JACKSON, Wyo. — While April is considered “off-season” in Jackson Hole, it actually provides one of the most active and exciting times for wildlife-watching.
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce’s (JHCC) Bi-monthly Occupancy Retail Reports, which reflect all lodging in Teton County, confirms that April and November are the slowest months of the year in terms of visitation. Regardless of the fact that a number of restaurants, stores and galleries will be closed, the JHCC has written that “spring in the Rockies is one of the most rewarding experiences for wildlife enthusiasts.”
Professional Wildlife Guide with Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures Tyler Greenly tells Buckrail that this is a rewarding time primarily because of the migration happening.
“It is such an exciting time to be out in the field,” Greenly tells Buckrail.
According to Greenly, April brings an “abrupt change” from the tail-end of winter as migration begins. Elk will be moving off of the refuge in huge herds, deer will be flocking back into the valley and moose will be appearing in areas where they haven’t been seen for months. Butterflies, migratory songbirds and birds of prey will also be arriving in increasing numbers, and grizzlies will be coming out of hibernation.
And although the Teton Park Road won’t open to vehicles until May 1, JHCC notes it will be open to non-motorized recreation like biking and walking. Greenly also points out that traveling through the rest of the park will offer an opportunity to find solitude while wildlife-watching in a place that typically becomes packed in June and July.
The 1964 Wilderness Act, which created the legal definition of wilderness in the U.S and established the National Wilderness Preservation System, highlights the importance of access to solitude in spaces like GTNP by including it in the definition of wilderness itself. According to the Act, wilderness is, in part, a place that “has outstanding opportunities for solitude.”
The National Institutes of Health explains that solitude is an important component to building intimacy with and appreciation for an area’s wildlife and landscape, and is correlated with an increase in inspiration and emotional healing.
For Greenly, this intimate experience of being the only one, or one of a very small number of people, to watch April events like migration is one of the main reasons he loves guiding in April and continues to do so.
