The National Elk Refuge in Jackson, Wyoming, protects more than 24,700 acres of grasslands and wetlands for wildlife. You can visit year-round for wildlife watching and other outdoor activities, with elk commonly visible in winter and sleigh rides offered as a seasonal option.
- Location: Jackson, Wyoming
- Typical elk viewing: mid-December through early April
- Refuge access: sunrise to sunset, year-round; no admission fee
- Winter access: 3.5 miles of Refuge Road open to the public from December 1 through April 30
What the National Elk Refuge protects
The National Elk Refuge protects wildlife habitat and natural resources on the edge of Jackson. Established in 1912 to prevent elk starvation, the refuge now works to conserve fish, wildlife and natural resources.
The refuge landscape includes grasslands and wetlands, and supports more than elk. Winter visitors may also see bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans and bald eagles. Wildlife watching, cycling and fishing are among the activities identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alongside winter sleigh rides.
When is wildlife viewing most relevant?
Winter is the most reliable season for seeing elk on the refuge, which are typically visible from mid-December through early April. As snow deepens from October through December, elk generally move down from their higher summer ranges into Jackson Hole.
In late spring, elk generally begin migrating back to higher summer ranges. For a broader winter wildlife outing, keep an eye out for the other species that may be present, including bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans and bald eagles.
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year, and there is no fee to visit. The National Elk Refuge and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, at 532 N. Cache Street in Jackson, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How do you reach Refuge Road, and what can you do there?
From Jackson Town Square, drive east on Broadway Avenue until you reach the National Elk Refuge sign. Public access on Refuge Road changes with the season, so plan your drive around the applicable road rules.
- From December 1 through April 30, Refuge Road is open for 3.5 miles for public access. Stay on the road or in designated pull-outs, and obey posted wildlife closures.
- From May 1 through November 30, the road is open to the National Forest access roads, Flat Creek Road and Curtis Canyon Road. Stay on the road, in designated pull-outs or on Forest Access trails, and obey posted closures.
Winter sleigh rides offer another way to view the refuge. The rides are seasonal, and the operator’s rules prohibit pets, food and drinks on the sleigh. Check the official site before you go for current access and visitor details.
How can you view wildlife responsibly?
Keep to permitted roads, pull-outs and trails, and respect posted wildlife closures and restricted routes. Some roads or driveways may be open only to administrative traffic or permitted hunters during designated periods, so follow the signs rather than turning onto a restricted route.
The refuge’s winter wildlife viewing guide encourages photography, but discourages photographing or sharing images of inappropriate human interactions with wildlife. Give wildlife space and keep your viewing within the refuge’s posted access rules.
How can you pair a refuge visit with downtown Jackson?
Refuge Road begins east of Jackson Town Square, so you can make the refuge outing part of a day that also includes the town center. The drive from the square follows Broadway Avenue to the National Elk Refuge sign; the square’s landmarks make a natural addition to the outing.
The refuge is about 0.7 miles from Alpine Motel. That makes it a straightforward Jackson-area outing to plan from the hotel, with wildlife viewing and seasonal road access as the main considerations.
FAQs
Is there an admission fee for the National Elk Refuge?
No. The refuge has no admission fee and is open from sunrise to sunset year-round.
When are elk usually visible on the refuge?
Elk are typically visible from mid-December through early April. They generally move down into Jackson Hole as snow deepens, then migrate to higher summer ranges in late spring.
Are winter sleigh rides available at the refuge?
Winter sleigh rides are among the refuge activities offered. They are seasonal, so check the official site before you go for current operating details.
What else can you plan around a refuge visit in Jackson?
The refuge outing can be paired with time in town; seasonal events in Jackson can help you plan around what’s happening locally.