A printable PDF version of the Refuge Access Regulations is available; the PDF includes a general map. 

2016 Regulation Changes 

The wintering wildlife closure will be lifted at midnight on Sunday, May 1.

Overnight parking on the Refuge Road is not allowed on Saturday, April 30. 

No visitor use will be allowed on the Refuge after legal sunset on April 30 per Refuge regulations. Lawful access to Twin Creek Ranches sub-division will be available.

Access across the Gros Ventre River is a prohibited access onto or through the National Elk Refuge without a legal permit during hunting season.

Information regarding parking options, restrictions, and enforcement within the Town of Jackson is available at http://townofjackson.com/services/police or by telephone at (307) 733-1430.

A March 16, 2016 news release provides additional information for 2016 access , including other links and a Town of Jackson parking map. 

General Information   

Starting Sunday, May 1, 2016 at midnight, the Refuge Road on the National Elk Refuge will be open to public travel beyond the county-maintained line. This allows access to the Curtis Canyon and Flat Creek Roads and the adjoining Bridger-Teton National Forest. This area is closed each winter from December 1 through midnight on May 1 to protect wintering wildlife.  

Collecting Natural Products

It is illegal to take, collect, retrieve, possess, sell, purchase, or transport any natural product, including shed antlers, from the Refuge. This regulation is strictly enforced. 

Possession of natural products, including shed antlers, is restricted to the Refuge’s authorized access routes. Any possession of natural products on the Refuge outside an authorized route is prohibited and will result in seizure of the items regardless of where they were collected.  

Refuge Access 

Refuge access is restricted to open public roads and trails designated as “authorized routes.” All other foot, vehicle, bicycle, and horse travel is strictly prohibited. This includes travel between the Refuge and adjacent National Forest lands. You must be on an authorized route at all times while within the Refuge boundary. 

The Refuge boundary is clearly marked by high-visibility orange posts.

Authorized Routes

Refuge Road and Miller Butte National Forest Access Trail
The Miller Butte National Forest access trail starts on the Refuge Road east of Miller Butte and provides direct access to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, as marked.

Curtis Canyon Road and National Forest Access Trail
From the junction with Flat Creek Road to the boundary of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This includes the Curtis Canyon National Forest access trail, as marked, that starts at the Forest Service information board.

Flat Creek Road and Dry Hollow National Forest Access Trail
From the Refuge entrance on East Broadway to the boundary of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This includes the East parking lot and the Dry Hollow National Forest access trail, as marked. 

Other Year-Round Restrictions 

Obstructing other vehicles by stopping or parking on the road is prohibited.

Foot travel off the roadway is restricted to the immediate area of the roadway (approximately 15 feet) as signed.

Camping and overnight parking are not allowed.

Campfires and warming fires are not allowed.

Attempting to or disturbing, injuring, destroying, or collecting any plant or animal is prohibited.

Public intoxication is strictly prohibited.

Possession and discharge of fireworks is prohibited.

Animals are restricted to the Refuge Road and approved routes. All animals, including dogs and horses, must be restrained at all times.

Animal waste must be collected and properly disposed.

Pets must be leashed at all times. 

Hay must be certified weed free.

All food and garbage must be stored inside vehicles or trailers.

Littering is prohibited.

Administration and service roads are closed to all public access.