JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Winter wildlife restrictions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest end at midnight April 30 and the Forest will once again open roads to wheeled motor vehicles. However, the spring snow and cold temperatures will delay the opening of many roads due to lingering snow.
For May 1, the following roads will be open:
- The lower gate on the Gros Ventre Road will open at midnight April 30 allowing access on the road from Atherton to Slate Creek. Please be aware that the road is rough requiring high clearance vehicles or 4WD. Watch for falling rock.
- Flat Creek Road will open to the parking area located about ½ mile from the forest boundary.
- Curtis Canyon road will open to the campground. A barrier is in place where the road is closed beyond that.
All other Forest roads in the Jackson area will remain closed. In particular, Fall Creek road is still snow covered over Pritchard Pass, Shadow Mountain roads have substantial snow, portions of the Granite Creek road are snow covered, and Ditch Creek road is snow covered.
Field observations indicate that the wet spring conditions have taken their toll on roads. Spring motor vehicle use often results in rutting and erosion, leading to expensive road repairs. The Forest Service has very limited road maintenance funds thus damage occurring in the spring often will not be able to be repaired.
Additionally, most Forest trails in the area are muddy or snow-covered. Visitors are reminded to ride or hike only on dry trails. The Skyline trail in Cache Creek is closed May 1 to July 1 to give wildlife the space the need to migrate to higher elevations and give birth to their babies.
Forest personnel will be out assisting visitors, conveying information about regulations and responsible use, removing winter signs, and installing summer signs on May 1. Road conditions will be closely monitored over the coming weeks and roads will be open as soon as the snow melts.
Cache Creek road is open year-round but was badly damaged due to spring runoff. Thanks to a generous offer from Bar-T-5 Covered Wagon Cookouts, road repair work will begin on Monday April 30. Visitors are advised to watch for equipment on the road, give operators extra space, and thank them for making this repair possible. The Nelson Drive trailhead area has also been repaired by Forest personnel.
For additional information and free travel maps, contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest at (307) 739-5500.
