National Elk Refuge Road, Jackson Hole Wyoming Tetons area

[hessey]

I just love exploring the Tetons and have driven most backroads in this area over some years.
I am returning in June to explore.
I have 2 questions :

1.. Can I drive down the "National Elk Refuge Road"? It is gravel. Is it suitable for a small "C" Class? The road starts on the north east corner of Jackson.

2.. I have seen elk in large herds on several occasions. Are they usually down in this area?

[padredw]

If you would like to take a look at the Elk Refuge:

Webcam Refuge

This is a "real time" view. Best seen in full screen on desktop computer.

[2gypsies1]

Yes, you can drive the gravel road in summer. The elk have then moved to high country. It's in good condition for your RV. Also plan to take in the talk at Miller Ranch - interesting.

Jackson Wildlife Refuge

[tuna_fisher]

No to driving the refuge Rd. The only time public may is during hunting season to those who draw a special permit to hunt the refuge.

[kknowlton]

Can't answer the first question, but answering the second, the elk are only on the refuge in winter months. Winter having barely even happened this year, the elk have already been on the move away from the refuge to their summer grounds - some of those inside Grand Teton National Park and others into the national forest lands eastward. Apparently the Yellowstone elk almost never use the refuge but have their own areas they frequent in the winter.

If you visit Jackson in the winter, there are fun tours of the elk refuge, in large open sleighs drawn by horses, which can get you quite close to the elk in a safe manner.