Best Tours to Experience All Jackson Hole Has to Offer
Considered the gateway to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton, Jackson Hole hasn’t changed all that much since the original settlers made it home. This is what makes Jackson Hole beloved by not only visitors but especially those who reside here and call it home.
It is known for its vast open spaces, crisp mountain air, streambeds full of trout, and thriving wildlife. While you could venture out on your own, one of the best (and safest) ways to experience the beauty, majesty and thrills of this rugged area is via guided tours.
The following are four of the best tours you will want to sign up for during your visit to Jackson Hole, Wyoming:
1. Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
307-690-6402
The Best of Jackson Hole tour is specifically designed to provide prime opportunities to see the wintering wildlife of Jackson Hole. Through the winter (November through April), a great number of wildlife make their way down into the valley in the lowlands searching for food. Tours are available in either half-days that depart in the mornings and return in the afternoon or entire-day excursions. Entire day tours are recommended to see the most wildlife possible during your experience.
This particular tour travels along the National Elk Refuge, which obviously will highlight wintering elk. However, you might also spy a wolf or coyote. The National Elk Refuge is home to over 5,000 elk but also hosts eagles, fox, coyotes, moose, and more. Interesting enough, sometimes wintering wildlife makes its way right into the town of Jackson Hole itself. However, the best way to learn about the wildlife that winters here is through a guided tour.
The full-day tour begins with a light breakfast before moving into the Grand Teton National Park along with the aforementioned National Elk Refuge. In this region, don’t be surprised to see mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, bison, and elk. Winter is one of the best times to view wildlife thanks to the wintering habits of both prey and predators. As a fun side note, they do offer guided sleigh rides as a tour option. Each Jackson Hole Wildlife Safari is guided by a professional wildlife guide and is individualized for each group based on their preferences.
2. Eco Tour Adventures
307-690-9533
Another great way to see the Jackson Hole area and all it has to offer is an Eco Tour with Eco Tour Adventures. This tour explores the natural wonders of the Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton and includes an immersive look at the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This unique experience includes traveling off the beaten path and often orchestrating some incredible wildlife encounters.
The team of tour guides at Eco Tour Adventures are highly knowledgeable naturalist guides, all of whom have years of guiding experience combined with scientific backgrounds. They provide in-depth insights into human history, fauna, flora and other topics pertaining to the region. The idea is to impart a rich knowledge of the region's unique ecosystem.
Another feature about the Eco Tour that makes it different from other tours in the area is the small tour group size. This ensures an intimate and interactive journey as there are never more than seven participants in any tour group. Consequently, those participating are able to engage with the guide and ask any questions that come to mind.
Tour amenities are many and include a customized vehicle that is designed to enhance the wildlife encounter experience as well as provide comfort throughout the tour. The four-wheel-drive vehicles are customized with roof hatches and large windows (that can be opened). Every seat provides a safe, unobstructed view with a unique PA system for clear communication. Eco Tours is also in partnership with Swarovski Optik, which provides the finest spotting scope and binoculars for use throughout the tour.
3. BrushBuck Wildlife Tours
307-699-2999
Wyoming Tours include a variety of options, as we have already seen thus far. Another unique option, making it one of the best tours, is BrushBuck Wildlife Tours. This year-round tour orchestrates one-of-a-kind wildlife observation, allowing participants to witness some of the most exotic wildlife and beautiful scenery in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. There are full-day and multiple-day tour options taking place both in the summer and winter months.
Brushbuck Wildlife Tours is also a 100% military veteran-owned business. The owners and employees who make up Brushback have more than a combined 20 years of Marine Corps and United States Navy service. The tours take place in open-air safari vehicles throughout the summer months with other options for snowy tours. One example of the many options by Brushback includes the half-day tour (lasting approx. four hours) that can be taken at dawn or dusk.
The half-day Brushback Wildlife Tour Grand Teton Half-Day is expertly-guided and focused on the national history of the Grand Teton National Park as well as wildlife observation. Booking options include both private and public tours. Wildlife seen throughout this tour might include pronghorn, mule deer, elk, black bear, grizzly bear, wolves, bighorn sheep, bison, and more.
4. Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures
307-413-4389
Last but not least, one of the best tours in Jackson Hole is the Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures. This unique tour is available in either full or half-day luxury experiences, available year-round. The tours feature luxury SUVs that effortlessly meander through the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Experience the beauty of the Teton mountains, and observe the mighty Snake River.
See large and small animals galore throughout the tour. There are several types of tours to choose from, including a Yellowstone Lower Loop Tour with a duration of 12 hours, the Summer & Fall Wildlife Safari, lasting five hours (sunrise or sunset), and the Winter & Spring Wildlife Safari with a duration of between four and five hours.
The most popular tour offered by Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures is the Lower Loop Tour of Yellowstone National Park, beginning at 7:00 or 7:30 am. This full-day experience starts in Jackson and then moves through the Grand Teton National Park.
There is also a lower loop portion of Yellowstone Park, highlighting the standard favorites like Yellowstone Lake, Fountain Paint Pots, Old Faithful, and the Yellowstone Grand Canyon. Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service.
Experiencing All Jackson Hole Has to Offer
The four unique tours listed above showcase a variety of the best tours Jackson Hole has to offer. Whether you begin your trip after getting settled in your vacation rental or your tour picks you up after a hearty meal, you are in for a treat when signing up for any of the tours outlined above.
At The One Hundred Collection, our partners are the local experts. Outpost will guide you through the process of experiencing Jackson Hole through educational and unique tours!
