8 Best Grand Teton Winter Tours For Adventure Seekers (2024)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST GRAND TETON WINTER TOURS?
Well, you’re reading the right article as listed below are 8 amazing Grand Teton winter tours for those looking to get out of the house and into the cold! Choose from snowshoeing and wildlife safaris to snowmobiling and dog-sled adventures, or combine your Grand Teton trip with neighboring Yellowstone National Park.
In a rush? Reserve this combination Snowshoe & Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton National Park for an 8 hour experience through the snowy tundra to view plenty of wildlife. All in the name of adventure.
But if you’re into a crazy experience, check out this 9 day small-group winter tour to see Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Utah Mighty 5 National Parks.
As an avid snowboarder, I went to the Grand Teton area in the winter to carve through the legendary Jackson Hole powder. But, more than just the fantastic slopes – the glimmering snow-capped Teton Range is actually amazing. I even passed elk kayaking on the Snake River amidst floating ice blocks in May before heading to Yellowstone.
Explore all your Grand Teton winter tour options with the following 8 top tours of the season.
Top 3 Picks: Best Grand Teton Tours for the Winter Season
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Snowshoe & Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton
✅ Professional Equipment & 4×4 Vehicle
✅ Small-Group Trip with Lunch
Jackson Hole Dog Sledding & Snowmobiling Combo Trip
✅ Two Unique Winter Activities
✅ Winter Gear and Training Provided
Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge Winter Wonderland
✅ Full-Day Adventure
✅ All-Inclusive Small-Group Trip
A Bit About Grand Teton National Park
Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and boasts a stunning landscape of sharp peaks and pristine glacial lakes.
It is known for hosting some of North America’s most abundant wildlife and clearest alpine lakes. Be on the lookout for moose and elk grazing for snow-buried meadows, bison trudging through the ice, and wolves on the hunt.
While most of the park is closed in winter, outdoor enthusiasts can still enjoy activities like snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the backcountry and searching for elusive winter wildlife in the National Elk Refuge.
Top 8 Grand Teton Winter Tours
A significant portion of the park cannot be accessed during winter. Although most Grand Teton tours will operate in the summer, all these tours operate between November to April.
One thing, for many of these tours, the national park pass is not included and will cost 20$ per person. Unless you have a national park pass, which I recommend you get anyway.
Note! Even though Yellowstone and Grand Teton are neighbors, the quickest route connecting these beloved national parks is shut down for a large part of the winter. Travelers must take a long route to the north Yellowstone gate, the only entrance open throughout the year.
1. Combination Snowshoe & Wildlife Viewing in Grand Teton National Park
Best Overall Adventure Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Never snowshoed before? No problem. Join this 8 hour Wildlife & Snowshoeing adventure for nature enthusiasts who want access to the park’s winter landscape and rare wildlife.
With an expert wildlife guide, safari-style vehicles, and top-of-the-line equipment, spot wildlife up close and personal. Whether you’re an experienced snowshoer or a first-timer, your guide will cater to the group’s (up to 7 participants) energy level.
This tour starts with a snowshoeing experience through the backcountry while searching for animal tracks and signs and learning about winter ecology. After lunch, switch gears to focus on wildlife in a 4×4 vehicle, hunting bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, coyote, fox, eagles, trumpeter swans, and other magnificent creatures.
With his help we experienced our first ever snowshoeing hike, he was patient the whole time helping and guiding us through…The tour was incredible, and we can’t thank Harlan enough for this great experience!
(Read more reviews)
2. Jackson Hole Full-Day Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling Combo Trip
Best Extreme Adventure Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Be dead tired by the end of an adventurous and physically demanding day on this full-day Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling Combo Tour. This 7 hour tour is definitely not for those looking for a leisurely day.
Cross off your bucket list item by dog-sledding through the Buffalo River Valley with a pack of powerful dogs mushing along the picturesque scenery. This unique activity cannot be found with most other tour providers.
This is followed by a high-speed snowmobile ride through Jackson Hole’s dramatic mountainous scenery. Afterward, try a horse-drawn sleigh along the views of The Grand Teton Mountains.
The snowmobiling and dog sledding tours were phenomenal! The scenery of the snowmobiling adventure was unbelievable and it was fascinating to see the dogs work together on the sled!
– Chuck (Read more reviews)
This small-group trip of up to 10 people includes guidance, training, cozy winter gear, and a delicious lunch.
3. Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge Winter Wonderland Full-Day Adventure
Best Full-Day Small Group Wildlife Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Take in the serene, snow-covered Grand Teton National Park without the summer crowds on this Winter Wonderland Grand Teton tour. Compared to the tours above, this is a chiller experience for those more interested in the wildlife itself.
Join your knowledgeable guide spotting animals wandering in their natural environment, like herds of bison, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, coyotes, and so much more.
Take the excitement up a notch by adding a horse-drawn winter sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge. The comfortable ride lets you get close to herds of elk while enjoying the wondrous snowy scenery around you.
Our Guide Kyle was excellent! He could spot wildlife from a mile away! And his animal impressions were spot on! Very polite and professional – everyone had a fantastic time.
– Marta (Read more reviews)
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off. They will also provide snacks, beverages, binoculars, and an informative local guide. After a lovely morning searching for wildlife, eat a sit-down lunch at one of Jackson’s best restaurants.
4. Best of Jackson Hole Wildlife Private Safari Tour
Best Full-Day Private Wildlife Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
If you want a private tour with just your family and friends, sign up for this Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari Tour. You’ll get to explore the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem using a private vehicle.
Your wildlife guide will take you to the best viewing spots to see grizzly bears, wolves, bison, elk, moose, and more. Private tours can be customized to include specific stops and provide flexibility with time based on your group’s preferences.
Between December to March, you can also hear the snow crunching beneath the hooves of a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the largest elk herd in North America.
Excellent tour Wonderful service and Jody was a star . We take many private tours . This was probably one the best experiences we have had . Congratulations on a very well run company.
– Dennis (Read more reviews)
With convenient hotel pickup in Jackson Hole, this tour covers all meals and beverages. Enjoy a light breakfast to start the day, then a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, and energy-boosting snacks throughout the day.
5. Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an Enclosed Vehicle
Best Half-Day Small Group Wildlife Safari
⭐️ 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 enclosed safari vehicle (open-air in summer) 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. Outside of December to February, the TA Moulton Barn at the Mormon Row Historic District will be one of the stops on a limited-capacity tour that only accommodates 10 passengers.
6. Yellowstone Old Faithful Full-Day Snowmobile Tour from Jackson Hole
Best Yellowstone Snowmobile Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 12 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
Yellowstone National Park is primarily inaccessible in the dead of winter, so this full-day Snowmobile Tour from Jackson Hole is pretty special.
Cover about 90 miles of pristine snowy terrain on your round-trip journey by snowmobile, stopping at geothermal wonders like the Old Faithful geyser, West Thumb geyser basin, and Fountain Paint Pots.
A professional guide will share the park’s history and geographical features and point out native wildlife along the way.
Before your journey, heat up with a hot breakfast at the ranch and later stop for lunch and a chance to warm up.
This 12 hour adrenaline-pumping tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Jackson Hole and Teton Village but doesn’t include park admission tickets.
7. Heart Six Snowmobiling in Jackson Hole
More Moderate Snowmobile Experience
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🦬 Book it!
This excursion from Jackson Hole offers a half-day snowmobiling experience at the Heart Six Ranch, perfect for adventurers who want to stay closer to home.
Enjoy the snowy landscapes of the Grand Tetons, have lunch at a historic lodge during your trip, and relax around the fire at Heart Six Ranch once the excursion is over.
This half-day snowmobile trip lasts around 3 hours and takes place either in the morning or afternoon. Expect less crowded trails closer to town.
Views of the Titan Mountains were good and trails were in good skiable conditions. All necessary gear was provided upon arrival at the farm. Highly recommend and a must do activity.
– Jose (Read more reviews)
When you arrive at the ranch, you will be provided with appropriate clothing before being taken to the trail’s starting point. Once your trip ends, sip on heart-warming free coffee and hot chocolate back at the ranch.
8. Yellowstone, Grand Teton & Utah Mighty 5 Winter Tour: Small Group 9-Day Tour
Best Multi-Day National Park Winter Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 Days | 🦬 Book it!
Wow! As action-packed as a Hollywood movie, you really get to see the best of the American Southwest on this 9-Day Small Group Winter Tour through National Parks.
With a small group size of maximum eight people and off-peak timing, this tour is great for those who only have a little time but want to see it all.
Get up close with native wildlife in their natural habitat. Expect exciting activities that give you unparalleled views of the vast and rugged landscape of Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona, like:
- Snow coach ride
- Snowshoe trek
- Natural hot springs
- Antelope Canyon tour
- Sleigh ride
- Navajo Jeep tour
I definitely recommend this to all of you. As other reviews stated, this trip can be an extra-ordinary experience for winter time. The arrangement was perfectly reasonable. The tour guide was also a reason why it was a rewarding journey for me.
(Read more reviews)
You will receive 8 nights of accommodation during your journey, along with breakfasts, snacks, and water. This tour starts in Salt Lake City but includes pickup from Jackson, Wyoming. Transportation to and from everywhere is included and will end in Salt Lake City, St. George, or Las Vegas.
Tour Itinerary:
- Day 1: Best of Salt Lake City and Idaho Falls
- Day 2: Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park from Jackson
- Day 3: Yellowstone National Park from Bozeman & Big Sky
- Day 4: Yellowstone National Park from West Yellowstone
- Day 5: Lava Hot Springs
- Day 6: Canyonlands & Arches National Park
- Day 7: Monument Valley & Four Corners Monument
- Day 8: Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Bryce National Park
- Day 9: Zion National Park
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
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
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
- What to pack: Be sure to pack for the winter weather, including layers, comfortable walking shoes, and rain gear. It is below freezing for most of the year, especially at night.
- Best time to visit: The most popular time to visit is May through September, when the weather is mild, and the park is fully open. But winter provides super unique snowy sceneries and activities, with very few crowds.
- 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.
- 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 About Grand Teton National Park
Even though most of the park is inaccessible by car, yes, Grand Teton National Park is open in winter.
Yes, but some roads may be closed due to snow and ice conditions. It’s important to check road closures and conditions before driving.
You can see Grand Tetons in the winter by taking a guided tour, snowshoeing, cross-country backcountry skiing, fat biking, or snowmobiling. Wildlife safaris during the winter months are a popular activity.
Yes, but it’s only recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear and knowledge of winter conditions. Certain trails may be closed due to snow and ice. Make sure to bring enough clothing and equipment to prepare for the weather.
Many visitors 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, every traveler to America should visit this park.
To fully experience Grand Tetons’ beauty, you only need one full day. Grand Teton has more activities than attractions, so if you plan to tack on longer hikes or special activities, plan for at least two days.
It depends on your itinerary and interests, but Yellowstone is much larger and has more variety of things to do. Plan to spend several days in Yellowstone if you want to see both loops.
Outside of the summer months of June – September, there is typically snow on the Grand Tetons, but the amount can vary from year to year. The jagged peaks of the Teton Mountain Range are always snow-capped.
Although it is technically possible to see the northern lights in Grand Teton National Park, it’s incredibly rare due to light pollution in the area and not being north enough.
Yellowstone National Park is open in the winter, offering unique activities such as snowmobiling and snow coach tours. However, the northern gate is the only entrance that is open all year round.
Yes, guided tours and transportation options are available for visiting Yellowstone from Jackson Hole in the winter. However, the most direct route leading to the southern gate is not open in winter.
The best months to visit the Grand Tetons are mid-May to late September. The weather is generally warm and dry during this time, and all roads and facilities are open. However, these months see the biggest crowds, and winter offers unique activities and stunning scenery.
🤩 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 Winter Tours
Be one of the few to discover Grand Teton National Park in the winter. Whether you take a guided tour or explore independently, expect to be swept away by the snowy wonderland, tranquil atmosphere, and exhilarating outdoor activities.
From snowshoeing through pristine forests to watching wildlife roam free in their natural habitat, join experienced travel guides with the convenience of transportation, organized activities, and pre-planned itineraries.
In case you’re still not sure which to pick:
- For a moderate winter adventure snowshoeing and wildlife viewing, book this combination tour.
- For an extreme adventure to try dog-sledding and snowmobiling, sign up for this small-group Tour.
- To go on a full-day guided park safari tour, join this small-group tour.
No matter which tour you choose, you can be confident that you’ll have a wonderful experience at this beautiful 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.
- 7 Best Yellowstone Tours From Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- How To Kayak Jenny Lake To Hidden Falls & Inspiration Point In The Grand Tetons
- 6 Best Yellowstone Tours From Bozeman (Summer & Winter Tours)
- 10 Best Yellowstone Tours From West Yellowstone
- 9 Best Grand Teton Summer Tours
- 8 Best Grand Teton Winter Tours For Adventure Seekers
| TRAVEL RESOURCES |
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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.