Sunrise Tour of Grand Teton National Park

Experience a Sunrise in the Tetons

Sunrise is one of the best times to see wildlife and photograph scenic vistas in the Tetons. We will spend the morning quickstepping to find moose, bison, bears, and elk as they forage for breakfast, all while the rising sun washes the Tetons in the early morning alpenglow.

Itinerary

After we pick you up, we will make a quick stop at our favorite deli to grab breakfast and warm beverages. From there, we will introduce you to the 24,000+ acre National Elk Refuge before entering Grand Teton Nation Park.

The first stop in the Park will be Mormon Row, a pastoral scene first settled by Mormon homesteaders in the late 1800s for its fertile soil, shelter from the winds, and close access to the Gros Ventre River. Next, we will drive down several primitive roads searching for moose, grizzly, and black bears, from inside the vehicle or at a distance (a minimum of 100 yards), of course.

We will also make an unforgettable stop at Oxbow Bend, a slow-moving tributary of the Snake River, to capture a few Instagram-quality photos of Mt. Moran and its reflection in the lazy arm of the Snake River.

Afterward, we will visit Coulter Bay Marina, the historic Jackson Lake, and Signal Mountain Lodges, in addition to taking a short drive to the summit of Signal Mountain – classic black bear and elk country. More so in the spring and early fall to scope out the mesmerizing view of the Snake River and Jackson Valley. Following a couple of quick visits to String Lake and Jenny Lake, you will wonder where all the time has gone on this whirlwind tour of the Tetons or what the locals call The Teats.

Additional Info

• Tour Length: 5-6 hours
• Start Time: 6:30 AM or 7:00 AM (start times are adjusted seasonally)
• Price: $900 (for up to four (4) guests. $165 for each additional guest)
• Add On Option: Scenic cruise on Jenny Lake (May 15 to September 15)
• Size: Maximum of 14 people per vehicle. Call to discuss options for larger groups.

Inclusions

• Pick up at your hotel, Airbnb, or VRBO
• Professional CPR/First Aid certified road-based tour guide
• Sunrise private tour of Grand Teton National Park
• National Park Service entry fees
• Meals (Breakfast, lunch, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages)
• Use of our professional Vortex™ spotting scopes and binoculars
• Transportation in a spacious Chevy Suburban SUV or Ford Transit Van

Exclusions

• Optional guide gratuity (15% suggested)
• Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities
• Pre- and post-tour accommodations and related expenses
• Travel Insurance

Weather

Weather in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem can be unpredictable but fun to brave when dressed appropriately. Daytime temperatures can soar to a high of 80°F/27°C. Nights are usually cool, and temperatures drop below freezing at higher elevations. Depending on the year, winter can last into early June. During the summer, thunderstorms are common in the afternoons, and it can snow any month of the year.

One of the most important tips for attire in this environment is wearing layers. Your layering lineup should include a warm hat, light mittens, windproof, hooded outer layer, and base layers, like wool or synthetic long underwear, for your upper and lower body. Avoid cotton jeans and sweatshirts; these items lack wicking ability leaving you wet and cold when wet. Choose thick socks and sturdy boots.

What to Bring

A good sense of adventure and awe, personal snacks, a phone charger, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, prescription medications, and a day pack with enough capacity to carry all the above. We also encourage you to bring reusable water bottles to help reduce our environmental impact in the parks. Finally, please be sure to pack your patience and expect to experience periodic delays for road construction, traffic congestion, migrating wildlife, and unforeseen medical emergencies and circumstances.