Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone in Wyoming, is best known for its jagged mountain skyline rising sharply above the valley of Jackson Hole. It is also one of the best places in the United States to see moose, bears, bison, pronghorn and elk, often with the Tetons as a backdrop.
At a glance
| Best time | May to June and September to October |
| Getting there | Jackson Hole Airport is inside the park; about 1 hour from Yellowstone’s south entrance |
| Time needed | 2 to 4 days |
| Big draws | Moose, grizzly and black bears, bison, pronghorn, elk |
| Good for | Road trippers, photographers, combining with Yellowstone |
Where to see wildlife
- Moose: along the Gros Ventre River, near Moose Junction, along the Moose-Wilson Road and at Oxbow Bend. See our moose profile.
- Bison and pronghorn: on Antelope Flats and Mormon Row, with the famous historic barns. See our American bison and pronghorn profiles.
- Grizzly and black bears: in the park’s northern areas, around Oxbow Bend, Willow Flats and Pilgrim Creek, especially in spring. Some grizzlies, such as the famous sow known as Grizzly 399, became widely known before her death in 2024. See our brown bear profile.
- Elk: across the valley; in winter, thousands gather at the National Elk Refuge near the town of Jackson, where sleigh rides take visitors among them.
- Other wildlife: beavers, river otters, bald eagles, ospreys, trumpeter swans, coyotes and, occasionally, wolves.
When to go
- May to June: bears emerge, newborn bison and elk, green valleys.
- July to August: busy summer; wildlife is active early and late in the day.
- September to October: autumn colours, the elk rut with bugling bulls, moose in rut.
- Winter: elk at the National Elk Refuge, snow-covered landscapes, and moose in the willows.
Tips
- Go out at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active.
- Stay at least 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from bears and wolves.
- Carry bear spray on trails and know how to use it.
- Drive slowly, especially at night: collisions with wildlife are common.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I see moose in Grand Teton? Along the Gros Ventre River, Moose-Wilson Road and Oxbow Bend, especially at dawn and dusk.
Can I combine Grand Teton and Yellowstone? Yes. The parks are connected by a short road, and many visitors see both on the same trip.
When is the best time to see wildlife? Spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October).
Are there grizzly bears in Grand Teton? Yes, particularly in the northern part of the park.
Related guides
- Yellowstone wildlife guide
- Wolf watching in Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley
- Banff and Jasper wildlife guide
- Animal profiles: Moose, Pronghorn, Elk (wapiti)
Cover photo: Jon Sullivan, PD Photo., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons