Spring arrived early in Jackson Hole bringing weather extremes with single digits in the mornings, big wind, and afternoon highs in the 50’s. March was both drier and colder than average yet the valley snow has melted quickly. Animals are migrating north to summer territories, birds are building nests, and the mornings are filled with bird songs to start the day. Welcome spring!
Learn more: March finishes colder and drier than average in Jackson Hole
Local — Visitors flock to NW Wyoming
Visitors continue to flock to Jackson Hole to seek out the serenity of the great outdoors. Trails have been consistently busy throughout this winter season and it appears the trend will continue. It is proven that National Parks dramatically influence local economies and Jackson is no exception. With 97% of the valley protected, there really are endless places to explore. Consider a tour with us and get off the beaten track.
Learn more: Teton County bucks statewide economic trends
Regional — Coyote conundrum
HOT TOPIC — Preservation and wildlife management has always been important in this region yet finding balance can be a challenge. As early as 1869, the territory of Wyoming started to manage wildlife populations. The state of Wyoming was established in 1890 and the first hunting season was created around 1895. There are, however, no license requirements to hunt coyotes in Wyoming. Coyotes can be legally killed because they are classified a bothersome predator. Many conservation groups don’t agree and work toward preservation and coexistence.
Learn more: Game and Fish Investigates Report of Dead Coyotes
Spirit
“I don’t know about any of you but I relish this time of the year. It is almost like opening a present every day… to see what part of nature awakens from its slumbering sleep. The natural world cannot talk but it does communicate.”
— Michael Miller (Dakota Center dakotacenter.org)
What’s in the Woods (field notes)
3/5/21 (Rafter J) flock of red-winged blackbirds
3/14/21 (Jackson) coyotes yipping
3/15/21 (Teton Village Road/windy mile) cow and calf moose (Pony Lane) cow moose
3/16/21 (town of Jackson) first robin!! Sunny and warm
3/22 (Highway 390) great blue heron!
3/24 (Snake River, Hwy 22) trumpeter swans flying upriver
3/26 (Jackson) starlings, red-breasted nuthatch visited suet
3/29 (Wind Event, Jackson Hole) 60 mph wind at JH airport, 80 mph wind at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Tour Suggestion
Warm temperatures have greatly reduced the snow pack. Hard to say what the best activity will be this time of year. Wait to see how each day begins to make your decision. If temperatures drop below freezing at night, you may choose to crust cruise or corn ski. You’ll need to time your activity when the snow just starts to thaw to get the perfect glide. There’s still lots of snow in the north valley and Grand Teton National Park. The inner park road is plowed so it’s the perfect time to bike or rollerblade and enjoy the views. No motorized traffic until May 1 so take advantage of this option.
Backcountry Tips
Remember wildlife closures are in effect until May 1 and the bears are emerging from their winter dens, so be mindful of your travel path and carry bear spray. Also, spring weather can be extremely variable so be prepared for quick weather changes. Happy trails!
