LOCAL
As May begins, the pulse of the valley changes to “feel” more like summer. The daily pace increases with visitors and more trail accessibility. When you live in an area with wild nature and extreme weather, you have quiet months with seasonal transitions. Both April and November are considered “off season months” in our town.
Spring bursts with energy, a sharp contrast to the quietude of autumn. It’s a season when the earth seems to pulse with life—you can feel it in the air. Tender green shoots break through the soil, and birds flit about, busily gathering nesting materials. In Wyoming, May transforms the landscape with a wash of green. By mid-month, aspens and cottonwoods unfurl their vibrant new leaves. Wildflowers like spring beauty, yellow fritillary, and green gentian emerge, offering nourishment to hungry bears and other wildlife. It’s a wonderful time to witness and feel the landscape awakening all around you.
With this change of pace, many return to the valley in early May. I will return, as well, to open May 5 for our 36th summer hiking season! I am grateful to have shared the trail and the wonders of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem with so many over the years.
I recently traveled to Ohio to visit my parents, then continued on to Northern Michigan to spend time with friends and enjoy the chance to explore and take in the beauty of Lake Michigan during the month of April. The climate in Northern Michigan feels much like that of Jackson, especially in Leland, which sits near the 45th parallel—an imaginary line of latitude halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Yellowstone also lies along this line, connecting these landscapes in a subtle geographic thread.
When we arrive, the earth is mostly brown—just beginning to wake from winter—with the first hints of green pushing through the soil. By the time we leave, the forest floor is alive with early spring wildflowers: trillium, trout lily, spring beauty, and ramps. In this region, ramps—a wild allium related to spring onions and leeks—are a prized seasonal delicacy. They’re not only a nourishing post-winter food source but also pair wonderfully with freshly caught whitefish from Lake Michigan.
Soon, I’ll head back to the Rocky Mountains, filled with anticipation for the unfolding of spring in our own picturesque valley.
See you on the trail!
Cathy
Cathy Shill
Founder, The Hole Hiking Experience
REGIONAL
Get Involved: Help Wyoming Track Native Bumblebees!
Join the effort to support invertebrate conservation by reporting sightings of native bumblebees across Wyoming. Your observations can help scientists track regional bee populations and better understand their health and distribution.
Protecting bees is vital—they’re essential pollinators and play a crucial role in sustaining plant life and our food supply. By participating, you’re contributing to the preservation of our ecosystems and the future of our natural world.
What a meaningful and rewarding way to make a difference—let’s all do our part!
Learn more:
https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mountain-states
https://www.sweetwaternow.com/tracking-and-conserving-bumble-bees-with-the-blm/
SPIRIT
“Love the whole world as a mother loves her only child.”
—Buddha
Join a naturalist and truly discover the wonders of nature in Jackson Hole!
Find serenity in nature while hiking and wildlife viewing with a naturalist guide. We offer tours for all activity levels. Find your speed and choose a tour to explore with family and friends. Head to our website to learn more.
Nature Awaits You!
Backcountry Tips
- Tread lightly! Travel on durable surfaces and avoid muddy trails. Bike treads can cause large ruts that take time to repair. Please be conservative in your choices.
- Bear activity increases in the spring, and it’s also the time when cubs are born. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it when venturing into bear country.
- If you see a bear from the road, remember to keep a safe distance—at least 100 yards is recommended. Give them as much space as possible to ensure both your safety and theirs. Let’s respect wildlife and enjoy the season responsibly.
Field Facts
- Mother’s Day Reminder: Wild Moms Are Protective Too! As we celebrate Mother’s Day, remember that all mothers—human or wild—can be fiercely protective of their young. If you encounter wildlife with babies, give them plenty of space and observe from a safe distance.
- Spring Wildlife Watch: Young bison and moose are among the first newborns spotted in spring, soon followed by elk, deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep.
Tour Suggestions
May Adventures in Jackson & Yellowstone: Embrace the Season!
May is a month to dance with the weather—sunshine, snow flurries, and everything in between! Close to town, Josie’s Ridge and Cache Creek offer great spring trails. If conditions are wet, the old road up Cache Creek is a better low-impact option. And no matter the forecast, the bike paths are always a solid choice during unsettled spring days.
It’s also a fantastic time to visit Yellowstone—wildlife is abundant, crowds are light, and yes, it’s bear season! The South Entrance is scheduled to open mid-May, but weather can affect timing, so be sure to check road status at: nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/parkroads.htm
Get out, enjoy, and be ready for anything—May keeps you on your toes!
