The Bridger-Teton National Forest’s Jackson District notes that wildlife winter range areas will open to the public on May 1 at 6:00 a.m., with updates on road and trail conditions for visitors. Lower elevations are snow-free, and hillsides are turning green, but snow persists on some roads and north-facing slopes. Starting May 1, the Atherton Creek gate will open, providing access to the Gros Ventre drainage up to Slate Creek. In Flat Creek, parking is available at the Sheep Mountain or Forest kiosk trailheads, and Curtis Canyon will be drivable to the overlook. The Poison Creek gate in the Hoback area will also open at 6:00 a.m. However, roads like Fall Creek, Shadow Mountain, Ditch Creek, and Toppings Lake remain closed due to snow, while Granite Creek Road will offer partial motorized access to lower areas.
Visitors should prepare for lingering snow on shaded slopes, bringing snowshoes to avoid exhaustion or injury from post-holing. With grizzly bears active in Jackson Hole, carrying and knowing how to use bear spray is essential, and all food, coolers, and garbage must be stored in hard-sided vehicles. Maintain at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from ungulates like moose and elk, and keep dogs under voice control. Law enforcement and Forest Service staff will patrol and monitor conditions, and Jackson District Ranger Todd Stiles encourages visitors to report observations. Free travel maps are available at the Forest Supervisor’s Office or Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center in Jackson, with further details at www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton or by calling 307-739-5400.
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