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National Elk Refuge, Jackson, WY

Photo: Daniel Mayer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily FavoriteFree

National Elk Refuge

532 N Cache St · Jackson, WY

Why you should go…

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

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

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

    Free

    Walk under four arches built from elk antlers at the corners of Jackson's downtown park and civic gathering place.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Nightlife
    Quirky Fun

    Million Dollar Cowboy Bar

    Free

    Sit on a saddle at the bar and catch live music and dancing at a Western saloon on Jackson's Town Square.

    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

  • Sport & Outdoor
    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.

    7.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    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

  • Sport & Outdoor
    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