Do a Scenic Float Trip Through Grand Teton National Park

Maybe you are traveling with kids and/or older parents and are having a hard time finding things to do that everyone will like?

Or maybe you just want a change of pace and be on the water, something different to do…

We understand and we’ve got you.

Here’s an activity everyone of all activity levels can do TOGETHER:

A Scenic Float Trip through Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) on the Snake River.

Scenic Float Details

There are many companies, both inside and outside GTNP, that run scenic raft trips on the Snake River, but I am going to focus on one particular company because it is the one we use, we like their float route, and because we absolutely love their guides.

The company I suggest using is Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips (I am not an affiliate).

Barker Ewing Scenic Floats Trips runs a 10-mile, guided float starting at Deadman’s Bar and finishing in Moose, WY. The float trip usually takes between 2-3 hours total and you are INSIDE the park the entire trip.

Map of Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trip’s 10-mile Route on the Snake River

I specify “INSIDE” because there is another company named Barker Ewing that does scenic and whitewater floats OUTSIDE the park.

Confusing, right? Two companies with the same name that almost do the same thing?

They used to be one company, but separated in 1985 into the companies they are now.

So to be clear, I am talking about Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips. https://barkerewing.com/

If you find yourself confused, or trying to remember this company, if and when you go to book your trip, it is the Barker Ewing that does ONLY scenic float trips and only INSIDE GTNP. It’s the Barker Ewing company that has been owned by the same family since it’s inception in 1963 when Dick Barker started piloting rafts down this stretch of the Snake River. The Barker Ewing company that is still run by his wife Barbara and has been for six decades.

Got it firmly in your mind? Good.

Okay, let’s move on to the specific details…

The Scenery

As stated before, the float starts at Deadman’s Bar. Deadman’s Bar is located below and to the north of the Snake River Overlook.

This means that you will float along the stretch of the Snake River made famous by Ansel Adams.

Ansel Adams’s Famous Snake River Overlook Photograph, 1942

So already you are experiencing a part of the park that Ansel didn’t even get to do, and see the mountains at an angle he didn’t capture. (See the following picture)

View of Grand Teton from Snake River Scenic Float Trip

In addition to this famous stretch, you will have a view of the Tetons nearly the entire time. You’ll never get bored because the angles of the Tetons constantly change.

The Guides

You are in good hands with the guides at Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips. They have a combined total of 146 years experience and many have been guiding this river for 20+ years.

Michael Inman – Guide for Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips. We like him so much we specifically sign up for his trips.

You won’t find this in the brochure, and they don’t advertise it, but the guides are where you really get your money’s worth.

I know, I know….the scenery, the water, the wildlife, the Tetons, that is the draw, that is what you are there to see, but the guides are the ones that are going to entertain you, and before you know it, educate you!

You will learn so much about so many things concerning Grand Teton. Ecology, Geology, Biology, history, folklore, funny experiences, weather, the river, water rights, mountains, wildlife, activities, dining, hiking, entertaining stories…who needs Google? (And no way is Google as fun as these guides…) They are a wealth of knowledge, and at your disposal for at least 2 hours. Ask them what you want to know, and/or for recommendations. Many of the guides grew up in the area, or have been guiding the Snake River for several years. They are the ones in the know and won’t steer you wrong.

…and speaking of steering, they do all of it!  The guides do all the rowing and guiding the raft. Your job is to sit, relax, enjoy and stay safely out of the way of the oars.

The Rafts

Each scenic float raft is large and comfortable, fitting 12 people easily plus the guide.

Don’t worry about there being a “front” or “back” of the raft or missing out on seeing things. The raft turns many times throughout the trip so you will see all the views and be able to take all the pictures you want.

Feel comfortable taking your cameras as you won’t get wet on this float. The rafts were designed to minimize water splashing the riders so your cameras won’t get wet (unless it rains….).

Also, feel free to sit on the carpeted bottom of the raft and lean against the side of the raft for comfort. This may be a good option for kids, or for those who would like some back support.

The Wildlife

It is never a guarantee to see wildlife anywhere at any time, but if there are some animals along the float, the guides are going to know where to look and will point them out to you.

Animals that have been seen along the float include eagles, bears, beavers, moose, osprey, elk, deer, ducks and many more types of birds. Animals in GTNP are more likely to be seen in the early morning or evening.

Bald Eagle

The last two times we went, it was the 10:00 am float. We didn’t see large animals either time, but our guide did point out numerous bald eagles and taught us the difference between a young eagle and a mature adult eagle. First, I would have never known the difference. Second, I would have never known where to look to see them. Again, the guides are awesome.

And while they are going to point out as many animals as they can, do know that they won’t stop the raft to get a closer picture. So have your binoculars handy and your cameras set to the right setting.

Pro Tip: If seeing wildlife is a priority for you, sign up for the evening float trip.

What to Wear

Since this is a scenic river float and not a whitewater float, you don’t need to wear swimsuits or water shoes. There is very little splashing, if any, so regular clothes and shoes are fine.

Do bring a jacket or warm layer if you are on the early morning or evening float. It can be chilly in the shade at those times. If you are cold during the trip, let the guide know, as they have blankets you can use. They will also lend you ponchos if it happens to rain.

Pro Tip: Don’t let a hot afternoon fool you. It can be 80 degrees in the afternoon, and cool way down in the evening. I always take a backpack for our family, that way we can store or shed our extra layers.

What to Bring

You can bring water, soda, or juice and food on float trips. If you do a private rental, you can bring alcohol. For private rentals, they can provide you a cooler with ice if you request it.

Do bring a hat and sunglasses. You will be out in the sun a lot. And remember to use sunscreen and bug spray. You don’t want mosquito bites nor a sunburn be your memory from this event.

Bring your cameras, they won’t get wet. And bring your binoculars to see the bald eagles up close.

Age Requirements

For young children to be able to do the scenic float, they must weigh a minimum of 50 pounds and be 6 years old of age.

How to Sign Up

Reservations are Required.

Visit their reservations page and save $5 per ticket when you book online. You can also call them at: 800-365-1800 or 307-733-1800 and they will honor the discount if you mention it. You can also make reservations in person at the reservations desk located in Dornan’s Gift Shop in Moose Village.

Their online booking system cuts off 48 hours prior to trip times. To make a reservation within 48 hours of your desired float-time, call them. 800-365-1800 or 307-733-1800.

Refunds will be given if trips are canceled by Barker-Ewing due to inclement weather, or if they receive your notice of cancellation at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled trip.

Pro Tip: Ask them about their military and veteran discounts

Where to Meet

After you make your reservation you will receive a confirmation and information on where and when to meet your guide. Now, the following two things are very important:

• You will meet your guide at Float Trip Parking lot in Moose Village, on the west side of the river. See Map Below. (The actual float starts at Deadman’s Bar, but the guides pick you up where the scenic float will finish, in the Float Trip Parking lot in Moose Village. They drive you to Deadman’s Bar. That way at the end of the float, you exit the raft where the guides picked you up and are a few feet from your car.)
  
• DO NOT USE GPS OR OTHER ELECTRONIC MAPPING to find the parking area. Bookmark this map, print it out, or save it to your phone. Google, Waze, Maps…etc doesn’t give accurate directions and can be confusing. You need to be on time (I suggest early) as guides are not allowed to wait for late arrivals.

Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips Meeting Place Map

Additional Questions and Answers

How long are the scenic float trips?

The float trips are generally 2-3 hours round-trip from the meeting place at Moose Village. The duration of the float depends on the time of the season. Earlier in the season (May, June), the water is usually at a higher level and flows faster, with the end of the season (September) having lower water levels and slower moving currents.

How much time before our float do we need to be at the meeting spot?

It’s a good idea to plan on meeting a little ahead of the designated meeting time, just so you have plenty of time to locate the “Float Trip Parking Lot” at Moose Village, and to gather whatever you wish to have with you, i.e., jacket, water bottle, hat with brim, etc. Keep in mind possible time delays: construction, slower speed limits in the park, wildlife sightings that cause slow traffic or traffic jams…

Are there bathrooms stops along the float trip?

No. There are no stops once you are on the raft unless it is an emergency.

There are bathrooms at the meeting place where they pick you up. Also, there are bathrooms at the launch spot, at Deadman’s Bar, right before you get on the raft. (Whew!)

How rough is the water on a Scenic Float Trip?

The float is described as “Scenic and Wild” which means it can flow swiftly in places, slow in others. This is not a whitewater rafting trip.

What if the weather is bad?

Just as you shouldn’t rely on electronic mapping for directions, don’t rely too heavily on the electronic weather apps. The weather can change faster than the apps can keep up and the weather can vary throughout the different parts of the valley.

If you are concerned about the weather, call Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips an hour before your float time to check-in. This isn’t their first float trip and they will have more in-depth knowledge on predicting how the weather will play out. They will cancel trips if weather conditions are dangerous. If the weather is not dangerous but is rainy or cold, they will still go. In that case, if it is too rainy or cold for you, talk to your guide about options.

If you have other questions you don’t see answered here, be sure to give Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips a call: 800-365-1800 or 307-733-1800. Email: floattrips@barkerewing.com

Please let us know your thoughts and/or questions below in the comments section! We’d love to hear from you!