amazing guides, and a great time. Everyone in our party wished we had an experience like this everyday of our trip.

– Michele (Read more reviews)

Don’t worry about safety or anything as your guide’s a rafting expert, plus you’ll get safety rafting equipment like a lifejacket, a state-of-the-art inflatable raft, and blankets for cold weather. 

9. Horseback Riding in Bridger Teton National Forest

chipmunk at the top of inspiration point overlooking lake jenny in grand teton national park

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🦬 Book it!

Channel your inner cowboy and saddle up for this horseback adventure through the Bridger-Teton National Forest. 

Imagine riding a horse through high alpine meadows, aspen groves, and along the Buffalo Fork River to reach incredible mountaintops. Nothing compares to the feeling of freedom and excitement you’ll experience while horseback riding through this beautiful area.

Lovely experience riding these sweet horses through aspen groves and meadows filled with flowers…But if ur in the Moran area this is definitely one experience not to miss. We saw people of all ages and fitness levels in our group.

– Nandini (Read more reviews)

This tour is perfect for all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a first-time equestrian, your knowledgeable guide will ensure you feel right at home on your trusty steed.

And with a maximum of only 8 travelers per trip, you’ll get to go at your and your horse’s own pace. After your two-hour ride, head back to the ranch just in time for lunch.


Where to Stay in Jackson Hole, WY

Jackson Hole is a charming town, yet it can be pretty pricy for budget-minded roadtrippers and travelers. To help make you stay comfy, here are two highly rated options with varying rates, along with a map so that you may check all your possibilities. 

Tip! Note that some tours do door-to-door pick up only at certified hotels, not private residences like Airbnb or VRBO. 

THE BEST HOTEL IN JACKSON WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS – Hotel Jackson

interior suite view of hotel jackson in jackson hole, wyoming
Check Rates for Hotel Jackson (Photo: Expedia)

In a prime location in the heart of Jackson, book a stay at Hotel Jackson, arguably the best hotel in the whole town. With the surrounding snowcapped mountains as the view for your spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, it can only be topped with its top-of-the-line amenities, like its sparkling indoor swimming pool and fitness center. 

HOMEY WESTERN-INSPIRED INN – Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole

interior view of parkway inn at jackson hole
Check Rates for Parkway Inn (Photo: Expedia)

Stay at the Parkway Inn of Jackson Hole for a cozy and authentic mountain getaway. This homey, western-inspired inn is perfect for those seeking a warm and inviting retreat. Relax before the fireplace, take in the stunning mountain vistas from your balcony, or unwind in the indoor pool after a long day at the slopes.


Tips For Your Grand Teton National Park Tour

  1. What to pack: Be sure to pack for the weather, including layers, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear. Outside of summer, it is pretty cold for most of the year. 
  2. Best time to visit: The best time to visit is May through September when the weather is mild and the park is fully open. But winter provides some super unique snowy sceneries, with very few crowds. 
  3. Wildlife safety: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PET THE ANIMALS! I’m not kidding; people every year get killed by buffalo. They are not pets. If they are in your way, go around. 
  4. Yellowstone Geothermal Safety: DON’T POKE OR STEP ON THE GEOTHERMAL FEATURES! Yes, even if the wind blows your hat off the boardwalk. Aside from destroying the formation, you might literally fall in and get burned.

FAQs to Touring Grand Teton National Park

What is the best month to go to Grand Tetons?

The best months to visit the Grand Tetons is from mid-May to late September. During this time, the weather is generally warm and dry, and all roads and facilities are open. However, these months do see the biggest crowds. 

How many days do you need to see Grand Tetons?

To fully experience the beauty of Grand Tetons, you really only need one full day. Grand Teton has more activities rather than attractions, so if you plan to tack on longer hikes or kayak trips, plan for at least two days. 

What city is closest to the Tetons?

Jackson, Wyoming is the closest city to the Tetons. It’s located just south of the park and has many accommodations, dining options, and activities.

How close is Jackson Hole to the Tetons?

Jackson Hole is very close to the Tetons, as it’s actually the gateway town to Grand Teton National Park. The park’s southern entrance is located just a few miles north of the town.

How long does it take to drive through the Grand Tetons?

The length of time it takes to drive through Grand Teton National Park depends on how many stops you make along the way. If you were to drive straight through without stopping, it would take about one to two hours to cover the 42-mile stretch of road that runs through the park.

Does it cost money to drive through Grand Teton National Park?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to drive through Grand Teton National Park. The fee varies depending on the type of vehicle and the length of stay, but it’s typically around $35 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. You can also get the National Park Pass to get access to all national parks and monuments for a full year.

Is Grand Teton better than Yellowstone?

Both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks offer unique experiences and stunning natural attractions. It really depends on what you’re looking for in a national park. However, many visitors find the dramatic mountain landscapes of Grand Teton to be particularly breathtaking.

Do you need more time in Yellowstone or Grand Teton?

Many visitors to the area are often torn between which park to spend more time at, but, in my opinion, Yellowstone is way better. As subjective as I’m trying to be as Grand Teton does have an impressive mountain range and alpine lakes, Yellowstone’s geothermal and canyon sceneries are just so unique, I think every traveler to America should visit this park.

Can you do Grand Teton and Yellowstone in one trip?

Yes, you can certainly visit both Grand Teton and Yellowstone in one trip, but I do not recommend it. These two parks are often combined into one itinerary, as they’re located quite close to each other. However, both parks are massive, and one day would only allow you to a few of the most famous attractions. 

How far apart are Yellowstone and Grand Teton?

Yellowstone and Grand Teton are located adjacent to each other in northwestern Wyoming. The distance between the two parks varies depending on which entrance you use, but the most direct route is only 7 miles apart, or a 10 minute drive.

🤩 I never leave home without my Sony Mirrorless Camera A6400, an amazing travel camera. For wildlife, a smartphone just isn’t going to cut it. You need some zoom on that thing – I recommend this Tamrom 70-300mm budget-friendly option.


Final Thoughts: Best Grand Teton National Park Tours 

Is Grand Teton worth the trip?

If you are already planning a trip to Yellowstone, then you should definitely visit Grand Teton as well. It’s a place where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony. Grand Teton boasts steep mountain peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and a wealth of wildlife, making it a must-see destination for those collecting national park stamps.

While you can explore the park on your own, when you book a tour, you’ll get practical benefits like insider knowledge, access to facilities, and the chance to meet fellow travelers. 

In case you’re still not sure which to pick:

Regardless of which tour you choose, rest assured you’ll get an amazing experience at this lovely national park!

Where To Next?

Where to Next?

Interested in other tours and activities in the area? Check out these other Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park posts.



TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Find the best tours and activities with Viator to cross off your bucket list and create unforgettable memories

🏘️ Book your accommodation with Booking.com in advance and check availability on the days of your travels.

🧾 Rent a car in advance with Discovercars for those epic road trips at the best price.
Founder & Author at Nomadicated LLC | Website | + posts

Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.