Jackson Hole, Wyo., is also a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts, offering incredible opportunities to observe North America's iconic animals in their natural habitats. For those eager to connect with the wild, discovering where and when to spot these magnificent creatures is key to an unforgettable experience. The region's diverse ecosystems, from vast open valleys to dense forests and pristine waterways, support a rich array of wildlife.
This guide will detail the best places and times to spot these animals and highlight options for guided Jackson Hole wildlife tours.
Wildlife Safaris with Expert Guides
For an enhanced and educational wildlife viewing experience, consider joining one of the many professional Jackson Hole wildlife tours. These guided safaris often increase your chances of spotting specific animals and provide valuable insights into the local ecosystem.
Companies like Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris and Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures offer half-day or full-day safaris, guided hikes, and photography workshops. Their expert naturalist guides, equipped with high-quality optics, know the best locations and times for wildlife activity, and can identify species and explain animal behaviors. Tours are available year-round, with specific safaris tailored for summer (May-October) for moose, bison, and bears, and winter (November-April) for elk, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Companies like Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris and Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures offer half-day or full-day safaris, guided hikes, and photography workshops. Their expert naturalist guides, equipped with high-quality optics, know the best locations and times for wildlife activity, and can identify species and explain animal behaviors. Tours are available year-round, with specific safaris tailored for summer (May-October) for moose, bison, and bears, and winter (November-April) for elk, bighorn sheep, and coyotes.
Where to Spot Various Wildlife
Elk at the National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge, bordering the town of Jackson, is one of the most iconic places in Jackson Hole to see elk, particularly during the winter months. This 25,000-acre refuge provides a critical winter sanctuary for one of North America's largest elk herds, protecting them during migration.
In winter (typically December through April), thousands of elk gather on the refuge, making for spectacular viewing opportunities. Visitors can take horse-drawn sleigh rides directly into the herd, offering an incredibly close and immersive encounter. During the fall (September-October), the elk rut, or mating season, is in full swing, and bull elk can be seen bugling and clashing antlers, especially in areas like Antelope Flats and Mormon Row within Grand Teton National Park, which borders the refuge.
In winter (typically December through April), thousands of elk gather on the refuge, making for spectacular viewing opportunities. Visitors can take horse-drawn sleigh rides directly into the herd, offering an incredibly close and immersive encounter. During the fall (September-October), the elk rut, or mating season, is in full swing, and bull elk can be seen bugling and clashing antlers, especially in areas like Antelope Flats and Mormon Row within Grand Teton National Park, which borders the refuge.
Moose in Riparian Habitats
Moose are one of Jackson Hole's most beloved and iconic species. They thrive in lush riparian habitats near rivers, streams, and wetlands. Approximately 400 individual moose comprise the Jackson Hole Moose Herd, and they can be seen year-round.
Prime locations for moose sightings include Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend, particularly during early morning or late evening hours. Moose-Wilson Road, a scenic drive within Grand Teton National Park, is renowned for frequent moose encounters. Fall (September-October) is an excellent time to visit during the rutting season when bulls might be sparring, or in spring (May-June) when cow moose are active with their calves. These majestic giants often graze on aquatic plants or willows along waterways.
Prime locations for moose sightings include Schwabacher Landing and Oxbow Bend, particularly during early morning or late evening hours. Moose-Wilson Road, a scenic drive within Grand Teton National Park, is renowned for frequent moose encounters. Fall (September-October) is an excellent time to visit during the rutting season when bulls might be sparring, or in spring (May-June) when cow moose are active with their calves. These majestic giants often graze on aquatic plants or willows along waterways.
Bison on the Open Plains
Bison, the largest mammal in North America, are an influential and iconic presence in Grand Teton National Park. These impressive animals, weighing as much as 2,200 pounds, often travel in large herds and are a magnificent sight to behold.
One of the best places to observe the park's approximately 500 bison is along Highway 191, especially just south of Moran Junction, and in areas like Antelope Flats Road. The open sage and grasslands of Antelope Flats provide a perfect setting to see bison grazing against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range. They are often visible during summer and autumn as they feed on the rich native grasses.
One of the best places to observe the park's approximately 500 bison is along Highway 191, especially just south of Moran Junction, and in areas like Antelope Flats Road. The open sage and grasslands of Antelope Flats provide a perfect setting to see bison grazing against the dramatic backdrop of the Teton Range. They are often visible during summer and autumn as they feed on the rich native grasses.
Bears: Grizzlies and Black Bears
Grand Teton National Park is home to grizzly and black bears, though spotting them often requires patience and knowing their preferred habitats. Grizzly bears are technically possible to see anywhere in the park, but certain areas increase your chances.
Adult male grizzly bears typically emerge from their dens in March, with females and cubs following in April and early May. Spring (May-June) and late summer (August-September, when bears forage for berries) are often the best times. Look for them in areas like Pilgrim Creek, Willow Flats, and around Jackson Lake Dam or Oxbow Bend. Black bear activity can also increase around lakeshore areas and trails like the Teton Pass trail system. Remember to maintain a safe distance (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves) and carry bear spray when exploring.
Adult male grizzly bears typically emerge from their dens in March, with females and cubs following in April and early May. Spring (May-June) and late summer (August-September, when bears forage for berries) are often the best times. Look for them in areas like Pilgrim Creek, Willow Flats, and around Jackson Lake Dam or Oxbow Bend. Black bear activity can also increase around lakeshore areas and trails like the Teton Pass trail system. Remember to maintain a safe distance (at least 100 yards from bears and wolves) and carry bear spray when exploring.
Trumpeter Swans and Waterfowl
Jackson Hole is a vital habitat for trumpeter swans, the largest waterfowl species in North America, and a wide variety of other birds. Their elegant presence on the water delights birdwatchers.
Trumpeter swans can often be seen gliding along Flat Creek, which flows out of the National Elk Refuge into the town of Jackson. Christian Pond within Grand Teton National Park also hosts resident trumpeter swan families. Other excellent birding spots include Oxbow Bend and below Jackson Lake Dam, where you might also see pelicans, osprey, and various duck species. Spring migrations bring an influx of diverse bird species, making it an excellent time for birdwatching.
Trumpeter swans can often be seen gliding along Flat Creek, which flows out of the National Elk Refuge into the town of Jackson. Christian Pond within Grand Teton National Park also hosts resident trumpeter swan families. Other excellent birding spots include Oxbow Bend and below Jackson Lake Dam, where you might also see pelicans, osprey, and various duck species. Spring migrations bring an influx of diverse bird species, making it an excellent time for birdwatching.
Bighorn Sheep on Miller Butte
Bighorn sheep are another magnificent species to seek out in Jackson Hole. They are particularly known for their agility on rocky terrain and their impressive curled horns. During the autumn through spring months, bighorn sheep frequently descend to Miller Butte, which offers open meadows, rolling hills, and rocky cliffs that they prefer.
Driving the Refuge Road, open from December 1st to April 30th for 3.5 miles, can provide excellent opportunities to observe them from your vehicle. It is a striking sight to see these sure-footed animals navigate the steep slopes.
Driving the Refuge Road, open from December 1st to April 30th for 3.5 miles, can provide excellent opportunities to observe them from your vehicle. It is a striking sight to see these sure-footed animals navigate the steep slopes.
Wildlife Along the Snake River
The Snake River, which winds its way through Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, is a lifeline for a diverse array of wildlife. It offers excellent viewing opportunities from its banks or during a scenic float trip.
Along the river's calm stretches, you might spot river otters, beavers, and muskrats. Bald eagles and osprey are frequently seen perched in trees or soaring overhead, especially near areas where fish are plentiful. Floating the Snake River, particularly a scenic float trip within Grand Teton National Park, provides a peaceful way to observe wildlife along the riparian corridors without disturbing them. Companies like Solitude Float Trips offer guided scenic floats with naturalists pointing out wildlife.
Along the river's calm stretches, you might spot river otters, beavers, and muskrats. Bald eagles and osprey are frequently seen perched in trees or soaring overhead, especially near areas where fish are plentiful. Floating the Snake River, particularly a scenic float trip within Grand Teton National Park, provides a peaceful way to observe wildlife along the riparian corridors without disturbing them. Companies like Solitude Float Trips offer guided scenic floats with naturalists pointing out wildlife.
Work with Colby Murphy for Jackson Hole Real Estate
If you're ready to buy or sell in Jackson Hole, Colby Murphy brings the energy, experience, and drive to help you succeed. With a background in competitive cycling and a proven track record in luxury real estate markets like La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe, Colby thrives in high-performance environments.
Colby pairs an intense work ethic with a commitment to protecting his clients’ interests through every step of the transaction. Whether you're seeking a legacy home in the Tetons or looking to make a strategic move in a competitive market, Colby’s attention to detail and deep local insight will make the difference. With a lifestyle rooted in the Jackson Hole community and a professional focus on real estate excellence, Colby is your trusted guide to buying or selling in this extraordinary place.
Reach out today to get started. Browse real estate in Jackson Hole here.
Colby pairs an intense work ethic with a commitment to protecting his clients’ interests through every step of the transaction. Whether you're seeking a legacy home in the Tetons or looking to make a strategic move in a competitive market, Colby’s attention to detail and deep local insight will make the difference. With a lifestyle rooted in the Jackson Hole community and a professional focus on real estate excellence, Colby is your trusted guide to buying or selling in this extraordinary place.
Reach out today to get started. Browse real estate in Jackson Hole here.
