When is the Best Time to Go Rafting?
This is one of the most common questions we get! The truth is, there’s no bad time to be on the river — but depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for (cool mornings, warm evenings, wildlife sightings, fall foliage), certain times might be better suited to your group.
Here’s what to know about timing when planning your Snake River scenic float trip with Teton Scenic Float Tours in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
When Does the Rafting Season Start in Jackson Hole?
Our float season runs from mid-May through the end of September. We typically launch the season every year on Mother’s Day weekend and float daily until fall sets in.
Trip Times: Morning vs. Afternoon Floats
We offer two scenic float trips daily along the Snake River. In the past, we have offered many different trip times, and over the years, these two times have stood out as the most popular!
Morning float at 10:00am (returns ~1:00pm)
Afternoon float at 2:30pm or 3:00pm, depending on the time of year (returns ~6:00pm)
Morning Float at 10:00 am
We schedule a 10:00 am float so guests can sleep in or grab breakfast before their float trip! This trip returns around 1:00 pm, making it perfect for adding an afternoon activity like exploring downtown Jackson or taking a drive in Grand Teton National Park. The float usually starts out a little cool and warms up quickly.
Afternoon Float at 3:00 pm
The afternoon float allows for a morning activity like hiking or horseback riding, before spending a relaxing afternoon on the water. This trip returns around 6:00 pm, depending on the time of year. This allows ample time for guests to grab dinner or head to the Jackson Hole Rodeo! The rodeo starts at 8:00 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This float usually starts warm with cooler temperatures later on.
What’s the Best Time of Day to See Wildlife?
Wildlife sightings on the Snake River are exciting — and unpredictable! But here are some general patterns:
July & August (hotter months): Morning and evening floats tend to offer better chances of spotting animals like moose, eagles, and beavers.
May, June & September (cooler months): Wildlife is often active all day long.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars and your camera! You never know when a bald eagle will fly overhead. Check out our blog series on the potential animals you’ll see along the Snake River to learn more.
What month should we visit?
We run trips from May through September and each month is special in its own way! May is the start of the season, so there are usually less visitors, although it is a cooler month. June is a great month for seeing wildlife as all the creatures emerge from the long cold winter. July and August are peak summer, which makes the river one of the best places to beat the heat! Finally, September is the start to Fall and is the best month for seeing the beautiful fall colors.
In the end, anytime is a good time to be on the river! We suggest booking a time that works best for your schedule and your group. If you have specific questions, feel free to contact us at 307-413-8613 or info@tetonscenicfloattours.com, and we will be happy to help plan your scenic float trip!
