At a Glance: What You Need to Know
What is it? The National Elk Refuge is a 24,700-acre winter sanctuary in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, hosting thousands of migrating elk.
When is it open? The refuge is visible year-round, but the famous Sleigh Rides run from December 20, 2025, to April 4, 2026.
Quick Tip: You cannot drive your personal car to the sleigh boarding zone. You must buy tickets at the Visitor Center in town and take the free shuttle.
The Sleigh Ride Experience (2025/2026 Season)
This is the #1 reason people visit Jackson during the winter season. While most guides give you vague info, here are the specific logistics you need to avoid confusion.
The “Secret” Logistics
Many visitors drive straight to the refuge entrance and get turned around. Do not go to the refuge entrance for sleigh rides.
- Step 1: Go to the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center at 532 N. Cache Street (just a few blocks north of Town Square).
- Step 2: Look for the white trailer/kiosk in the parking lot to buy tickets.
- Step 3: Board the shuttle bus there. The shuttle will drive you 3 miles onto the refuge to meet the horse-drawn sleighs.
Hours & Dates
- Season: Dec 20, 2025 – April 4, 2026 (Weather permitting).
- Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Closures: Closed Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Current Pricing
- Adults: $42
- Children (5-12): $27
- Toddlers (4 & Under): Free
- Note: Reservations are not usually required for public rides (first-come, first-served), but during the holiday rush (Christmas to New Year’s), arriving early is critical.
“Refuge Road”: The Free Alternative
If you don’t want to pay for a sleigh ride, or if you want to photograph wildlife from your car, you can drive Refuge Road.
- The Route: Head east on Broadway until it ends and turns into Refuge Road.
- The Winter Restriction: From Dec 1 to April 30, you can only drive the first 3.5 miles (up to the Twin Creek subdivision). The road is gated beyond this point to protect the elk.
- The Rules: You must stay in your vehicle or immediately next to it. Do not walk out into the fields.
Pro Tip: This is arguably the best place in the valley to see Bighorn Sheep. Look at the rocky cliffs of Miller Butte (on your left as you drive in). They often come right down to the road level to lick salt off the cars.
What to Wear (Crucial Warning!)
This is where most tourists make a mistake. The sleighs are open-air, and you will be sitting still for 45-60 minutes.
- The “No Blanket” Policy: In previous years, blankets were provided. Current policy usually states NO blankets are provided due to health/safety protocols. You must bring your own if you want one.
- Footwear: Wear warm boots. The floor of the sleigh is cold metal/wood and will sap the heat from your feet.
- Wind: It is significantly windier on the open refuge than in town. Wear a windproof outer shell.
Photography Tips from a Local
- Lens Choice: You will get surprisingly close to the elk (sometimes 20-30 feet). A 70-200mm lens is perfect. You rarely need a massive 600mm lens for the sleigh ride.
- Lighting:
- Morning (10 AM – 11 AM): Elk are often more active and standing up feeding.
- Late Afternoon (3 PM): You get the sun setting behind you, illuminating the elk with the dramatic Teton Range in the background (the “hero shot”).
- Phone Photos: Portrait mode works shockingly well here because the elk are large and relatively still.
Your Perfect Half-Day Itinerary
Don’t just go for the ride; make it a full morning experience.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at Persephone Bakery (get the cinnamon brioche).
- 10:15 AM: Arrive at the Visitor Center (532 N. Cache St) to buy tickets.
- 11:00 AM: Board the shuttle for your sleigh ride.
- 12:30 PM: After returning, drive your own car out onto Refuge Road to spot Bighorn Sheep at Miller Butte.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at the National Museum of Wildlife Art (Palate Restaurant). The museum overlooks the refuge, offering a high-vantage view of the herds you just visited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for the National Elk Refuge sleigh ride? Generally, no. Public rides run on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if you have a large group (20+) or want a private sleigh, you should book in advance.
Can I drive my own car into the National Elk Refuge? Yes, but only on Refuge Road and only for 3.5 miles during the winter season. You cannot drive your personal vehicle on the sleigh ride path.
Are there wolves in the National Elk Refuge? Yes. While less common than elk or coyotes, the “Refuge Pack” of wolves is frequently spotted with scopes along Refuge Road, usually chasing elk herds in the distance.
Is the National Elk Refuge free? Viewing wildlife from the highway or driving Refuge Road is free. The sleigh rides are a paid activity operated by a private contractor (Double H Bar, Inc).
AntlersArch founder and the voice behind Teton Tattle.
