Visiting Yellowstone with Jackson Hole EcoTours
The Wild of Yellowstone
The vast, natural wonder that is Yellowstone National Park is best experienced alongside knowledgeable guides. From the best locales to spot wildlife to the rich history of the park and its inhabitants, the crew at Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures delivers the ultimate experience in this bucket list destination.
We sat with the team at JH Ecotour Adventures to discover a few of their favorite spots in Yellowstone, as well as gain some insight into their most memorable experiences.
What is your favorite hike in Yellowstone?
With over 1,100 miles of trails in Yellowstone, it’s hard to choose just one, but I do have a few favorites. On the west side of the park, both Ferry Falls and the Lewis River Channel Trail offer great experiences with different lengths and scenery to enjoy.
What is your favorite stop or feature in Yellowstone?
My favorite spot in all of Yellowstone is Lake Butte. The panoramic views from the top stretch across Yellowstone Lake, into Pelican Valley, and even up toward Electric Peak and Mount Washburn. Plus, the drive there offers great wildlife viewing. It’s a truly special place.
What is one of the more underrated animal sightings that guests end up loving?
Beavers! They don’t usually top anyone’s list, but once people see the impact they have on the landscape—like felled trees, lodges, and dams—they’re fascinated. For an animal that only weighs 30–60 pounds, they do some seriously impressive work.
Where do you like to picnic?
Just like trails, great picnic spots are everywhere in Yellowstone. A few of my go-to spots include the lakeshore of Lewis Lake, Anglers’ Bluff along Yellowstone Lake, or tucked into the trees near the West Thumb Geyser Basin.
What is your favorite snack?
All our snacks are delicious—locally made dried fruit, granola bars, trail mix, jerky—but my personal favorite is our homemade blueberry muffins. They hit the spot every time.
What is your favorite question a guest has asked?
As guides, we love tours where guests ask questions—any questions! Whether it’s something silly like “Have there been any Jackalope sightings?” or more detailed questions about the geology of Mt. Moran (which, by the way, includes ancient basement rock, a black diabase dike, a sandstone cap, and five glaciers), it keeps the tour fun and engaging. I especially love it when someone asks a question I don’t know the answer to—it pushes me to keep learning about the ecosystem.
What is your most memorable experience?
The most unforgettable moment happened on August 18, 2020. On our way to Yellowstone, we stopped at a known wildlife hotspot in Grand Teton National Park and were lucky enough to witness grizzly #399 with her four new cubs swimming across the Snake River. She then unexpectedly crossed paths with one of her older cubs, now full grown and with two cubs of her own. After a few tense but calm moments, they each went their separate ways. Moments like that always leave me wondering what’s going on in their minds. Some of the footage I captured even made it into the documentary 399: Queen of the Tetons.
What’s the most bear or moose sightings you’ve had in a day?
Fun question! We actually keep a record board in our office. Our guide Tyler has the record for number of grizzly bears with 15. Some other fun records: Roy spotted 44 moose during a single 4-hour tour, and Sarah holds the record for most geyser eruptions over 10 feet seen in one day—nine total!
Yellowstone Tour Options
Full Day Wildlife & Geology Tour
Embark on a tour of discovery to see firsthand, and gain a deep understanding of, the geological wonders and the multitude of wildlife encompassed by Yellowstone National Park. Our experienced guides are local experts on the regions geology, ecology and wildlife with an unmatched passion for the area. Imagine a tour designed around your interests and desires, truly a one of a kind experience. Learn More >
Private Yellowstone & Old Faithful Hiking Adventure
Leave the crowds behind and explore the wonders of Yellowstone National Park on this full day hiking-focused tour of the world’s first national park. This tour was created to provide a more intimate and customizable way to explore Yellowstone, offering a perfect balance between iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path tranquility. Learn More >
Yellowstone & Grand Teton Multi-Day Wildlife Tour
Experience the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on this private multi-day expedition. Explore the hidden side of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with our experienced naturalists. Learn More >
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