National Elk Refuge

Watch thousands of wintering elk from a horse-drawn sleigh, or drive the refuge road for bison, bighorn sheep and swans.

532 N Cache St · Jackson, WY

About National Elk Refuge

The National Elk Refuge was set aside in 1912 and spreads across more than 24,700 acres on the edge of Jackson. From mid-December to early April, thousands of elk winter here, and horse-drawn sleigh rides take you out among the herd. You may also spot bighorn sheep, trumpeter swans, bald eagles and bison. In summer, walk or cycle the multi-use pathway or drive the Refuge Road at sunset.

#wildlife refuge
#elk viewing
#sleigh rides
#wildlife watching
#birding

Printable maps

Wyoming map

What's around here?

The closest stops to National Elk Refuge, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Sightseeing
Iconic
Jackson Town Square
No admission fee
Walk under four arches built from elk antlers at the corners of Jackson's downtown park and civic gathering place.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing
Nightlife
Quirky Fun
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
No admission fee
Sit on a saddle at the bar and catch live music and dancing at a Western saloon on Jackson's Town Square.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Nightlife
Museums
Rainy-Day Pick
National Museum of Wildlife Art
Under $25
A hillside museum of animal art above the National Elk Refuge, with indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture trail.
2.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums
Sports & Outdoors
Iconic
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
$50+
Ride the 100-passenger aerial tram up 4,139 vertical feet to ski, hike or eat waffles at the summit.
Transit: reachable by public transit
7.8 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Iconic
Grand Teton National Park
$25–$50
Hike, boat and watch for moose and elk beneath the jagged Teton Range and its glacial lakes.
12 mi awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
Outdoor Adventure
Jenny Lake
$25–$50
Hike or ride the shuttle boat across a glacial lake to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point below the Teton peaks.
19 mi awayMore like this