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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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December Nature News: Scant snow leaves Jackson Hole relatively bare going into ski season

December 2, 2021

In Jackson Hole, November and December are expected to be dark, cold, rainy and snowy. Many Jackson locals enjoy the quiet months at home to train for ski season, swap out their wardrobes, winterize, and enjoy the magnificent landscape without a lot of visitors. Others prefer to swap out the cold in exchange for biking and camping in the Southwest. Either way, most everyone looks forward to winter’s snowy slopes for skiing, touring and playing. But this year’s unseasonably warm temperatures and low moisture have left just a scant amount of snow accumulation in the higher elevations. While the lack of snow delayed the opening of Grand Targhee Resort, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened on time with very limited coverage. Fortunately for recreationists, it looks like weather on its way. Here’s to Old Man Winter blowing the cold and snow into our valley!


Local: Winter Wildlife Closures

As of December 1, many hillsides within the Bridger-Teton National Forest close to protect wintering wildlife. Winter is a very stressful time of the year for wildlife with frigid temperatures and limited food sources. Closing hillside terrain helps minimize human disturbances so wildlife can conserve energy. Causing animals to move or run away is never appropriate, but in the winter, it can be the difference between life and death. Please recreate responsibility.

Winter wildlife closures begin on Bridger-Teton

Regional: Wildlife and Raptor Migration

Since snow has yet to accumulate in the valley, wildlife continue to forage and move freely in search of safe winter territories. Keep an eye out for the first elk on the National Elk Refuge outside the town of Jackson, for the arrival of Canadian Trumpeter Swans seeking out free-flowing water for refuge and food, and for rough-legged hawks returning from breeding grounds in the Arctic. They will remain in the valley if they find sufficient food.

The research team at the Teton Raptor Center has been collaborating with the Raptor View Research Institute to tag and monitor Golden Eagle migration in recent years. Their research shows many Golden Eagles come to this region to winter.  From the Teton Raptor Center, “The map below shows the migration paths of the 38 Golden Eagles that have been monitored as part of the study from 2018-2021. Summer locations (green circles) and winter locations (blue circles) of each Golden Eagle are also identified on the map.” Perhaps you can spot them this winter.

Map courtesy of Teton Raptor Center

Spirit

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and one is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.

— The Dalai Lama


Trail Suggestion

Thin snow cover snow limits winter recreation but hiking is still an option and most bike paths are clear. For touring, Cache Creek near Jackson is a fun place to explore. The trail to Crystal Butte is clear but muddy. Park trails are open but icy. Choose aspect and time of day to manage mud and ice exposure on the trails. There are lots of wildlife viewing opportunities right now. Wolves were recently seen in Grand Teton National Park! Be prepared and have fun on your next adventures.

Backcountry Tips

  • Be aware of wildlife closures in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
  • Bears still on the move so carry bear spray and care for trash properly

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 »

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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
    • Snowshoe/Ski
    • Winter Wildlife Tours
  • 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