About Us Our Mission
Can’t see the coyote over the snow bank? We have a solution for that!
A balance between the cause of conservation & not causing harm.
What Guides Us
First, We Focus On You, Our Guests
Without you we are not able to work in this special place. We are a small group with a relentless focus on the people entrusting us with their money and vacation time.
We attend to the details and work with you to build a personal experience.
Second, It's Based On Science
We believe in science. Guides of Jackson Hole was founded by a renowned local botanist and we're proud that all of our guides have science degrees.
Science underpins the stories we tell about the land and its wildlife, whether that is an interesting fact or the ingenuity of a scientist that led to its discovery. Far from the established facts taught in school, we appreciate that at the edges of inquiry science is debated and ever-evolving.
Beth wanted a picnic on her dusk tour so we made it happen.
Third, Conservation
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is as close as you can get to the wild America of pre-Columbian times. It has been preserved and restored by those who came before us for you to enjoy.
Our hope is that by sharing this land with you—showing you its wonders and detailing the lives of its wild inhabitants—you too will be enlisted to help in its continued conservation.
We recognize what we do is a compromise: the interface between the human and wild worlds is complex. We're excited to offer guests up close access to Yellowstone's greatest wildlife while prioritizing minimal impact on the animals' behavior. We aim to give guests an authentic look into how these animals live while championing the continued preservation of the 50,000 acres of wilderness that they call home.
Wonder what the animal being watched makes of this?
Conservation Challenges
We also recognize three other realities:
First, not all our neighbors value the bear or the wilderness as much as we do. Their concerns are legitimate, and need to be listened to.
Second, we cannot talk of this being close to a Pre-Columbian ecosystem without acknowledging the descendants of the first people on this land. They have been impacted over the last 500 years as much as the wildlife.
Third, conservation can have unintended consequences. 97% of the land in Teton County is federally owned. Much of what's left is placed under Conservation Easements, leaving little land for "development". We've had guides living in vans and hotel rooms. We have to find a balance between the housing needs of the people who make your vacation great, with the preservation of the wild lands you've come to see.
Reconnecting Eastern Shoshone & Northern Arapaho people to buffalo. MORE…
Finally, Sustainability
Sustainability is a world view.
Reuse: Maximizing The Use Of Things:
Whether repurposing the pile of junk mail sitting beside me as note paper, or thoughtfully maintaining our existing tour vehicles while ensuring the highest quality, we're committed to maximizing our use of resources.
The milk you don't finish is perfect in my coffee.
Refuse: Deciding Not To Use Things:
While it would be easier to serve hot drinks in a disposable cup, we serve ours in a Yeti mug.
Our array of cold drinks come in aluminum bottles and cans.
Plus, the drinks you enjoy on your trip are heated and cooled by renewable energy.
We'd love to get rid of pre-packaged snacks but that butts up against food hygiene and food waste considerations.
Reduce: Minimizing the Use of Things
We try to reduce the number of trips we take into town by being thoughtful about what needs to be done on each visit.
When we stop to view wildlife, snap scenic photos or pick you up for a tour, we follow a no idling policy.
Recycle: Give Resources A Second Chance
Recycling in a mountain town is strict, but we are committed to using things that can be recycled.
Or in the case of the soft toys we give out to kids, are made from recycled materials.
Sustainability Is Also A Challenge.
Buying local is a great idea, but this valley is not capable of feeding the people who live here, and raw food we serve like cocoa, coffee and tea can't be grown here.
And then there is the elephant in the room for all places trying to do tourism sustainably: Flying. We know most of you flew here, as we do when we leave on our vacations. Often there is no practical alternative.
We serve hot drinks with good intentions.
A Shout Out To Our Suppliers
We picked these small brands with a commitment to doing good.
Cheers to non-plastic tea bags and coffee bags trying to get there!
POW Protect Our Winters
Protect Our Winters (POW) turns outdoor passion into climate action. We unite millions of athletes, brands, and outdoor enthusiasts into the bipartisan voting bloc known as the Outdoor State™ to push for clean air, water, and a healthy planet. From helping pass the largest climate bill in U.S. history to defending public lands, we drive political will and highlight the science and economic upside of climate progress.
We support POW with an annual $5000 donation because:
- they operate in the outdoor community,
- they are big on advocacy, which is where the most significant change happens,
- and they emphasize the positives in the fight against climate change and the conservation of public lands.
We are a Basecamp Partner of POW. MORE…