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Local’s Guide: A Visit to the Elk Refuge

Local’s Guide: A Visit to the Elk Refuge
28 Jan 2019
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Misc

This is our first winter in the valley: the snow is great, the hot chocolate is plentiful and the days are short … but there is never a “short”-age of things to do!

We live, work, and play in this Winter Wonderland. Taking a break from the slopes, we ventured north of town to the National Elk Refuge. Bonnie and Clyde, 2 two-ton horses, steered us through the refuge. We were arm’s length from these animals, able to observe and photograph them bedding and feeding. We had never seen elk so close! We felt lucky as the sleigh ride is the only way to access the refuge – you don’t want to miss out on this experience.  

Tour Guide Todd, a Jackson native, shared with us the refuge’s history and its role in providing a resting place for these animals every winter. Not only did we leave with a deeper appreciation for this valley, we learned about the communities’ pastime dedicated to a common love and concern for its wildlife. After, we toasted the morning over hot chocolate and warmed up! Cheers to winter in Jackson Hole!

Tips – Dress warm -- the ride is about 1 hour long! Bring a camera. Drinks are not allowed on the sleighs. 

-Written by Vacation Specilaists Sara Bridge and Bailey Henderson.