Tours and Tickets to Experience National Elk Refuge
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National Elk Refuge
The National Elk Refuge is a must-visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts visiting Jackson Hole.
Visit the refuge on a half-day tour, or combine it with Grand Teton National Park for a full day of wildlife viewing.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife, for both your safety and the animals’.
Dress in layers with sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring sun protection, even in winter.
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There are plenty of ways to experience the National Elk Refuge. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
Visiting the National Elk Refuge is free. However, to take a winter sleigh ride (the most popular activity), adult tickets cost US$40, and children (ages 5–12) cost US$25. There are also plenty of fun Teton-area tours that include the refuge, starting around US$150.
Elk are typically visible on the refuge from mid-December through early April, when the creatures come down from higher, colder elevations. The peak viewing season is January and February, when the largest herds are present. Wildlife sightings are possible as early as November, in small numbers.
No. Reservations are a good idea, but they’re not required. Typically, you can buy tickets on-site. However, over the busy holiday season, reservations are recommended, as the sleigh rides are incredibly popular. There’s no online reservation option; you're asked to call to reserve. Rides operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The National Elk Refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife. You might spot eagles, coyotes, foxes, badgers, bison, deer, wolves, as well as trumpeter swans, ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. From autumn through spring, look for bighorn sheep on Miller Butte along the Refuge Road. Bring your binoculars.
Dress warmly, as blankets are not provided or sold at the National Elk Refuge, though you can bring your own. Essential items include a warm winter coat, hat, gloves, warm boots, and blankets. Hand warmers and a thermos of hot tea or cocoa are recommended for the open-air sleigh ride.