1. Jackson: Grand Teton and National Elk Refuge Winter Day Trip
After an early-morning pickup from your Jackson Hole hotel, your naturalist guide will take you to Grand Teton National Park. Even in the chilling winter, wildlife such as moose, bison, bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, bald eagles, golden eagles, pronghorn, coyotes, or even wolves can be spotted in the park. You'll witness the beauty of the wide, snowy plains that stretch out to the jagged mountains as you learn about the ancient geology that gave rise to the landscape. At midday, escape the cold and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the famous western-cowboy town of Jackson, Wyoming. Then head back outside for a horse-drawn sleigh ride at the National Elk Refuge, carrying you through the low valley that hosts thousands of wintering elk. Snap photos of the large herds as your guide explains how the elk migrate from the surrounding area to the refuge, a 24,700-acre (9,996-hectare) winter sanctuary hosting 47 different mammals and nearly 175 species of birds such as trumpeter swans and bald eagles. At the end of a memorable 8-hour tour of this winter wonderland, return to your hotel.