Sleigh Rides begin on December 14th and run through early April, conditions pending. To make reservations please call (307) 733-0277. For more information, visit the sleigh ride website.
Visit Us
Visiting in the Summer
The summer brings an influx of visitors to the area. The Refuge is the gateway from town of Jackson, WY to Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Cycling, walking, and birding along the Multi-use Pathway are popular summer activities. Visiting the Historic Miller Ranch interpretive site and the visitor center provide great opportunities to get oriented to the area. Many visitors drive the Refuge Road at sunset to observe wildlife, watch the sun crest behind the Tetons, or access camping in the nearby National Forest camping zones.
Visiting in the Winter
Are you visiting the National Elk Refuge in the winter? BOOK a winter sleigh ride!
The Refuge is nationally renowned as a place to observe wintering elk, bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles. Most visitors to the Refuge during the winter months take a horse-drawn sleigh to see the elk, drive the Refuge Road to observe wildlife, or stop by the visitor center for educational programming and information.
Elk are typically visible on the Refuge from mid-December through early April. In late spring, elk begin migrating off of the Refuge towards their summer ranges. The majority of elk will follow the receding snow line up to higher elevations in Grand Teton National Park and in the Teton Wilderness in the Bridger Teton National Forest. From October through December, deepening snow push the elk down from their higher summer ranges to seek food and shelter at lower elevations in Jackson Hole. Watch the Elk Migration Film
Activities
Visitors to the National Elk Refuge may experience their Refuge through a number outdoor recreational opportunities.
Trails
The National Elk Refuge is highly regarded as an iconic place to see wildlife. This is largely due to the limited number of trails and public access areas on the Refuge.
The main trail on the Refuge is the nearly 6 mile, paved pathway that runs along beautiful wetland and grassland habitat. The trail connects to several paved trails in Grand Teton National Park.
The trail is open from May 1 - October 31. During the remainder of the year the trail is closed to protect migrating and wintering wildlife.
Cycling is the most popular activity along the pathway. Visitors who are looking for a full day adventure can bike from the National Elk Refuge to Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. This 40 mile roundtrip cycle is a stunning way to experience the Refuge and Grand Teton without the use of a vehicle.
Visitors who are looking for a shorter adventure can stroll along the beginning of the pathway, which departs from the north lawn of the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. Flat Creek meanders under the pathway, allowing for opportunities to spot cutthroat trout, river otters, and various ducks.
In order to minimize negative wildlife impacts, dogs are not allow on the pathway. Please adhere to all safety and regulation signs posted along the pathway.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Jackson National Fish Hatchery
Visit the the Jackson National Fish Hatchery today! Located on the National Elk Refuge, the Hatchery has many visitor opportunities for you and your family. During your visit you can tour the fish hatchery production site, picnic near a scenic pond, and go fishing (Wyoming fishing license is required).The Hatchery is open daily from 10AM - 4PM (excluding federal holidays).
The Jackson National Fish Hatchery is located 3.5 miles north of the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center on HWY 191.
Locations
The Refuge Road is the official entrance onto the National Elk Refuge. The road travels along open meadows, rolling hills, and rocky cliffs. Wildlife watching and photography are popular activities along the road. From autumn through spring, look for Bighorn Sheep on Miller Butte. There is no fee to visit the Refuge.
From the town square of Jackson, drive east on Broadway Avenue until you reach a sign that reads "National Elk Refuge." From there, you are on the Refuge Road.
- From December 1 - April 30, the Refuge Road is open for 3.5 miles for public access. Visitors are reminded to obey all posted wildlife closure signs and remain on the road or in designated pull-outs at all times.
- From May 1- November 30, the Refuge Road is open to the National Forest access roads, Flat Creek Road and Curtis Canyon Road. Road maintenance is minimal after the Twin Creek subdivision. Visitors are reminded to obey all posted wildlife closure signs and remain on the road, in designated pull-outs, or on Forest Access trails at all times.
The visitor center offers beautiful views onto the National Elk Refuge as well as indoor interpretive displays. Surrounding wetland and grassland habitat allows for excellent bird and wildlife observation year round.
Refuge staff are onsite to answer your questions help you explore the National Elk Refuge.
Visitor Center partner agencies: Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, & Grand Teton Association.
Formerly named Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center.