hiking

As we transition into October, all the wonders of fall present themselves—magnificent foliage and clear, crisp air. It’s my favorite season. The colors are vibrant. Warm days and cool nights brighten the leaves, making this season truly spectacular. It’s peak mating time for the elk, and the bugling continues. There’s an energy in the air that nudges us to prepare and nest, much like the red squirrels in the backyard. Soups become more appealing than salads as we edge closer to winter. Animal movements follow the shifting weather as migration begins. The days vary, with the potential for warm, dry stretches we often call Indian Summer.

As September begins, two large fires near Jackson Hole are contributing to the haze in the valley. The Dollar Lake and Willow Creek fires are burning close to Jackson—both about 80 miles away and mostly uncontained. It’s been a super dry summer, so fire danger remains high across all public lands in Jackson Hole. For more information: Wyoming Fire Report »

It’s mid-summer—berries are ripening, the days are long, and there’s always the chance of an afternoon shower. We could use the rain, so every drop is welcome. Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “very high” for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Please use extreme caution.

Flowers in June have been spectacular! June is typically a drier month, and this year, recent warm temperatures have allowed plants to flourish. Usually, cooler weather and more rain slow things down—but not this time. While we could still use rain to support budding vegetation, the potential for afternoon showers has increased. The valley is lush and green, pulsing with the summer rhythm of visitors, wildlife, and natural beauty.

May ended up being warmer and drier than average and June begins with a similar pattern.  We were hoping to see afternoon showers but seems the high pressure dominates our western skies. As the blooming season begins, the valley is bright green with new leaves and a mosaic of color brightens the meadows. There are lots of blossoms at lower elevations. Snow continues to dominate the high country giving the valley a wonderful contrast of beauty, light and color. Waterways are muddy as the snow releases its grip in the mountains and the rivers run high. The main river in Jackson Hole, the Snake River, is expected to reach peak runoff during the first week of June.