The Bridger-Teton National Forest’s Jackson District announced updates on conditions visitors should expect to find on roads and trails as wildlife winter range areas open on the Forest May 1, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. The lower elevations are snow-free, and hillsides are beginning to show hints of green, however lingering snow remains on some roads.
Road access: Beginning May 1, 2025, at 6:00 a.m., the gate at Atherton Creek will open, giving people access to the Gros Ventre drainage up to Slate Creek. In the Flat Creek drainage, people will be able to park either at the Sheep Mountain trailhead or at the Forest kiosk trailhead. In Curtis Canyon, visitors will be able to drive to the overlook. In the Hoback area, the Poison Creek gate will open at 6:00 a.m. Non-motorized use is permitted on these roads beyond the closures. Other National Forest roads on the Jackson and Blackrock Ranger Districts remain closed due to persisting snow including Fall Creek, Shadow Mountain, Ditch Creek, and Toppings Lake roads. The upper portions of the Granite Creek Road remain snow covered, but the lower road will open in time for the weekend, giving partial motorized access to the drainage.
Safety: North-facing and shaded slopes still hold snow, so be prepared with snowshoes if you plan to explore these areas. Trying to post-hole through soft snow will quickly result in exhaustion and potential injury. Grizzly bears have emerged in Jackson Hole, so carry and know how to use bear spray. All coolers, food, and garbage must be stored within a hard-sided vehicle. For folks exploring hillsides and canyons off-trail, be aware to give any wildlife plenty of space – a minimum of 100 yards away from bears and 25 yards from all ungulates such as bighorn sheep, moose, and elk. Keep dogs near you and in voice control to protect both you and your pet.
Law enforcement personnel are actively patrolling areas and Forest Service personnel will be checking road conditions regularly. Jackson District Ranger Todd Stiles said people can help out by reporting conditions they encounter while recreating on the Forest.
Free travel maps are available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, both located on N. Cache in Jackson, Wyoming. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Bridger-Teton National Forest at 307-739-5400 or by visiting the Bridger-Teton National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-
