Cold temperatures, extreme terrain, and deep snow are what we live for as skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoers.
But these same elements, combined with a scarce food supply and the dire need to conserve energy, make it really hard for wildlife, especially large mammals, to survive our long, cold, harsh winters. When we disturb wildlife in the winter, we increase their stress levels and force them to expend precious energy by relocating to areas where foraging and security coverage is not optimal. This often leads to poor health and ultimately death, furthering overall population declines.
Winter closures exist to protect critical habitat for a variety of species. As people who care about wildlife, we have a responsibility to know before we go which backcountry areas serve as critical winter habitat and migration pathways for wildlife and are closed seasonally to protect wildlife.
View additional maps below and learn more about closure areas from each of the responsible agencies.
Seasonal closures include: (Location | Dates)
Bridger-Teton National Forest | December 1 – 8:00am May 1
Bridger-Teton Closure MapJackson Closure MapSnow King/ Cache Closure Close-upGros Ventre Closure Map
Caribou-Targhee National Forest | Dec 1 or Dec 15 – April 30
Caribou-Targhee Closure Maps by DistrictGrand Teton National Park | December 1- April 30
Grand Teton Closure MapSouth Park Wildlife Habitat Management Area | Dec 1 Vehicle / Jan 1 Foot Traffic – April 30
South Park Closure MapN89 pathways adjacent to the National Elk Refuge | November 1 to April 30
(The five-mile segment of the N89 pathway stretching between Flat Creek and the Gros Ventre River)
Teton County, WY FAQ
To report any violations of our local winter wildlife closures, please call the corresponding agency of the closure location
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