JACKSON, Wyo. — Early spring means early pathway access.
Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation (TCJPR) announced Tuesday that the department is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to open the pathway north of town along US89 on Saturday, which is approximately three weeks ahead of its usual opening schedule. The pathway closes annually from Nov. 1 through April 30 to protect animals on the National Elk Refuge from human disturbance. This year, periods of warmer weather have allowed for an earlier lifting of the closure.
“Pathway users are asked to use caution and give wildlife the right of way as animals
continue to migrate off the National Elk Refuge,” TCJPR said in the announcement. “The public is reminded to provide wildlife plenty of space and to continue honoring wildlife closures until they are lifted May 1.”
TCJPR issued a few dog-related reminders along with the announcement:
- Pets must always be leashed or under verbal control within the Town of Jackson.
- Dogs are not allowed in any Town of Jackson parks and are only permitted on pathways when physically leashed.
- Dogs are not allowed at any time on pathways owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including the North US89 segment.
- Pets are allowed in Grand Teton National Park but must be restrained at all times and are not permitted on hiking trails, inside visitor centers or in other facilities. As a general guideline, pets can go anywhere a car can go (roads and road shoulders, campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots). Pets must be on a leash six feet or shorter, under physical control and within 30 feet of the roadway. Pets are not allowed on park trails, pathways or in the backcountry and are not considered pack animals.
Learn more about ongoing wildlife closures on the Teton Conservation District’s website.
