What Grand Teton Tours offers
Grand Teton Tours is a tour operator based in Jackson, Wyoming, that runs guided trips through Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding Jackson Hole area. The company offers several tour formats: full-day and half-day bus tours, wildlife viewing expeditions, hiking trips, and seasonal photography tours. Tours depart from Jackson and typically include a guide, transportation, and sometimes meals or snacks depending on the package you choose.
The company has been operating in the Jackson area for decades and focuses on small-group experiences rather than large coach tours. Most tours cap at around 12 to 15 people per vehicle, which means you get closer access to wildlife and more personalized attention from your guide than you would on a 40-person bus.
Key Takeaways
- Grand Teton Tours runs half-day and full-day guided trips through Grand Teton National Park, with separate options for wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography.
- Tours depart from Jackson, Wyoming, and most groups are limited to 12 to 15 people per vehicle so guides can provide detailed commentary and stop frequently.
- You can book directly through the company's website or by phone, and most tours run year-round though availability changes by season.
- Prices vary by tour length and type, and the company typically includes a guide and transportation but you should confirm what meals or gear are provided before booking.
- Tours fill up during peak summer months (June through August), so booking several weeks ahead is common during that window.
Tour types and what each one covers
The company's main offering is the full-day Grand Teton tour, which typically runs 8 to 10 hours and covers the park's major viewpoints, valleys, and wildlife habitat. You'll stop at places like Oxbow Bend, Jenny Lake, and the Mormon Row historic homesteads. A guide narrates the landscape, wildlife, and park history throughout the day.
The half-day tour is a shorter version (usually 4 to 5 hours) that hits the most popular viewpoints and is often chosen by visitors with limited time or those combining it with other Jackson activities. The wildlife tour focuses specifically on finding and observing animals—elk, bison, moose, bears, and birds—and may spend more time in areas where sightings are likely rather than stopping at scenic overlooks.
Hiking tours pair a guide with a walk into the park, ranging from straightforward valley walks to more strenuous mountain trails. Photography tours are seasonal (typically spring through fall) and are led by a guide who knows the best light, angles, and locations for capturing the landscape. These often run early morning or late afternoon when light is softer.
How to book a tour
You can book through Grand Teton Tours' website by selecting your tour date, tour type, and number of people. The website shows availability in real time, so you can see which dates have openings. You'll enter your contact information and payment details to complete the reservation.
You can also call the company directly to book over the phone, which is useful if you have questions about which tour fits your interests or fitness level, or if you want to know about group discounts. The company's phone number and hours are listed on their website.
Most tours require payment at the time of booking, though some operators offer a cancellation window (often 24 to 48 hours before the tour) for a refund. Check the specific tour's cancellation policy when you book, as it varies by tour type and season.
What to bring and wear
Grand Teton weather changes rapidly, so layers are essential even in summer. Bring a light jacket or fleece, long pants or jeans, and closed-toe hiking shoes or sneakers. Mornings and evenings are cool year-round, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses—the sun reflects off water and snow and is intense at this elevation. A water bottle (refillable or bring your own) is important because you'll be outside for hours and the dry air at elevation makes dehydration straightforward to miss. Binoculars are helpful for wildlife viewing but not required; many guides carry spotting scopes and will point out animals you might otherwise miss.
For hiking tours, wear sturdy hiking boots rather than sneakers if you have them, and bring trekking poles if you own them (they reduce strain on knees on downhill sections). For photography tours, bring whatever camera gear you have—phone cameras work fine, but bring extra batteries or a charging cable.
Pricing and what's included
Prices vary by tour type and length. Half-day tours typically cost less than full-day tours, and specialty tours like photography or hiking may have different pricing than standard scenic tours. The company's website lists current prices for each tour option.
Most tours include the guide and transportation in a vehicle. Some full-day tours include a lunch or snacks; check the tour description to see what's provided. If lunch isn't included, you may have time to eat at a park facility or bring your own food.
Group discounts are sometimes available for parties of 8 or more, so ask about that when booking if you're traveling with a larger group. Seasonal pricing may explore—summer peak season is typically more expensive than spring or fall.
When to book and best times to visit
Summer (June through August) is peak season, and popular tours fill up weeks in advance. If you're visiting during that window, book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) have fewer crowds and often better wildlife viewing because animals are more active in cooler temperatures. Winter tours are limited but available for visitors interested in snow-covered landscapes.
Early morning tours often have better wildlife sightings because animals are more active at dawn. If wildlife viewing is your priority, ask about tour times when you book—a guide can tell you which departure time typically offers the best chances.
What to expect on the day of your tour
You'll meet your group and guide at a designated meeting point in Jackson (usually a hotel or parking area). The guide will do a brief introduction, explain the day's itinerary, and answer any when ready questions. You'll then board the vehicle and head into the park.
Throughout the day, the guide will stop at viewpoints, explain what you're seeing, and watch for wildlife. If the group spots an animal, the guide will stop and give everyone time to observe and photograph. Stops typically last 15 to 45 minutes depending on the location and what's happening. You'll have a lunch break on full-day tours (either included or at a facility where you can buy food).
The tour ends back at the meeting point in Jackson. The guide will typically ask for feedback and may offer recommendations for other activities or restaurants in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in good physical shape for a Grand Teton tour?
Standard scenic tours require no special fitness—you're mostly sitting in a vehicle and standing at viewpoints. Hiking tours vary in difficulty; the company describes each hike's length and elevation gain on the website, so you can choose one that matches your fitness level. Call ahead if you're unsure whether a particular hike is right for you.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
Tours typically run in light rain or snow because the landscape is still visible and wildlife viewing is often good. Severe weather (lightning, heavy snow blocking roads) may cause cancellation. The company will contact you if that happens and offer to reschedule you on another date.
Can I bring children on a tour?
Yes. Most tours are family-friendly, though very young children may get restless on full-day trips. Half-day tours are often better for families with small kids. Ask the company about age minimums for hiking tours, as some have restrictions based on trail difficulty.
Will I definitely see wildlife?
Wildlife sightings are never may provide, but guides know where animals are typically found and will position the group for the best chances. Even if you don't see large animals like moose or bears, you'll usually see elk, bison, or birds. The guide will explain animal behavior and ecology throughout the day regardless of what you spot.
How far in advance do I need to book?
During summer peak season, 2 to 3 weeks ahead is standard. Spring, fall, and winter often have more availability and you may be able to book a week or two out. Check the website to see real-time availability for your preferred dates.