Your Guide to Spring in Jackson Hole

Spring in Jackson Hole isn’t for everyone—and that’s what makes it special. This shoulder season (April through early June) invites you to experience the Tetons at their most intimate. Wildlife is on the move. The rivers are rising. The trails begin to peek out from under a long winter’s snow. And the town? It exhales.

If you’re the kind of traveler who seeks connection over crowds and doesn’t mind a little grit with your grandeur, this guide is for you.

Pedal the Park While It’s Just You and the Mountains

Teton Park Road, typically snowed-in all winter and bustling with cars in summer, reopens each spring—but only to human-powered traffic. For a few golden weeks (usually late March to May 1st), you can bike, walk, run, or skate along the 14-mile stretch between Taggart Lake and Signal Mountain Lodge without a vehicle in sight.

Bring your own gear or rent a cruiser, e-bike, or road bike from local outfitters like Hoback Sports or The Hub. Expect jaw-dropping Teton views, herds of elk or bison in the distance, and crisp, quiet air.

Local tip: Pack layers—it might feel like spring in town and full-blown winter just a few miles north. And keep your eyes peeled: bears are emerging around this time, and it’s not uncommon to spot one near the road.

Witness the Great Migration

The National Elk Refuge is still teeming with thousands of elk during early spring. As the snowline retreats, the herd starts its slow climb back into the high country.

Come mid-May, those antlers are the centerpiece of ElkFest, a weekend-long celebration that kicks off Jackson’s festival season. The Local Boy Scouts of America collect antlers from the refuge and auction them off on Town Square—with proceeds going to conservation efforts. ElkFest kicks off Old West Days, a 10-day celebration complete with a Mountain Man Rendezvous, a horse-drawn parade, the first rodeo of the season, and the Old West Brewfest.

Float the Snake—Spring’s Most Serene Adventure

When snowmelt feeds the Snake River, it’s time to trade your skis for an oar. Spring brings high water and scenic float trips that are as peaceful as they are dramatic. You’ll glide past towering cottonwoods, watch bald eagles hunt along the banks, and possibly spot moose wading through the shallows.

Outfitters like Dave Hansen Whitewater, Sands Whitewater, and Barker-Ewing offer half-day scenic floats perfect for families, photographers, or anyone who wants to sit back and let the river do the work.

Don’t forget to wear a PFD at all times when on the water!

Lace Up for the First Hikes of the Season

Snow lingers in the high country, but many low-elevation trails open by late April. Taggart Lake, Leigh Lake, and Bradley Lake offer early access to alpine views, frozen lakes melting into mirrors, and trails lined with early wildflowers like glacier lilies and pasqueflowers.

Don’t let the relatively short mileage fool you—these hikes deliver big rewards with minimal effort, especially this time of year when crowds are sparse and animal sightings are plentiful.

Need gear? Stop into Teton Mountaineering or JD High Country Outfitters to stock up on spring hiking essentials like gaiters, spikes, or bear spray.

Connect with the Wild at the National Museum of Wildlife Art

Perched above the Elk Refuge just two miles north of town, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is a world-class collection with more than 5,000 pieces—from prehistoric petroglyphs to contemporary sculpture.

Roam galleries that explore the wild through Western, Native American, and modern lenses. Then step outside and wander the Sculpture Trail, where bronze bison and elk overlook the real thing in the valley below.

Can’t-miss: Check their seasonal events—spring often features art classes, yoga sessions, or artist talks.

Savor the Off-Season Dining Scene

Spring is a sweet spot for food lovers. Tables are easier to come by, and local chefs have time to get creative.

Local tip: Some restaurants close for a few weeks during the off season to give staff a break and reset before summer. Double-check openings before making a plan for your next meal.

Ride the Valley on Two Wheels

The Jackson Hole Community Pathways offer more than 60 miles of paved and gravel trails that connect the entire valley—from downtown Jackson to Teton Village, Wilson, and even Grand Teton National Park.

Spring is prime time for a bike day: fewer riders, blooming meadows, and sweeping views without the high-summer heat. Rent a cruiser or e-bike, pack a lunch, and spend the day riding past ranchland, riverbanks, and views that’ll have you stopping every 10 minutes to take it all in.

Route to try: Ride from Jackson to Moose Junction, grab a coffee at Dornan’s, and watch the Tetons reflect in the Snake River.

Slow Down and Soak It In

Not every adventure needs a trailhead. Some of spring’s best moments come when you simply let yourself be still. Stake out a quiet overlook in Grand Teton National Park, wander the banks of Flat Creek, or sip something warm on a back porch while the sun slips behind the Tetons.

This is a season made for slowing down—and seeing more because of it.

What to Pack for Spring in Jackson

Layers: Weather swings wildly. Think: down jacket in the morning, T-shirt by lunch, rain shell just in case. Being prepared is everything in the Tetons.

Waterproof footwear: Melting snow = muddy trails. Did you know it can take 10 to 30 years for these environments to recover from just one off-trail detour? Stick to designated trails to help protect Jackson Hole for future generations.

Binoculars: For spotting wildlife from a safe (and respectful) distance.

Bear spray: Always carry it if you’re venturing into the park. Keep your distance. Give wildlife at least 25 yards of space, and 100 yards for bears and wolves. ⁠

Sun protection: Spring sun at elevation can sneak up on you.

Spring in Jackson: For the Curious and the Quietly Bold

There’s a rhythm to spring in Jackson Hole—one that doesn’t shout, but rewards those who listen. Whether you’re biking beneath snow-capped peaks, paddling quiet rivers, or spotting bison calves as they take their first steps, this is the season when the valley whispers its wildest secrets.

All you have to do is show up.