Jackson/Jackson Hole - what time of year is the best?

Hi,

we are two adults and one child (7 years old). We have thought about going somewhere out of europe and asia - and after doing some research, we would like to go to Wyoming!

We can%26#39;t decide when to go, though - spring, summer, fall or winter? We are not big skiers, but the thought of dog sleds and snow are rather appealing.

what, besides skiing, is there to do for a week in winter? we would like to see wild animals... best time of year for that?

would like to hear your thoughts...

thank you

katrine

Jackson/Jackson Hole - what time of year is the best?

Katrine,

I worked in Yellowstone for a while and I have family in Jackson.

Best time of year for anaimals would be the spring, And obviusly during the winter a bear sighting is not likly.

In the winter you can only go into Yellowstone via a snow cat and stay at the snow lodge with old faithful just a stones throw away.

Wih a child and not being skiers the late spring early summer would be your best bet. More animals, easier to get around, more things going on in town (winter is the dead season).

If you have any other questions let me know.

-Ryan

Jackson/Jackson Hole - what time of year is the best?

You might also consider visiting Jackson Hole the very first wk. of Oct. when you%26#39;re apt to experience ALL seasons from sunny ';no jacket'; days to light dustings of snow. To me, it%26#39;s a fantastic time of yr. to be there. Lots of animal action, too, with everyone from moose, elk, pronghorn, fox, bison and grizzlies out and about and very close (sometime ON) the roads. The Fall color, from trees to grasses, may also be at its most gorgeous peak. Comparatively few visitors and cars throughout the Hole as well. Only possible drawbacks would be less lodging and restaurant choices (many places have already shut down), and the chance that on some days the south entrance to Yellowstone could be closed due to icy road conditions.

we got to jackson twice each year %26amp; i still can%26#39;t figure out which season i like best. in the winter there are no crowds %26amp; even if you don%26#39;t ski this is a great place to snowmobile. there is a great rental place on the road to dubois (about 30 miles from jackson) that will rent to you %26amp; give you a map of the togwotee national forest area. you can ride up to the lodge or even over to brooks lake lodge for lunch. beautiful area.

the road that runs north/south that%26#39;s east of the elk refuge is a great place to see wildlife in the winter. elk, buffalo, big horn sheep, etc. are always hanging around that area.

in the summer you can still see elk, buffalo, %26amp; if you%26#39;re lucky even a bear every now %26amp; then. the lakes are a great place to go during the summer (jenny %26amp; jackson lake). you can rent just about any type of boat (from a canoe to a pontoon boat). white water or smooth water rafting is always fun too. don%26#39;t forget to go to dornans, have dinner on the deck, %26amp; watch the sun set. the rodeo is also great fun if you haven%26#39;t been to one.

too many things to do to mention everything. this is absolutely one of the best areas to visit anywhere.

I live in Jackson, and have a hard time figuring out what season I like best. I have 2 1/2 feet of snow in the yard, and right now I yearn for spring :-). The previous poster was right about this season, especially in and around the elk refuge. The horse drawn sleigh among the elk can be a most magical moment. Lots of swans in the ponds, and the mountains are breathtakingly beautiful.

Summers are quite busy, but there%26#39;s lots to do, including white water rafting on the Snake River, chuck wagon breakfast at Dornans (at the entrance to Grand Teton National Park) Wonderful hiking. And visits to GTNP and Yellowstone are easy drives. Early summer can be sweet, as in Yellowstone the bison (buffalo) have babies added to the herds.

The really beautiful time, though, I think is fall: when the aspen trees are turning brilliant colors, the town is much quieter, and you can almost sense that the whole valley landscape is preparing for winter.

s

Swans? I%26#39;d think the lakes would be frozen over. Or are they in streams/rivers? Our weather in the Puget Sound area is so much warmer, so they are winter residents. I checked field guides and, to my surprise, there they are :). Wonder if you have hot springs which keep the water temp sufficiently warm to prevent freezing.

Yep! Swans! There are some warm springs feeding the ponds. And there is a beautiful spot where the Teton Science School maintains a protected area, I%26#39;ve seen dozens of swans there (40-50). There is another pond south of town, and today there are about 12 swimming around. Unlike the Canada Geese, the swans are year-round residents.

Thank you!

Hi,

thank you for all your great replies! They were really helpful. I think that we have now decided to go in October... although winter still would be a great experience, skiing or not!

Thanks again, I really appreciate your help.

Katrine