Tips for Late Winter and Early Spring Adventures in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks!
Though snow remains deep in Jackson Hole and Yellowstone's interior, the winter season is coming to an end in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Snow covered roads are starting to be plowed in preparation for the coming summer season. Winter isn’t quite over yet however, here’s what you need to know about exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks this spring, including late winter xc skiing, wildlife watching (don’t forget your bear spray!), road opening dates, and more. Featured image by EcoTour Naturalist Kirk Ryder
Cross Country Skiing beneath the Teton Range in Grand Teton National Park - pc: Visit Jackson Hole.
Great Conditions for Late Winter XC skiing and Snowshoeing in Jackson Hole!
Recent warm weather in early March is causing snow to begin to recede, but we expect to be skiing and snowshoeing well into April. Warm sunny days and cold nights causes the snow to firm up, creating excellent cross-country skiing conditions known locally as “crust cruising.” This firm surface allows one to travel quickly over the snow surface, opening up acres of terrain to explore.
Thanks to grooming funded by our friends at JHNordic and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, the Teton Park Road has been a favorite ski destination throughout the winter. Get your last ski in soon, grooming ends on March 19th!
Visit www.jhnordic.com for updates on grooming of other locations throughout the valley as the winter season winds down.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton Road Plowing Begins
Since mid December, Yellowstone’s interior has been accessible only by oversnow vehicles. The winter season ends Monday, March 15th with all roads closing so the park can clear the deep snowpack in preparation for summer. The first roads into the interior open on April 16th, starting with the West and Northwest entrances to Old Faithful and Canyon Village. Access from the south entrance via Grand Teton National Park is delayed until May 14th due to deep snow and the chance of continued winter weather.
The main highway through Grand Teton is open year round but the Teton Park Road will reopen to vehicles on May 1st.
Once roads in Grand Teton and Yellowstone are plowed they are opened up to bicycles, pedestrians and other non-motorized use until the roads open to automobiles. This is a widely popular activity on sunny days during the offseason.
Yellowstone Road Opening Dates:
April 16th - West and Northwest Entrance to Old Faithful and Canyon Village - April 16th
May 7th - East Entrance to Canyon
May 14th - South Entrance and entire lower loop
May 28th - Beartooth Highway
June 25th - Tower Junction to Tower Fall
Note: Dunraven Pass remains closed for the Summer 2021 Season due to construction.
Grand Teton Road Opening Dates:
May 1st - Teton Park Road (open to non motorized recreation once plowed in late March)
Mid May - Moose-Wilson Road, depending on conditions
April/May - Other Park roads depending on conditions.
We're hoping for a spring view of Grizzly 399 and cubs this year! PC: ETA Naturalist Tenley Thompson Fall 2020
Late Winter and Spring Wildlife Watching Opportunities Abound in Jackson Hole
The end of winter and beginning of spring is a favorite time of year for wildlife watching thanks to the influx of migratory bird species, spring mammal migrations, and our favorite - the first sightings of grizzly bears!
It’s not uncommon for the first grizzly of spring to be observed in early March in Yellowstone, and by April we start seeing bears emerging in the north end of Grand Teton National Park. Black bears and grizzlies with young cubs will emerge later in the month or in May. We’re excited to look for the famous Grizzly 399 and hope that her 4 cubs made it through the winter. Be sure to be bear aware - carry bear spray, travel in groups, and pay attention to your surroundings to keep yourself and grizzlies safe!
Learn how to stay safe in bear country here.
Our charismatic mini fauna are also starting to return to the valley. Over 2/3rds of our bird species leave the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in winter and we’ve recently seen some returning migrants! Red-winged blackbirds are starting to sing near rivers and wetlands, and be sure to look for the blue flash of a mountain bluebird against the snow!
As snow continues to melt in the valley, look for deer and elk heading towards south facing slopes that are now free of snow in search of food. The poet T.S. Elliot writes “April is the cruelest month,” this is especially true for these animals who are nearing the end of their fat reserves and are searching for the first green growths of spring vegetation to survive. Please give them space and respect wildlife closures in place for their survival through April.
Learn more about winter wildlife closures here.
Other Late Winter Activities - Downhill Skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King, Snowmobile Hill Climb
Downhill skiing continues for the month of March at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort which closes on April 11th. Snow King Mountains closing date is estimated for March 26th, ending with the Snowmobile Hill Climb, an annual race to the top of the mountain.
Enjoy Late Winter and Spring Adventures in Jackson Hole
Whether crust cruising on xc skis across the Jackson Hole Valley, looking for the first grizzlies of spring in Northern Grand Teton or lapping lifts at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in the sun, late winter and early spring is an awesome time to explore. The summer season is on the horizon but don’t forget to enjoy the end of winter here in Jackson Hole!
Now in our 13th year of operation, Jackson Hole Ecotour Adventures leads wildlife safaris, cross country skiing tours, and snowshoe tours in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks 365 days a year. Let us help maximize your Jackson Hole Experience Today!
