National Elk Refugewinter wildlife
Wintering elk are typically visible on the refuge from mid-December through early April, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Dec 15–Apr 10). No official report yet this season.
Right now in National Elk Refuge · September
78days to the next winter wildlife seasonDec 15–Apr 10, local timing
National Elk Refuge through the year
- A refuge ranger's favorite time to see elk here: January to MarchJan–Mar
- Elk migrate down from summer ranges into Jackson Hole (October through December)Oct–Dec
- Refuge pathway closed for wintering wildlife (November through April)Nov–Apr
- Wintering elk typically visible on the refuge (mid-December through early April)Dec–Apr
- Refuge Road: only the first 3.5 miles open (December 1 – April 30)Dec–Apr
Where to watch
- Refuge Road and Miller ButteStarts at the east end of Broadway in Jackson. From December 1 to April 30 only the first 3.5 miles are open; stay on the road or in designated pull-outs, and look for bighorn sheep on Miller Butte.
- National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor CenterAt 532 North Cache St. in Jackson, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with views onto the refuge and wetland and grassland wildlife watching all year.
National Elk Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service story: Where are the Elk? (Kari Cieszkiewicz) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at National Elk Refuge?
Wintering elk are typically visible on the refuge from mid-December through early April, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Dec 15–Apr 10. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at National Elk Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 78 days (Dec 15–Apr 10, local timing).
Is there a fee, and what are the hours?
There is no fee to visit the refuge. It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset; the visitor center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk the refuge pathway in winter?
No. The paved pathway is open May 1 to October 31 and closed the rest of the year to protect migrating and wintering wildlife. Dogs are never allowed on it.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How far can I drive in winter?
From December 1 to April 30, 3.5 miles of the Refuge Road are open. Obey posted wildlife closure signs and stay on the road or in designated pull-outs.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Do I need a sleigh ride to see the elk?
No. Many winter visitors take a horse-drawn sleigh (booked separately), but you can also drive the Refuge Road or stop by the visitor center.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Elk Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in National Elk Refuge?
Refuge Road and Miller Butte: starts at the east end of Broadway in Jackson. From December 1 to April 30 only the first 3.5 miles are open; stay on the road or in designated pull-outs, and look for bighorn sheep on Miller Butte.; National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center: at 532 North Cache St. in Jackson, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with views onto the refuge and wetland and grassland wildlife watching all year..
Are there closures or permits to know about in National Elk Refuge?
Refuge pathway closed for wintering wildlife (November through April) (Nov–Apr).
What is National Elk Refuge like through the year?
Wintering elk typically visible on the refuge (mid-December through early April) (Dec–Apr), A refuge ranger's favorite time to see elk here: January to March (Jan–Mar), Elk migrate down from summer ranges into Jackson Hole (October through December) (Oct–Dec), Refuge Road: only the first 3.5 miles open (December 1 – April 30) (Dec–Apr) and Refuge pathway closed for wintering wildlife (November through April) (Nov–Apr).