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The Hole Hiking Experience

The Hole Hiking Experience

Jackson Hole Hiking, Wildlife Tours, Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing

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November Nature News: Autumn is a dynamic time in Jackson Hole

November 2, 2021

Autumn hiking tours in Jackson Hole

Autumn is a dynamic time of year here in Jackson Hole with sunshine, rain, snow and sleet. Each day brings a new surprise. The high peaks are enshrouded in snow, most of our local birds have migrated to southern climates and animals are on the move seeking lower elevations and winter territories.

The Hole Hiking Experience is closed for fall break. We re-open November 22. Book your snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and wildlife tours online now and share the natural world with your family and friends this winter.


Local — Teton Park Visitation Reaches New Heights

Jackson Hole gets busier each year and management of our valley is changing. The increased interest in nature, national parks, and the call to be outdoors have impacted all public lands. Our local community and Grand Teton Park have adjusted management to better understand this change in visitation. Steps are being taken to inform the public to reduce impact, respect wildlife and protect resources. Sadly, impact has the potential to spiral out of control.

Read the statistics »


Regional — Avian Migration: The Ultimate Red-Eye Flight

Fall is the season of avian migration. Of the 700 or more bird species nesting in North America, more than 400 species migrate. And what a feat of nature that is! In late summer, migrating birds produce new feathers and gorge themselves in preparation for their journey to southern winter territories. Migration takes several weeks during the months of October and November. We are used to seeing the formations of geese traveling during the day, but many songbirds travel by night. Amazing to think as we sleep, thousands of birds fly overhead. 

Learn more about nocturnal migration »


Spirit

“Birds of Passage” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 

Black shadows fall
From the lindens tall,
That lift aloft their massive wall
Against the southern sky;

And from the realms
Of the shadowy elms
A tide-like darkness overwhelms
The fields that round us lie.

But the night is fair,
And everywhere
A warm, soft vapor fills the air,
And distant sounds seem near,

And above, in the light
Of the star-lit night,
Swift birds of passage wing their flight
Through the dewy atmosphere.

I hear the beat
Of their pinions fleet,
As from the land of snow and sleet
They seek a southern lea.

I hear the cry
Of their voices high
Falling dreamily through the sky,
But their forms I cannot see.

O, say not so!
Those sounds that flow
In murmurs of delight and woe
Come not from wings of birds.

They are the throngs
Of the poet’s songs,
Murmurs of pleasures, and pains, and wrongs,
The sound of winged words.

This is the cry
Of souls, that high
On toiling, beating pinions, fly,
Seeking a warmer clime,

From their distant flight
Through realms of light
It falls into our world of night,
With the murmuring sound of rhyme.


What’s in the Woods

10/9 (Jackson) mule deer in backyard, chickadees, robins, Grizzly 399 and cubs near Spring Gulch Road
10/10 (Bryon Flats) flock of mountain bluebirds
10/11 fresh snow in the mountains
10/13 (String Lake, Grand Teton Park) elk bugling
10/17 bluebird day, high of 60
10/20 (Grand Teton Park) beavers building lodge at sawmill ponds, bugling elk, bull moose,

Tour Suggestion

Daily weather will determine the best tour options. The high peaks are covered in snow so recreating in lower elevations is best. As trails get muddy, bike paths are always a great option. One fall favorite is to walk along the river. The dike has a gravel surface. Game Creek, south of Jackson, is also a favorite of mine since it is an old roadway so lots of room to maneuver. In Grand Teton Park, both the Teton Park Road and the Moose-Wilson Road close November 1.  Animals are on the move to winter territories so stay alert on the roadways. Bears are still active. Have fun and enjoy this change of season!

Backcountry Tips

  • Be prepared for cold temperatures and sudden changes in weather
  • Watch for wildlife on road

Filed Under: Nature News

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Staff Pick: Sunrise Wildlife Driving Tour + Hike (full day)

We’ll start by exploring Grand Teton National Park by vehicle to spot wildlife in the early morning light. Then experience a great hike in the mountains surrounding Jackson Hole. Learn more »

 
Celebrating 33 Years of Guiding
 

COVID-19 Safety

Safety is our primary objective while sharing nature with our guests. Guided hikes will be conducted in compliance with all County, State, and Federal guidelines for COVID-19. Read more »

Experience Nature




The Hole Hiking Experience is an authorized permittee and non-discriminatory winter concessionaire of Grand Teton National Park and an equal opportunity provider and permittee of the Bridger-Teton, Shoshone, and Caribou-Targhee National Forests. Established in 1989. ©2021, all rights reserved. For information and booking: 307.690.4453 or info@holehike.com.

The Hole Hiking ExperienceLogo Header Menu
  • WINTER
  • SUMMER
    • Hiking Tours
    • Wildlife Tours
    • Backpacking
  • DETAILS
    • Clothing + Gear
    • FAQs
    • Snacks + Picnics
    • Visiting The Area
  • ABOUT
    • Meet our Naturalists
    • Nature News
    • Reviews / Press
    • Stewardship
    • Videos
    • Subscribe
    • Contact Us
  • Book Now
  • CALL (307) 690-4453