JACKSON, Wyo. — Prior to wildlife winter range areas opening on May 1, the Bridger-Teton National Forest’s (BTNF) Jackson District shared updates on road and trail conditions on the National Forest.
According to BTNF, lower elevations are snow-free, and hillsides are beginning to show hints of green, although lingering snow remains on some roads.
BTNF said in the announcement that beginning on May 1 at 6 a.m., the gate at Atherton Creek will open, giving people access to the Gros Ventre drainage up to Slate Creek. In the Flat Creek drainage, people will be able to park either at the Sheep Mountain trailhead or at the Forest kiosk trailhead. In Curtis Canyon, visitors will be able to drive to the overlook. In the Hoback area, the Poison Creek gate will open at 6 a.m. Non-motorized use is permitted on these roads beyond the closures.
BTNF wrote via press release that other roads on the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts remain closed due to persisting snow including Fall Creek, Shadow Mountain, Ditch Creek and Toppings Lake roads. The upper portions of the Granite Creek Road remain snow covered, but the lower road will open in time for the weekend, giving partial motorized access to the drainage.
BTNF reminds visitors that north-facing and shaded slopes still hold snow.
“Be prepared with snowshoes if you plan to explore these areas,” BTNF wrote. “Trying to post-hole through soft snow will quickly result in exhaustion and potential injury.”
Grizzly bears have emerged in Jackson Hole, so visitors should carry bear spray and know how to use it. All coolers, food and garbage must be stored within a hard-sided vehicle. Be sure to give wildlife plenty of space — a minimum of 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from all ungulates, such as bighorn sheep, moose and elk. Dogs must be kept close and in voice control.
Law enforcement personnel are actively patrolling areas and BTNF personnel will be checking road conditions regularly. Jackson District Ranger Todd Stiles said people can help out by reporting conditions they encounter while recreating on the Forest.
Free travel maps are available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, both located on N. Cache. Additional information can be obtained by calling the BTNF at 307-739-5400 or by visiting www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton.
