One of the wonders of Jackson Hole in winter and a must see while you’re here is a visit to the National Elk Refuge. The refuge is made up of a picturesque 24,700 acres in the Jackson Hole area. In winter as temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, the elk make their way to lower elevations and migrate to the valley floor and the National Elk Refuge. This in turn makes for guaranteed wildlife sightings for refuge visitors.
The National Elk Refuge was created in 1912 to provide a habitat for one of the largest elk herds on the planet as well as many other endangered species and local wildlife in Jackson. The refuge was originally created to protect the elk herd that was forced to compete with local livestock for natural grasses in a developing valley. Wintering elk were first fed hay, but in 1975 the switch was made to alfalfa pellets as they contain a higher nutritional value. The elk are fed these pellets when deep snow exists or little vegetation remains for them to feed on. Wintering herds typically reach 6,000- 7,000 elk or more. An elk size of no more than 5,000 is the ideal target number to maintain a healthy elk population on the refuge.
The refuge offers a special opportunity for visitors to book an outing on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wintering herd of elk on the preserve. Your sleigh ride driver also serves as your guide as they get you up close to the animals while offering up plenty of information about the refuge. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience to observe the thousands of elk in their own winter environment. Both kids and adults will surely be thrilled at this amazing wildlife viewing opportunity.
Sleigh rides can be enjoyed mid December through April, and run from 10 am to 4 pm daily every day except Christmas. Rides last about an hour, which also includes bus shuttling times. Tickets can be purchased at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, located at 532 North Cache Street. From the visitor center free shuttles transport sleigh riders to the refuge. Make sure to dress warmly as temps at the refuge can feel even colder than in town and weather conditions can change rapidly. Tickets for adults are $20, children ages 5-12 $15, and children under 5 are free. Or rent a private sleigh with a driver for $350.
• Area bison make their home on the refuge in winter, but are harder to spot as they inhabit parts of the land that are not easily viewed by the public. Winter bison numbers can reach up to 500.
• Trumpeter swans can also be found on the National Elk Refuge. The swans migrate from Canada to winter in the Jackson Hole area. In the 1930s less than 70 trumpeters were thought to exist worldwide. Although trumpeter swans are making a comeback they are still classified as a Priority 1 Species of Special Concern by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The refuge offers a great opportunity to view these beautiful and resilient birds.
• Our national bird, the bald eagle, is often spotted from and in the refuge. Bald eagles can be found looking for food, soaring high above, or resting in trees.
• Wolves have been reintroduced to the area, specifically Yellowstone and Idaho. In 2012 wolves were removed from the endangered species list. Lucky visitors to the refuge may just get a glimpse of wolves.