Frequently Asked Questions
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Wildlife & Natural History Questions
What if we don't see any wildlife?
Wildlife is wild, but we take you to the best spots at the best times, and have the binoculars and spotting scopes to get distant animals into view. Nothing is guaranteed but we are the first safari company in Jackson with a SEE WILDLIFE OR YOUR TOUR IS FREE! policy. We will offer you a refund if you don’t see at least one of these animals:
Bear, Beaver, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Coyote, Deer, Elk, Fox, Moose, Pronghorn, Otter or Wolf.
Does ‘safari’ mean we’ll get super close to animals?
The Park Service limits how close visitors can get to the wildlife:
- 25 feet from most large animals and
- 100 feet from bears, mountain lion and wolves.
- Off-road driving to chase wildlife is definitely not allowed.
- Use of artificial calls to mimic and attract wildlife is not allowed.
- Feeding wildlife is banned. It is bad for the animal’s health, and can lead to conflict with humans.
But even when the animals are far away our pro-grade optics will still get you a close up. This is a real North American wildlife experience, not a less-regulated African safari free-for-all.
That said, if a bull bison decides to saunter up to the vehicle, while we are stuck in a “bison jam” you are sure to get a great photo.
NOTE: Our job is to model good wildlife viewing practices. Please listen to your guide and respect the rules that are there for your and the wildlife’s safety. If we can’t stop safely and legally we will not stop. If there is no ranger around to enforce the rules, there is bound to be a cell-phone wielding traveler looking for some content to post on the “Tourons of Yellowstone” Instagram channel.
What wildlife will I see in the spring in Jackson Hole?
Winter lasts until late April, by which time most of the elk have moved off the National Elk Refuge and are following the green wave of new growth up the valley of Jackson Hole.
May and June are popular with Grizzly Bear watchers as mothers and cubs will come out of hibernation and often be seen close to the roads eating flowers, digging up plant tubers or hunting new-born elk calves.
Babies of all types are visible in spring.
Seasonal migrants like pronghorn, ospreys, pelicans start arriving in the valley, while the last of the bighorn sheep leave for the high country by the end of May.
We had small kids with us and they were patient and helpful with them. We found grizzly bears, bison, elk, and so many more animals. I’d recommend them to anyone who is looking to learn and explore this vast range.
What wildlife will I see in the summer in Jackson Hole?
By July and August many animals have moved out of the valley to follow the new growth up the mountains. Additionally, the dawn and dusk hours when animals are most active are less convenient: Not many people want to start a tour at 5:30am! Our 4-hour evening tours start at 5pm, which is tough on dinner plans, but we offer a charcuterie board on these tours.
That doesn’t mean you won’t see anything: Pronghorn migrate into the valley in summer, while bison, moose, beavers and otters stay put all year around.
During the bison mating season in August, it is not uncommon for an old bull to die of injuries sustained in a battle over breeding rights. He then becomes a 2,000lb buffet for the local bears and wolves, which can be quite a sight.
Summer is a good time to see birds. Pelicans, ospreys and sandhill cranes migrate into Jackson Hole and Yellowstone for the summer, and bald eagles hang out by the rivers.
Most people have no choice but to visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone in summer, and you are more likely to see iconic wildlife here than anywhere else in the country, but if you want to maximize your chances of a memorable wildlife encounter coming in another season won’t hurt.
Rachel was amazing. She interacted with my kids perfectly and was able to spot several animals even when there wasn’t a lot out and about. Would highly recommend.
What wildlife will I see in the fall in Jackson Hole?
In fall wildlife returns to the valley floor from the high country.
Late-August thru mid-September is berry season and bears will stay in the same area for days feasting on patches of fruit.
It is also the elk rut, when the calls of big bull elk echo around the valley. It’s called a bugle, but is far from the last post: more like an eerie whistle that morphs into a throaty grunt. You really need to hear it for yourself anytime from late-August to early October.
The moose mating season is late September to early October.
What wildlife will I see in winter in Jackson Hole?
November and December are a great time to see moose on the sage brush flats. Once the snow comes in they retreat back to the rivers or forest but are still commonly seen. Moose drop their antlers around the Christmas holidays, so come early if you want an iconic moose photo.
Elk are generally on the National Elk Refuge north of the town of Jackson from late December to early April. They shed their antlers in March.
If you want to see wolves in Jackson Hole, winter is the best time, as they follow the elk down to the Refuge.
It’s also a great time to see bighorn sheep. They are here all winter, but they mate in December, when you can see all sorts of interesting behavior and hear clap of rams butting heads.
Otters are easier to see in winter as they maintain fishing holes in the ice so your guides will know where to look for them.
When is a good time to see wildlife in Yellowstone?
Any season is a good time to see wildlife in Yellowstone. Wolves are visible in the Lamar and Hayden valleys year round. Bison are everywhere.
The issue of animals migrating out of the valleys and into the high country in summer is not as pronounced in Yellowstone with its high volcanic plateaus and elevated roads. The challenge with the prime wildlife watching hours being difficult in the height of summer remains. We’ve waited until 8:30-9pm in early August before two grizzlies and a pack of wolves emerged from the forest and feast on a bison carcass in the Lamar Valley.
The biggest impact on wildlife viewing in Yellowstone is often road closures and lack of services.
Keep in mind most of Yellowstone’s roads are closed from November 1 to mid-December, and accessible only via snowcoach or snowmobile during the winter season.
After winter accommodation closes at the end of February, roads will open as snow clears from early April to mid-May, but accommodation, dining and gas services are limited until early May. These services close progressively during the fall. Logistically touring Yellowstone on October 1 and October 31 are quite different challenges.
Is winter a good season for wildlife viewing?
Winter is a great time for wildlife watching:
• The days are short so the dawn and dusk hours when wildlife is most active are convenient,
• the animals are less likely to blend into the landscape and
• there is less foliage to obstruct your view.
If you do an overnight at Old Faithful you can expect to see as many bison as people!
Some animals are not visible in winter: Pronghorn migrate out of the valley in November. Bears are usually in hibernation by early December and beavers remain hidden as they move between their lodges and the bottom of their ice-covered ponds where they have cached food over the summer.
As for the cold, on our tours we have a cache of hot drinks to help keep you nice and warm.
When is peak fall leaf color in Jackson Hole?
Fall colors in the Tetons last from the beginning of September through mid-October, with peak colors historically happening around late September into early October. Tree health, elevation and seasonal variations in rainfall and nighttime temperatures influence when exactly leaves change color from season to season.
According to the United States National Arboretum, a wet growing season followed by a dry, sunny autumn with cool, frost-free nights results in the brightest fall colors. Drought will normally result in an early fall display.
While most people think of apsens, there are plenty of trees in Grand Teton that display changing fall colors including cottonwoods and willows and shrubs— such as serviceberry and mountain ash.
When is peak wildflower season in Jackson Hole?
Generally the best wildflowers in the sage brush flats on the valley floor occur in June. This is the month you will see the large showy yellow daisies: balsamroot, mule’s ears, arnica and sunflowers, that grace most of the iconic Teton in the spring images.
Peak wildflower display in the mountains occurs in July and August. Drought, winter snowpack and spring rainfall all contribute to the specific date a plant blooms.
The founder of Guides of Jackson Hole, Trevor Bloom, co-authored a study of Wildflower blooming in Grand Teton National Park, that found that between 2016-19 the first flowers of spring are now blossoming an average of 17 days sooner than they had during a similar study in the 1970s.
Here are the likely bloom times for popular wildflowers in Jackson Hole.
Arrowleaf Balsamroot: Mid-late June.
Little Sunflower: Mid-late June.
Mule’s Ears: Mid-June-early July.
Heart-leaf Arnica: Late-June-July
Sticky Geranium: June-August
Monkshood: June-August
Silvery Lupine: Mid-June-July
Larkspur: Mid-June-July
Columbine: Late June to August
Paintbrush: July
Monument Plant (Green Gentian): July
Fireweed: July-September
Rabbitbrush: August-October
I've visited the National Parks what other tours do you offer?
We offer a 10-hour tour through Grand Teton, over the continental divide to look at ancestral shoshone petroglyphs near Dubois Wyoming. It is one of our favorite tours.
Click for more information Summer (May-Oct.) | Winter (Nov. – Apr.)
General Questions
What happens if the weather is bad?
It’s the mountains, the weather can change quickly. Animals and thermal features are active all weathers. Our vehicles are warm, our guides adapt quickly, and even on moody days, the Tetons and Yellowstone can reveal a quieter, almost magical side.
While we have a 24-hour cancellation policy on most tours, we want you to have a good time. We are a small and nimble company, so we will work with you to reschedule your tour or come to a fair financial arrangement if the weather is truly miserable.
If the National Park Service or Wyoming, Idaho or Montana Departments of Transportation close the roads due to hazardous conditions, we will attempt to reschedule your trip. If that is not possible, we will refund you less the costs we cannot recover or offer a credit for a tour in the future.
We came in early November & our tour was actually on a day where there was a snow storm! Rachel made the best of it & still showed us as much as she could even with the weather conditions. We saw a few moose, bald eagles, elk, and beavers. Along with a tour of the Tetons and Jackson lake. Would highly recommend. Thank you!
What if my plans change?
Here is our Cancellation Policy. Our goal is not to part you from your money, but to ensure you have a great experience and leave satisfied no matter what.
DAY TOURS
You get free cancellation up to 24 hours before your day tour, and we try to be flexible inside that window whenever we can.
MULTI-DAY & LARGE GROUP TOURS
These tours often require us to deposit money with third parties such as hotels or rental companies which have their own cancellation policies up to 30 days. To ensure we can recover those costs:
- Cancellations made more than 35 days before departure will receive a refund less a 5% fee.
- Cancellations made between 35 days and 48 hours before the tour departure will be refunded after subtracting a 10% fee plus any costs we cannot recover from third parties. We will work with our providers to get most of your money back.
- Cancellations made within 48 hours of departure will not be refunded, but we are a small flexible company and will endeavor to work with you to reschedule your tour.
- As you are making a significant investment in a vacation we suggest you consider purchasing travel insurance.
Is this tour worth the price?
We understand you’re investing your vacation time and money in a curated, private experience led by passionate experts. You’ll get a fun, informative guide and control over your own route. You’ll see
- far more wildlife than you’d likely find on your own,
- spend less time searching for it,
- get a better view of it and,
- learn something about it.
Most guests call it the highlight of their entire trip. We’ve led 100s of tours, only one guest has said they wish they’d have done it self-guided. Remember, our SEE WILDLIFE OR YOUR TOUR IS FREE! policy: if you don’t see one of these animals: Bear, Beaver, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Coyote, Deer, Elk, Fox, Moose, Pronghorn, Otter or Wolf, we will be happy to offer you a refund.
We saw breathtaking scenery, learned so much about the park, and felt completely taken care of from start to finish. This was truly a highlight of our trip and something our boys are still talking about. If you’re visiting the Tetons—especially with kids—I can’t recommend a private tour like this enough. Worth every penny!
Why is this better than buying seats on public tour van?
We only do private tours. Compared to public tours you will
- Travel in a more luxurious vehicle,
- Not have your experience ruined by a stranger,
- Control your own route and stops,
- Have the Guide all to yourself,
- Will not waste time picking up and dropping off other guests,
- Not get treated like the umpteenth person going out on a tour that day,
- When you get to 4 people we are about the same price as 4 seats on the van: at that point it is a no-brainer.
We are not cheap, but we are fairly priced and we don’t pass huge administrative costs on to you because we don’t have them.
A last minute trip curated by a hands-on owner, Liam, who actually found out it was my birthday and bought me a cake. We had a dazzling and informative tour guide, Cami, who allowed us to choose our pace and places along the way! I would highly recommend this service!
What National Parks Passes should I get?
As most of our guests already have a parks pass or choose different types of passes, we find it is easier not to include it in the price of the tour. Passes can be purchased at:
- the entrance station during the tour
- online at Recreation.gov
- REI Jackson Hole .
Note: On a four-hour winter tour of Grand Teton, we might not enter the fee-paying area of Grand Teton National Park, so you might not need a pass at all.
U.S. Citizens & Residents
If you are just visiting one of Grand Teton or Yellowstone, it is $20/person for a 7 day pass.
Each park is a separate entity so to visit both, such as on a Yellowstone Highlights Tour, will cost $40/person.
An America the Beautiful Annual Pass covering entry to all National Parks for a full year is only $80. It covers a family/group of four, so it is usually the most economic option. You need to show ID when you present the annual pass card to National Park Ranger at the entrance station. Covering or defacing the image on the front of the 2026 Annual Pass can invalidate it. (Buy Pass)
Foreign Visitors
From January 2026 foreign visitors have to pay a surcharge to enter the most popular national parks including Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
If you are just visiting one of Grand Teton or Yellowstone, it is $120/person for a 7-day pass. Each park is a separate entity, so to visit both, such as on a Yellowstone Highlights Tour will cost $240/person.
An America the Beautiful Annual Pass covering all National Parks is only $250. It covers a family/group of four so it is the most economic option. You need to show ID when you present the annual pass card to National Park Ranger at the entrance station. (Buy Pass)
Are your guides qualified?
Your guide will be a trained naturalist, not just a driver, who brings depth, humor, storytelling and safety expertise to your day. We all have relevant degrees and keep up with the latest science. We have first aid and food-safety training beyond what is generally required. And we are all grateful to have such an amazing job.
Our guests consistently tell us the guide was “the best part of the tour.”
Liam and Rachel were amazing guides. So knowledgeable about the Tetons and whole Jackson Hole area. The focus on science and history sets them apart since they can help you to really understand what you’re looking at and why it happened.
Is this tour okay for young kids?
Absolutely. It is your private tour. There is no need to worry about what the other people in the van will think if you kid has a moment.
Generally, we suggest a 4-hour tour for kids, but we’ve had toddlers do 12-hour days in Yellowstone: You know what your kids are capable of. We’ll bring some toys, antler, fur and track samples, kid-sized binoculars and phone attachments to make looking through the spotting scope a breeze, and they will leave with a little stuffed animal memento made of recycled material.
Plus, For a family of 4, we are about the same price as 4 seats on the van.
10/10 for family! Great guide prepared and friendly. Would do over again and again! My young child loved it. I wasn’t sure if it would captivate him and Liam over exceeded!
Are there toilets along the way?
If you want something a little more civilized, we can find you one of those too. In late fall, winter and early spring the options might be fewer as facilities close down.
Benji was not only knowledgeable, but also incredibly thoughtful. He gave us insider tips on what to look for, pointed out details we would’ve easily missed, and even advised us on which restrooms were the cleanest (a surprisingly helpful touch!)
What should I wear on a summer tour?
Comfortable clothes and the most rugged/sporty pair of close-toed shoes you have with you. Save your glad rags for the Cowboy Bar.
The dawn hours can be chilly, even in mid-summer, so be prepared to layer up with a jacket, sweater or fleece. A shell coat that will repel wind and rain is always a good idea in the mountains.
What should I wear on a winter tour?
- winter hat, scarf and gloves
- the most rugged/sporty pair of boots/shoes you have with you.
- layer up with a puffy jacket, sweater or fleece.
- a shell coat that will repel wind and rain is a perfect outer layer.
What vehicles does Guides of Jackson Hole operate?
We operate large luxurious Ford Expedition SUVs that can seat 6 guests and carry our gear which includes a hot drinks bar.
If it is a longer tour and a larger party, we might provide a van and or split your group into two separate Expeditions.
In winter we will throw in some Rumpl blankets so you can stay warm when you hop out of the vehicle to view wildlife.
Grand Teton Tour-Related Questions
Is 4 hours long enough to see everything?
In four hours, we can cover most of Grand Teton National Park. Depending on wildlife sightings we might be pushed for time, but most people are happy to miss a view for an extra 15 minutes watching a moose.
If you need more than 15-minutes extra time, you can work that out in the moment with your guide. If they have time to extend the tour, please pay them directly using cash or venmo. Other companies will charge $100s per hour to extend a trip, but we would rather not try and take payment while you are out there with dodgy cell coverage, but we trust you will reward your guide in addition to their normal tip.
A must do! Our 4 hours with Cami flew by. We were shown places in the park we never would have found on our own.
Can we go on a guided hike in Grand Teton?
There is no guided hiking permitted in Grand Teton National Park. We can take you short walks within half a mile of a trailhead but on a 4-hour tour there is usually not time for that.
If you want to explore some of Grand Teton on foot we suggest our 8-hour full day tour. If you find a place you like you can return and do the hike another day.
If you want a guided hike, we offer those in Yellowstone. You can hike to a lake anywhere, but you can only visit a backcountry geyser in Yellowstone.
Click here for our list of recommended Hikes in Grand Teton.
Cami, our guide, was a perfect guide for us. The trip to Yellowstone was well thought out with just the right amount of car time and hiking for us and our 8 year old. Cami was extremely well informed and we learned a ton about the native flora and wildlife. My family had an unforgettable day!
What's the difference between a half and full day tour?
Half-Day Tours (4 Hours)
The summer half-day tour covers most of Grand Teton National Park. In the summer when the inner park road is open, we can usually complete the loop between the inner road and the main highway.
In winter (November 1 – April 30) the inner park road and many of the back roads are closed. There is more out and back travel on the main highway and Gros Ventre roads as the loops are closed off. We visit the National Elk Refuge road to look for bighorn sheep, elk and other animals, which we don’t do in summer
This is plenty for most guests, and if we get delayed by a wildlife sighting we can usually add a little time to the tour.
Full-Day Tours (8 Hours)
In summer the full-day Grand Teton tour gives you more time to explore the backroads and the northern areas of the park, take short walks (up to half a mile from the trailhead) and spend more time looking for wildlife.
In winter (November 1 – April 30) the inner park road and many of the back roads are closed. The full-day Grand Teton makes up for the reduced access to the park by including time at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, or on a National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride, which is included in the price
Yellowstone Tour-Related Questions
Can you really see Yellowstone in a single day?
That said, if you want to see all of Yellowstone, we offer custom multi-day tours. An Overnight stay in or near the park is necessary to see it all.
An Unforgettable Yellowstone Experience – Worth Every Penny! My husband and I had an absolutely incredible day exploring Yellowstone with our private guide, Benji. Given the sheer size of the park and our limited time, I was initially nervous about trying to navigate it on our own. But from the moment our tour began, I knew we were in great hands.
Can we go hiking with a guide in Yellowstone?
We offer guided hiking in Yellowstone. Depending on your fitness and ambition we offer hikes of various levels from a flat couple of miles around Storm Point or the Old Faithful area to 1000ft a mile lung-busters like Avalanche Peak.
Our guided day hikes from Jackson are usually 12-hour trips and depending on the hike we can combine it with sightseeing on the way.
Cami, our guide, was a perfect guide for us. The trip to Yellowstone was well thought out with just the right amount of car time and hiking for us and our 8 year old. Cami was extremely well informed and we learned a ton about the native flora and wildlife. My family had an unforgettable day!
Will I miss anything important?
Think of Yellowstone’s road network as a figure of 8 with branches coming off to the West, North, Northeast, East and South Entrances.
On our day tour, we enter from the south and do the lower loop of the 8. You won’t miss the major must-sees like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Hayden Valley, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.
Mammoth Hot Springs, the Lamar Valley, Dunraven Pass and Tower Falls are in the northern part of the park on or off the top loop of the 8. They require an a 2-day trip from Jackson.
Do we spend most of the day in the car?
Visiting Yellowstone involves driving, but we break it up with stops at scenic spots, wildlife viewing, short walks, and bathroom breaks throughout the day. It’s unlikely you will be in the vehicle for more than an hour without getting out.
The drive up to and back from Yellowstone, passes through Grand Teton National Park so it’s one of the most scenic 260-mile journeys in the country, and you can relax and enjoy it without having to drive or navigate, because we do that for you.
You do get out of the cars a lot, but it was nice to have room. We saw lots of animals, elk, moose, bear, bison and pronghorn. They have telescopic lenses to get better pictures during the day and then they air dropped those to us. We also had lunch near Old Faithful as we waited for the next eruption. The views we saw were amazing.
How do you decide what we see?
Ultimately, it is your private tour so we can cover what is important to you. If you care more about wildlife, or waterfalls, or thermal features, or photography, we adjust the focus so your day reflects your priorities.
Appreciated the personalized service, flexibility, affordable pricing and Liam was a friendly and knowledgeable guide! Loved going to all the little spots others might not know about as well as the main spots you don’t want to miss too. Highly recommend Guides of Jackson Hole and put Yellowstone on your bucket list if not already! it was breathtaking.
Is this physically manageable?
Because it is your private tour we can set a pace that is suitable for everyone from small children to their grandparents. We move at a relaxed, comfortable pace in spacious vehicles, with frequent stops and plenty of chances to stretch, learn, and enjoy the scenery. The longest you will walk is about a mile, if we choose to visit the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook.
I have occasional knee issues, and Benji went out of his way to drop me off as close as possible to each site before parking the car, which made the day so much more enjoyable.
Is a 12-hour Yellowstone tour good for kids?
We have toys for them to play with, fur, antler and track samples of them to look at and kid-sized binoculars and phone attachments on our spotting scopes so they can see the action easily.
It sounds like a lot, but we’ve had several toddlers do this trip. And the beauty of doing a PRIVATE tour is you don’t have to worry about what the stranger in Seat 2A thinks if your child has a moment.
What is the best tour to see all of Yellowstone?
An overnight tour is required to see all the sights in Yellowstone. This gives you a chance to get to the northern part of the park, and enables us to include some short hikes if you want to stretch your legs. We even have 2-day tours dedicated to hiking.
If you really want to see wolves, 2 or 3 nights, will increase your chances significantly.
One option is to fly into Bozeman, MT (BZN), have us pick you up there, tour Yellowstone for a few days and finish your vacation with 4/5 days in Jackson.
My husband planned this trip with Liam for my 50th birthday celebration! Along with our guides, Liam and Benji, our family friend, and our 11-year-old daughter we shared an incredible week of wildlife sightings, backcountry, snowshoeing, geothermal features, laughter, and memories.