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Ten Jackson Hole and Grand Teton tours, from $115 to $1,348 per person (2 travelers). From November 23, 2026 to January 21, 2027, four are open: a closed-vehicle safari, a sunset tour, a fishing trip and an elk refuge day. Open-vehicle safari returns in 2027.
Verified on via the Viator partner API (prices, ratings, availability).
There are two ways to get it wrong in Jackson Hole. The first is booking an open-vehicle safari in November, when that vehicle does not yet exist for the season. The second is assuming that a wildlife tour guarantees you will see a particular animal. We went through the Viator catalog tours rated at least 4.7 with at least 100 reviews. Of the 35 tours that clear that bar, we kept ten, to cover wildlife, sunset, water, winter and private trips. For each one, we checked what is open, on which dates and at what price, so you can avoid those two traps.
The check was run on November 9, 2026, for a booking between November 23, 2026 and January 21, 2027. Of the ten tours, six have no slot in that window: their dates open in 2027, with the summer season. We are not removing them, because they remain the most complete choices for a visit in June or July. But you need to know before you click, and each listing shows the window of its check.
The highlight of the list is the 4-hour wildlife sunset adventure, the most reviewed with 1,391 reviews and a 4.94 rating. If you want to see the park at the end of the day and your stay falls in summer 2027, check its slots on Viator.
Two points before we start. First, a safari is never a guarantee: Viator describes a wildlife search, not a sighting. Second, the park entrance fee and the non-resident surcharge are not included in the Viator prices, as the practical section explains. The tours are not sorted by season: the season decides what you can book, and each listing states it.
Why Jackson Hole and Grand Teton: the season decides the choice
Jackson Hole refers to the valley of Teton County, in northwest Wyoming, with the town of Jackson as its base. Grand Teton National Park lies just to the north, at the foot of the Teton Range, a Rocky Mountain massif shared by Wyoming and Idaho. That skyline is in most of the photos, and it is from town that almost every tour on the list departs.
The Snake River runs through the valley, and its float trips pass in front of the Tetons. North of town, the National Elk Refuge hosts large numbers of elk in winter. That is what sets Jackson apart from Yellowstone: you can see an elk a few miles from town and the Tetons on the same day. Yellowstone is bigger, with its geysers, but one day is not enough to see it and the drive is long. Grand Teton can be visited from a single base, which leaves time for the water and for hiking.
The season decides almost everything. According to the NPS, Teton Park Road opens May 1 and closes October 31 for the winter. Floats mostly run from May to September, and open-vehicle safaris only run from June to mid-September. In spring, the calves are born; grizzlies are often seen in spring and late summer, at dawn or dusk; autumn is the elk rut; in winter, the bears hibernate and the wildlife gathers at the refuge.
The tours are not ranked by price or grouped by function: their order implies no hierarchy and no recommendation. A reader looking for a November safari does not have the same options as one who wants a July float. The season is therefore written into each listing, and the table below gives the check for the whole list at a glance, in the same order as the listings.
The 10 tours compared: prices, ratings and availability
| Experience | Duration | Price per adult (based on 2) | Rating (reviews) | Free cancellation | Days available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 4-hour wildlife sunset tour | 4 hours | $215 | 4.94 (1,391) | Yes | 60 of 60 (2027 season) |
| 2. Safari in a closed or open-air vehicle | 4 hours | $159 | 4.89 (1,371) | No | 59 of 60 (J+14 window) |
| 3. Half-day sunset safari | Half day | $170 | 4.84 (151) | Yes | 52 of 60 (J+14 window) |
| 4. Winter day at the National Elk Refuge | 8 hours | $219 | 4.98 (323) | No | 20 of 60 (J+14 window) |
| 5. Guided fly fishing, full day | Full day | $475 | 4.97 (247) | Yes | 60 of 60 (J+14 window) |
| 6. Scenic float on the Snake | 3 hours | $115 | 4.92 (1,170) | Yes | 60 of 60 (2027 season) |
| 7. Class III rafting on the Snake | 3 hours | $120 | 4.9 (438) | Yes | 60 of 60 (2027 season) |
| 8. Half-day vehicle safari | 4 hours | $170 | 4.83 (401) | Yes | 60 of 60 (2027 season) |
| 9. Full-day 8-hour tour with lunch | 8 hours | $279 | 4.98 (222) | No | 26 of 60 (2027 season) |
| 10. Private 8-hour adventure | 8 hours | $1,348 (private group) | 5.0 (109) | Yes | 22 of 52 (2027 season) |
Prices and availability from the Viator partner API, checked on November 9, 2026, for the window from November 23, 2026 to January 21, 2027, or for the 2027 season when no winter slot is open. They may change.
The 10 tours to book, one by one
1. 4-hour wildlife sunset tour
This is the most reviewed tour on the list: 1,391 reviews for a 4.94 rating, in a format that covers the end of the day. The tour lasts four hours in an adventure vehicle with roof hatches and panoramic windows, with a naturalist guide, spotting scopes, Swarovski binoculars, and specimens and tools to explain what you see. If you want the Tetons as the light changes, this is the most direct format on the list. The point that matters for your date: the check shows a single window, from July 5 to September 2, 2027. There is no slot in November. You can lock in a summer date now, with instant confirmation and free cancellation. The meeting point listed is the Simpson and Milward garage in Jackson. Ask the operator how long the drive to the park takes before you book: it is the first number to check on a four-hour outing.
- Adventure vehicle with roof hatches and panoramic windows
- Naturalist guide, Swarovski binoculars and spotting scopes
- Window checked: July 5 to September 2, 2027
2. Safari in a closed or open-air vehicle, depending on the season
This is the card to play if you are in Jackson in November or December. The tour is open on the J+14 window for 59 days out of 60, with a closed vehicle that is heated or air-conditioned depending on the season, and hotel pickup in the approved Jackson Hole zone from November to mid-May. The open-air vehicle only runs from June to mid-September. Read the listing before you book, because the title « closed or open-air vehicle » covers two different experiences. Four hours, with snacks, water and soda, in a small group. As with any wildlife tour, nothing guarantees you will see a specific animal: Viator describes a search. Confirmation is not instant and happens in two steps. Cancellation is not free, so this is not the card for a trip whose dates are not yet fixed.
- Open on the J+14 window: 59 days out of 60
- Hotel pickup from November to mid-May
- Snacks, water and soda included
3. Half-day sunset safari, small group
This is the only sunset tour on the list that runs in winter: 52 days out of 60 in the window from November 23, 2026 to January 21, 2027. The format is a half-day small-group outing, timed for when the light drops over the valley, with hotel or marina pickup possible. The catalog does not give an exact duration: plan for a full late afternoon and ask the operator for the exact meeting time. Departure is from the Home Ranch Welcome Center, at the corner of Cache Street and Gill Street, in Jackson. Cancellation is free and confirmation is instant. The catch is the cold: once the sun is down, temperatures drop fast in December. Bring a warm jacket and gloves, even if the day felt mild.
- Only sunset tour open in winter on the list
- Hotel or marina pickup possible
- Free cancellation
4. Winter day at the National Elk Refuge and in the park
The only winter product on the list, and the most complete for the cold season. Eight hours with lunch at a restaurant, drinks, binoculars and admission to the National Elk Refuge. The schedule runs from December to early April, four days a week. In the J+14 window, 20 days out of 60 are open, starting December 19, 2026. The admission included is the refuge’s, not the park’s: the distinction matters, because the park entrance fee is paid separately (see the practical section). The meeting point is not listed in the catalog and must be confirmed when you book. Cancellation is not free. This is the right choice if you want to see elk in numbers, because sources describe the refuge as their gathering place in winter. Bears, meanwhile, are hibernating at this time of year: do not hope for grizzlies.
- Lunch at a restaurant and drinks included
- Schedule from December to early April, four days a week
- Meeting point to be confirmed
5. Guided fly fishing, full day
For anyone who wants to spend the day on the water without a car ride, guided fly fishing is the only option on the list that does not feel like a tour. The package covers a full day, with boat, lunch, drinks, gear and instruction. The guide is private, which matters a lot for a beginner learning to cast. It is also the most expensive product on the list: $475 per adult based on two travelers. Two points to note. The Wyoming fishing license is not included for ages 14 and up. And confirmation is manual, so plan a margin before your trip. The product is open across the full J+14 window, 60 days out of 60, and cancellation is free. The meeting point listed is the Albertsons store on Buffalo Way in Jackson, to be confirmed on the day of booking.
- Private guide, boat, lunch and gear included
- Wyoming fishing license not included (ages 14 and up)
- Open across the full J+14 window
6. Scenic Snake River float, no rapids
This is the most accessible product on the list, and one of the most reviewed: 1,170 reviews for a 4.92 rating, at $115 per adult based on two travelers. Three hours on the Snake by raft, with no rapids, with a river guide, a personal flotation device and ponchos in case of rain. The Tetons stay in view for the whole float. River operators mention bald eagles, otters, beavers and sometimes elk on the banks: this is not a guarantee, but it is a good reason to go in June. The check covers the 2027 season, from June 1 to July 30, with 60 days out of 60 available. Cancellation is free and confirmation is instant. Meeting is 30 minutes before departure, and the operator confirms the location the day before, so keep a phone number you can reach the evening before.
- Three hours on the water, no rapids
- River guide, life vest and ponchos provided
- Meeting point confirmed the day before
7. Class III rafting on the Snake River, 3 hours
Rafting is the version that shakes you up. Three hours on the Snake with Class III rapids, paddles and gear provided, a local guide, and transport from the shop to the river. This is not a stroll: you need to be able to swim and accept getting soaked. USFS fees of $3 for ages 16 and up are not included and are paid separately. The check covers the 2027 season, from June 1 to July 30, with 60 days out of 60 open. Confirmation is instant and cancellation is free. The meeting point is Hillside Plaza in Jackson, 30 minutes before departure. If you are looking for calm, take the float above. If you want a shot of adrenaline in the middle of the day, this is the one.
- Class III rapids over three hours
- Paddles, gear and local guide included
- USFS fee of $3 not included (ages 16 and up)
8. Half-day vehicle safari, from the refuge into the park
This half-day safari heads north along the National Elk Refuge, then into Grand Teton National Park. A naturalist guide leads it, with binoculars and UHD spotting scopes provided, and pickup is at your hotel or lodging. Four hours, 401 reviews and a 4.83 rating: this is the most classic format on the list for looking for wildlife without spending a full day in the vehicle. The product calendar runs from May to October, but the check covers only June and July 2027, with 60 days out of 60 available. Confirmation is instant and cancellation is free. The meeting point is not listed in the catalog and must be confirmed at booking. For a slower pace than the eight-hour safari, this is the most reasonable compromise.
- Naturalist guide, binoculars and UHD spotting scopes
- Departure for the refuge, then the park
- Meeting point to be confirmed
9. Full-day 8-hour tour with lunch
Eight hours in the park, with lunch, snacks and water, in a heated or air-conditioned vehicle depending on the season. This is the longest format on the list apart from the private adventure, and the most logical if you want to see the park over a full day rather than a slice of it. The catalog lists a frequency of three days a week, from May to October. The check covers the 2027 season: 26 days available out of 60 between June 1 and July 30, 2027. Confirmation happens in two steps, and cancellation is not free. The meeting point is not listed in the catalog and must be confirmed when you book. Budget for it as a full-day expense: for a couple, the total climbs quickly, and you need to plan for the park entrance fee on top.
- Lunch, snacks and water included
- Heated or air-conditioned vehicle, binoculars provided
- Cancellation not free
10. Private 8-hour adventure with a naturalist guide
A perfect 5.0 rating across 109 reviews, and the most complete private format on the list: eight hours with a naturalist guide, a safari-style vehicle, Swarovski optics, lunch and snacks. The rate checked is $1,348 per person based on two adults, or about $2,695 for the pair. Compare that price for two, not a per-person rate for a different group size: a group of three or four does not pay the same, and you need to check it. The check covers only the 2027 season, from September 11 to November 1, with 22 days available out of 52. Cancellation is free and confirmation is instant. The meeting point is not listed; to be confirmed. If budget is not the main constraint, this is the most complete choice on the list. Otherwise, the full-day tour at $279 per person (tour 9, eight hours, binoculars included) costs nearly five times less per person.
- Private group, eight hours in the park
- Lunch, snacks and Swarovski optics included
- Free cancellation, 2027 season check
Preparing your trip
The entrance fee is $35 for a vehicle valid 7 days, $20 per person on foot, bicycle or skis aged 16 and up, and $30 for a motorcycle. The annual park pass costs $70 and is reserved for US citizens and residents. Since January 1, 2026, non-residents without an annual pass or America the Beautiful pass also pay a surcharge of $100 per person aged 16 and up. These fees are paid at the entrance, not on Viator, unless the tour listing includes them, which remains rare. For two non-resident adults in a car, the total entrance cost is $235 ($35 + 2 × $100), paid at the park entrance and not on Viator.
According to the NPS, Teton Park Road opens May 1 and closes October 31 for the winter. Services close in the fall: the Jenny Lake campground on September 27, the Jenny Lake visitor center on October 12. The park page was updated September 10, 2026, so confirm the 2027 dates before you go.
The shuttle is run by a park concessioner and closes September 30, according to the NPS. The two sources do not describe the same booking rule: the NPS mentions a reservation for boat cruises from the dock, while the operator Hotel Jackson says tickets are bought on site. Confirm the rule before you go, especially if you are counting on the shuttle on the same morning as a tour.
Practical tips on the ground
Start with the season, not the price. In November and December, four products on the list are open in the window from November 23, 2026 to January 21, 2027: the closed-vehicle safari, the group sunset tour, fly fishing and the winter day at the refuge. From July to mid-September, the whole range opens; in May and June, it is mostly floats and the half-day safari. The check covers the 2027 season: the four-hour sunset tour is open from July 5 to September 2, and the private tour from September 11. A tour checked for June 2027 can therefore be booked today, though confirmation may take longer depending on the product.
Budgeting is quick for two adults. A three-hour float costs about $230 for two adults, a four-hour sunset tour about $430, and a full day of guided fishing $950. Add the $35 vehicle entrance fee and, if you are a non-resident, the $100 surcharge per person aged 16 and up. The three-hour float is the cheapest product on the list, with free cancellation: it is also the easiest to move if the weather changes.
Do not confuse a float with rafting. The scenic float is a raft trip with no rapids, and it leaves time to look at the banks. Class III rafting has rapids, requires that you can swim, and does not include the USFS fees. Choose by mood: calm or thrill. In both cases, operators place the float season from May to September, but the check covers only June and July 2027.
Sleigh rides at the National Elk Refuge run in winter, according to the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. No product on the list covers them, and we give neither a price nor a date: the published schedules date from 2017 and from the 2024-2025 season. Ask the refuge or the Visitor Center for dates and prices before you plan.
Yellowstone or Grand Teton? If you want the geysers and you accept a long drive, Yellowstone is worth it. For a day trip from Jackson, Grand Teton requires less driving and leaves more time for walking or fishing. This reading is ours, not a source’s. This listicle covers only Grand Teton and its surroundings.
Three mistakes to avoid. Do not book an open-vehicle safari for November. Do not assume the park entrance is included in the tour. And do not schedule a wildlife tour and the Jenny Lake shuttle on the same morning without a buffer, because the shuttle schedule changes with the season.
Frequently asked questions
Which tour should I book in Jackson Hole in November?
Four products have slots between November 23, 2026 and January 21, 2027: the closed-vehicle safari (59 days out of 60), the group sunset tour (52 out of 60), guided fly fishing, and the winter day at the National Elk Refuge (20 out of 60). For the group sunset tour, see the listing. The open-vehicle safari and the four-hour sunset tour are waiting for the 2027 season.
Will we definitely see a bear on a tour?
No. Viator describes a wildlife search, not a guaranteed sighting. Grizzlies are often seen in spring and late summer, at dawn or dusk. In winter, bears hibernate, so no tour in that season shows them. For elk, sources describe the National Elk Refuge as the place where they gather in winter, which makes it the best starting point to see them.
Do I have to pay the park entrance fee on top of the tour?
Often, yes. The entrance fee is $35 per vehicle for 7 days, $20 per person on foot aged 16 and up, and $30 for a motorcycle. Non-residents without an annual pass pay a further $100 surcharge per person aged 16 and up, since January 1, 2026. Viator tours rarely include this fee: check the listing, and plan to pay at the park entrance.
What is the difference between a float and rafting?
The scenic float, at $115 per adult based on two travelers, lasts three hours and has no rapids: it is a slow trip with views of the Tetons. Class III rafting, at $120 per adult, has rapids, requires that you can swim, and does not include the USFS fee of $3 for ages 16 and up. Choose calm or thrill, depending on what you want from the day.
Can I book a sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge?
Sleigh rides run in winter at the refuge, according to the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. No product on our list covers them, and we give neither a price nor a date, for lack of an up-to-date source: the published schedules date from 2017 and the 2024-2025 season. Ask the refuge or the Visitor Center for dates and prices, and plan an alternative if the season does not suit you.
Is there guided hiking or horseback riding in this selection?
No. In the Viator catalog checked on November 9, 2026, no guided hike or horseback activity meets our bar (a rating of at least 4.7 and at least 100 reviews). We therefore do not present them as listings. If you want to walk, the park’s trails are described on the NPS website, and the practical section gives the hours to check before you leave.
Sources
- NPS, Fees and Passes, Grand Teton National Park, updated June 30, 2026, accessed November 9, 2026
- NPS, Entrance Fee FAQ, accessed November 9, 2026
- NPS, Hours, Grand Teton National Park, updated September 10, 2026, accessed November 9, 2026
- NPS, Jenny Lake West Shore Boat Dock, accessed November 9, 2026
- Hotel Jackson, Jenny Lake Boating, accessed November 9, 2026
- National Parks Traveler, The Best Season For Watching Wildlife In National Parks Is Here, accessed November 9, 2026
- Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, Animals of Grand Teton National Park, accessed November 9, 2026
- Afar, Why You Should Visit Grand Teton National Park in the Off-Season, accessed November 9, 2026
- Hotel Jackson, Scenic Float Trips in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, accessed November 9, 2026
- Spur Experiences, Tetons and Snake River 13 Mile Scenic Float Trip, accessed November 9, 2026
- Buckrail, Winter season programs begin on the Refuge, article dated December 7, 2017, accessed November 9, 2026
- Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Sleigh Rides, accessed November 9, 2026
- Buckrail, Sleigh rides open on the elk refuge, accessed November 9, 2026
- Daily Montanan, Foreign visitors shell out more for Yellowstone, Grand Teton visits, May 13, 2026, accessed November 9, 2026
- Prices and availability: Viator partner API, checked November 9, 2026
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