GTNP January to December Overviews

This page contains a quick overview for each month of the year. Hopefully, the information below will give you a feel for the weather, animal activity, access, and events for each month in the Tetons.

January Overview:

January, along with December, are our traditional COLD months. Many of the zones are closed for the winter, along with some of the roads. Most of the animals have either left the valley, gone into hibernation, or have moved into the southern end of Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge. Days are short, yet the sun is low allowing you to take photos all day long.

Winter Roads:
     >The Inner Park Loop Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is closed to vehicle traffic until May 1st.
     >The south end of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction.
     >Antelope Flats Road is closed. You can hike, shoeshow, or cross country ski in.
     >The Park Road past Flagg Ranch is closed to vehicles.
     >Almost all secondary roads are closed. Only the largest pullouts are plowed.

Closures:      >Actually there area a lot of closure areas in GTNP, but the main one is the river bottom along the Snake River between the Moose Visitor’s Center and the Pacific Creek boat launch. It is illegal to hike into areas like Schwabacher Landing and Blacktail Ponds during the winter months (Reopens April 1st)

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, most common along the Gros River bottom, but most bulls will have lost their antlers.      >Bison, a few bulls linger around Cunningham Cabin, but most are on the National Elk Refuge
     >Foxes, seen randomly around the valley in January and February. 
     >Eagles, seen feeding on winter kills, mostly around the Elk Refuge.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >With leafless trees, you may spot Great Horned owls.
     >Elk, easily seen on the National Elk Refuge. 
     >Bighorns, seen on most days along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refug

February Overview:

February can start out very cold, then warm slightly by the end of the month. In many years, Mountain Goats start becoming more dependable subjects. Red Foxes and Owls seem to appear in random places during this month. As in January, access in GTNP is limited. The southern end of the valley will probably be your best bet for the large game animals and possible wolves.

Winter Roads:
     >The Inner Park Loop Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is closed to vehicle traffic until May 1st.
      >The south end of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction.
     >Antelope Flats Road is closed. You can hike, shoeshow, or cross country ski in.
     >The Park Road past Flagg Ranch is closed to vehicles.
     >Almost all secondary roads are closed. Only the largest pullouts are plowed.

Closures:
     >Actually there area a lot of closure areas in GTNP, but the main one is the river bottom along the Snake River between the Moose Visitor’s Center and the Pacific Creek boat launch. It is illegal to hike into areas like Schwabacher Landing and Blacktail Ponds during the winter months (Reopens April 1st)

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, most common along the Gros River bottom, but most bulls will have lost their antlers.
     >Bison, a few bulls linger around Cunningham Cabin, but most are on the National Elk Refuge
     >Foxes, seen randomly around the valley in January and February.
     >Eagles, seen feeding on winter kills, mostly around the Elk Refuge.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >Elk, easily seen on the National Elk Refuge.
     >With leafless trees, you may spot Great Horned owls.
     >Bighorns, seen on most days along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge

March Overview:

There can be a “hint” of a change in March. Winter keeps a stronger grip on the landscape in the northern parts of the park and along the base of the mountains. It can start looking like early Spring in some areas and look like December in others.

Winter Roads:
     >The Inner Park Loop Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is closed to vehicle traffic until May 1st.
     >South end of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction.
     >Antelope Flats Road is closed. You can hike, shoeshow, or cross country ski in.
     >The Park Road past Flagg Ranch is closed to vehicles.
     >Almost all secondary roads are closed. Only the largest pullouts are plowed.

Closures:
     >Actually there area a lot of closure areas in GTNP, but the main one is the river bottom along the Snake River between the Moose Visitor’s Center and the Pacific Creek boat launch. It is illegal to hike into areas like Schwabacher Landing and Blacktail Ponds during the winter months (Reopens April 1st)

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, most common along the Gros River bottom, but most bulls will have lost their antlers.
     >Bison, a few bulls linger around Cunningham Cabin, but most are on the National Elk Refuge
     >Foxes, seen randomly around the valley in January and February.
     >Eagles, seen feeding on winter kills, mostly around the Elk Refuge.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >Elk, easily seen on the National Elk Refuge.
     >Bighorns, seen on most days along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge

April Overview:

April is a month of transitions and can be difficult to predict from year to year. Some snow may start melting, yet get a thick new layer at any particular time. The large game animals adjust their movements from the south end of the valley based on snow pack.

Schwabacher Landing will open until April 1st to foot traffic along with the northern section of the Moose-Wilson Road.

April is a good month to photograph the Teton Range with it’s full blanket of snow.
To start the month, sunrise will be a little after 7:00 am and sunset will be between 7:50 and 8:00 pm.

April is the Rodney Dangerfield of Months: “It just don’t get no respect!” Some stores and restaurants close for a few weeks, kids are out for Spring Break, so many people leave the valley. Most of the antlered mammals will have shed their antlers. Their coats can look shaggy. The parks are mostly still closed during the first half of the month, then open slowly throughout the month. The winter Ski resorts close after the first week. It is too early for golfers. But…it is a month of change. For photographers, April offers lots of possibilities. Animals are on the move, yet still confined to a relatively small area of the park. Migrating birds return or pass through the valley. You can sometimes find evidence of Spring at one end of the valley and find yourself smack dab in the middle of Winter in other parts of the valley. By the middle of April, Grizzlies start emerging and can be worth a trip. Days are comfortably long—but not too long. Light is still good for several hours at each end, with a smaller percentage of the daylight in what people call “harsh light”. Some people think of April as “mud month”, or merely something “to get through”. I like the month, however!. The park is always relatively quiet and deserted. I often get a chance to see more animals per day than at any other month of the year. And, there is so much variety available on any particular day.

April is also the month the Park Service reopens Antelope Flats Road. I look forward to the opening, not only to get access to the homesteads and barns along Mormon Row, but also to allow for a loop to Kelly and back around to the highway. All Winter long, we have to backtrack to the highway before having the option to go north. The road into the Chapel of the Transfiguration is also plowed out sometime in April. The Craig Thomas Visitors Center at Moose opens on the 11th in 2014 after a winter closure.

Winter Roads:
     >The Inner Park Loop Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is closed to vehicle traffic until May 1st.
     >The south end of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction.
     >Antelope Flats Road is closed. You can hike, shoeshow, or cross country ski in.
     >The Park Road past Flagg Ranch is closed to vehicles.
     >Almost all secondary roads are closed. Only the largest pullouts are plowed.

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, most common along the Gros River bottom, but most bulls will have lost their antlers.
     >Bison, a few bulls linger around Cunningham Cabin, but most are on the National Elk Refuge
     >Foxes, seen randomly around the valley in January and February.
    >Eagles, seen feeding on winter kills, mostly around the Elk Refuge.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >Elk, easily seen on the National Elk Refuge.
     >Bighorns, seen on most days along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge

Elk, Bison, Bighorns, and Wolves are migrating north out of the National Elk Refuge. Moose are visible in many areas. This is a great time to see wildlife.
Most of the large game animals will be shedding their winter coats and may look “shaggy” for a while. Bucks and bulls will likely have lost their antlers.
Some birds like Trumpeter Swans will be migrating out of the valley, while others like Osprey will be moving in.

May Overview:

May is the month in which the valley floor actually begins to look and feel like Spring. Most of the elk, bison and wintering Pronghorns will have left the National Elk Refuge and are often well on their way to their summer homes. Wolves and other predators become more active and generally follow the prey animals. May 1st marks the opening of the Teton Park Road from the Taggart Lake Trailhead Parking Area to the gate just south of Signal Mountain Lodge.

Winter snow will still cover much of the area around Jenny Lake and String Lake. Snow will still cover much of the high country. Jackson Lake will thaw and eventually clear. I always like the bright green leaves of May on the Aspens. Around the valley, merchants prepare for the upcoming tourists. Old West Days over the Memorial Day weekend kick off the summer season. Bison cows will be dropping their “red dogs” in the first couple of weeks of May. It’s always a treat to see them, especially when they are in the Arrowleaf Balsom Root plants of mid-May. By late May, some of the Moose cows give birth, followed by the Elk and Pronghorns in early June.

Teton Park Road and Inner Park Loop Road reopens May 1st. The south end of the Moose-Wilson Road will be closed for construction again in 2022.

Photo Options
    >Baby Bison, sometimes called “red dogs” start appearing next to their mothers in the Kelly area, along the GV Road, and Antelope Flats Road
     >Wildflowers, especially Arrowleaf Balsom Root plants, begin to bloom in numbers along the valley floor. Others appear later in the month
     >Grizzly Bears become more visible in the Oxbow area. Bring your fresh bear spray
     >Trees will be in full color in most areas of the valley by the end of the month
     >Migrating songbirds move through the valley. Watch for Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, Bullock’s Orioles and Grosbeaks
     >Moose, Deer, Elk, and Bison will often be shedding their winter coats and look quite scruffy.

June Overview:

June is the first of the Summer Months. By early June, most of the large game animals will have migrated to their summer grounds. Most reports for June,  July, and August will look and sound a lot alike. Howwever, June is the month for babies! Watch for young moose, bears, elk, deer, pronghorns, coyotes, foxes, and so forth. June is also the month things can start to feel “hot” in the daytime. Many of the animals will be active in the mornings and afternoons and will bed down during the warm hours. Elk, Deer, and Moose usually move into the forests to find shade. Bison will often find a spot and just “hang” until things cool down. Grizzlies and Wolves will be watching for baby Elk, so if you want to see either, go to areas with the most Elk ,such as the area around Willow Flats. June is also the month tourists show up in large numbers.

Wildflowers start appearing in late May and begin to cover many parts of the valley floor in June. Arrowleaf Balsom Root should be visible around Antelope Flats Road and the East Boundary Road. Purple Lupine are the other prominent flowering plant in GTNP. While many people think of foliage season as the most colorful season here, June might be considered a strong contender.

     >Baby Bison, sometimes called “red dogs” start appearing next to their mothers in the Kelly area, along the GV Road, and Antelope Flats Road
Grizzly Bears become more visible in the Oxbow area. Elk start calving in early June and the bears move into the area for easy meals. Bring your fresh bear spray.
     >June is the month for seeing most babies, including Moose, Deer, Elk, Pronghorns, Bison and small critters.
     >Trees will be in full color in most areas of the valley by the end of the month. Green grass, flowers, and leaves will be evident.
     >Pilgrim Creek Road has beautiful Purple Lupines lined in front of it in June. Wildflowers will be accenting the valley in fairly large numbers.
     >Migrating songbirds move through the valley. Watch for Western Tanagers, Lazuli Buntings, Bullock’s Orioles and Grosbeaks.

Most roads and facilities in the Park will be open to cater to the tourists. Be up early to have the best chances to see animals and avoid some of the tourists.

July Overview:

July is the much like the month of June. The babies of July—when you see them—will be larger, faster and usually darker than the babies of June. The lush green Spring growth gradually matures, dries and turns to a duller mid-summer color. Runoff from the thaws lessens and streams become smaller and clearer. Fishermen rejoice. Daylight hours remain long, however the yearly cycle shaves a few minutes off each end of the day as the month progresses. July and early August are the hottest months. Most of the large fur covered animals are most active during the early mornings and late evenings and will bed down during the middle of the day. Elk, Deer, and Moose usually move into the forests to find shade. Bison will often find a spot and just “hang” until things cool down. Bears and wolves will still be on the lookout for baby elk, usually around the Willow Flats area.

Photo Options:
     >Moose!: Bull Moose start stripping their velvet in late August and early September then begin their rut period. Look for moose in these areas:
Along the Gros Ventre River, around the Snake River Bridge at Moose Junction, along the Moose/Wilson Road, Buffalo Fork River bottom, & Oxbow Bend Area.
     >Bison: Watch for bison along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August. Watch for bison along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August.
     >Grizzly Bears: Grizzlies are seen more often during the middle of the day than most other animals, so search for Moose, Deer, and Elk early then move to areas where the bears hang out during the summer months. Remember, you must remain at least 100 yards from a Grizzly or Black Bear. Look for Grizzlies at Oxbow Bend, Pacific Creek Road, Jackson Lake Lodge and Christian Pond Area, Pilgrim Creek and Pilgrim Creek Road, Colter Bay Area.
     >Black Bears often show up in September along the Moose-Wilson Road looking for berries.
     >Bison and Pronghorns: July, the most consistent two species of animals will be Bison (AKA Buffalo) and Pronghorns (AKA Antelope).
     >Landscapes! Be up early for the best sunrise opportunities. Oxbow Bend is now full of water. On calm days, you can get great reflection shots. On windy mornings, think about places like Snake River Overlook, the Mormon Row Barns, or the Old Patriarch Tree that look great without the fear of ruffled water. Schwabacher Landing is open and getting a lot of traffic. Don’t forget about a trip across Jenny Lake on the boats for a hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. A Scenic Float Trip by any of the companies can get you to remote areas of the Snake River.
     >Wildflowers are also “Hot” during July. Common summer wildflowers include Mule’s Ear, One Flowers, Indian Paintbrush, Columbine, Purple Lupine, Sticky Geraniums, Penstemon, Skyrocket Gilia. Grand Teton– National Park Service-Wildflowers.
     >Landscapes! Sunrise in early July is around 5:40 am, so you have to get up very early to capture the beautiful color. Oxbow Bend is now full of water. On calm days, you can get great reflection shots. On windy mornings, think about places like Snake River Overlook, the Mormon Row Barns, or the Old Patriarch Tree that look great without the fear of ruffled water. Schwabacher Landing is now open and getting a lot of traffic.

August Overview:

August is more of a “transitional month” than June and July. Maybe from day to day, it is not overly apparent, but things are definitely changing. Grassy areas are drying out. Streams are getting lower. Flat Creek opens to fishing on the National Elk Refuge (some areas). Days are still long, but getting shorter. Nights begin to get much cooler. The first half of August can be “relatively hot”—even though it would feel cool to most people coming here from elsewhere. Bison are usually well into their rut season in August. Moose, Elk and Deer will be in velvet much of the month before they begin their rut season. With the daytime heat, expect the large fur bearing animals to be bedded down during the hottest hours. The babies of Spring will be much larger, darker, and more independent. Canada Geese practice their V formation in preparation for their trek to the south. Other songbirds slowly slip back through the valley, going almost unnoticed. Tourists continue to fill the roadways, rest stops, and stores for most of the month. By the third week in August, much of the young workforce pull up stakes and head back to college as tourism begins to slowly drop off.

Photo Options:
     >Moose!: Bull Moose start stripping their velvet in late August and early September then begin their rut period. Look for moose in these areas:
Along the Gros Ventre River, around the Snake River Bridge at Moose Junction, along the Moose/Wilson Road, Buffalo Fork River bottom, & Oxbow Bend Area.
     >Bison: Watch for bison along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August. Watch for bison along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August.
     >Grizzly Bears: Grizzlies are seen more often during the middle of the day than most other animals, so search for Moose, Deer, and Elk early then move to areas where the bears hang out during the summer months. Remember, you must remain at least 100 yards from a Grizzly or Black Bear.
Look for Grizzlies at Oxbow Bend, Pacific Creek Road, Jackson Lake Lodge and Christian Pond Area, Pilgrim Creek and Pilgrim Creek Road, Colter Bay Area.
     >Black Bears often show up in September along the Moose-Wilson Road looking for berries.
     >Bison and Pronghorns: By the August, the most consistent two species of animals will be Bison (AKA Buffalo) and Pronghorns (AKA Antelope).
     >Wildflowers are often still visible in August. Common summer wildflowers include Mule’s Ear, One Flowers, Indian Paintbrush, Columbine, Purple Lupine, Sticky Geraniums, Penstemon, Skyrocket Gilia. Grand Teton– National Park Service-Wildflowers.
     >Landscapes! Be up early for the best sunrise opportunities. Oxbow Bend is now full of water. On calm days, you can get great reflection shots. On windy mornings, think about places like Snake River Overlook, the Mormon Row Barns, or the Old Patriarch Tree that look great without the fear of ruffled water. Schwabacher Landing is open and getting a lot of traffic. Don’t forget about a trip across Jenny Lake on the boats for a hike to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. A Scenic Float Trip by any of the companies can get you to remote areas of the Snake River.

Gallery Coming Soon

September Overview:

September is my favorite month. Many of the tourists leave the valley, giving everyone a little more elbow room. “Change” is the theme for the entire month—both on the landscape and the wildlife—and the changes are usually rapid and evident. Leaves begin to change and magically transforms the valley with a new palette of warm colors. Berries ripen and wildlife finds them. Fall officially begins in most years on the 21st of September, but hints of the new season will be evident at the first of the month. By the 21st, Fall foliage will be in near peak form in many areas of the valley. Moose, Deer, and Elk will be in the rut much of the month. At some point, there will likely be the first significant snowfall in the high country, some of which might hang around all fall. The valley floor might also see a short lived blanket of snow from an early storm.

Wildlife Options:      >Moose!: Bull Moose start stripping their velvet in early September then begin their rut period. Look for moose in these areas:
Along the Gros Ventre River, around the Snake River Bridge at Moose Junction, along the Moose/Wilson Road, Buffalo Fork River bottom, & Oxbow Bend Area.
     >Bison: Watch for bison along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August.
     >Grizzly Bears: Grizzlies are seen more often during the middle of the day than most other animals, so search for Moose, Deer, and Elk early then move to areas where the bears hang out during the summer months. Remember, you must remain at least 100 yards from a Grizzly or Black Bear.
Look for Grizzlies at Oxbow Bend, Pacific Creek Road, Jackson Lake Lodge and Christian Pond Area, Pilgrim Creek and Pilgrim Creek Road, Colter Bay Area.
     >Black Bears often show up in September along the Moose-Wilson Road looking for berries.

October Overview:

Normally, peak foliage around Oxbow Bend is during the first few days of the month. Snow can be the big game changer in October. Temperatures drop considerably during the month and some of the snowfall will begin to stick in areas of the valley. Early snows usually melt quickly on the valley floor, yet remain in the high country. Moose and Elk will continue their rut into the first few weeks. Pronghorns begin their later rut than the others. Some birds migrate through the valley, while others leave the valley. After the Fall Foliage, the bulk of the tourists leave and the valley becomes amazingly quiet and peaceful.

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose!: Bull Moose continue their rut into October. Look for moose,along the Gros Ventre River, around the Snake River Bridge at Moose Junction, along the Moose/Wilson Road, Buffalo Fork River bottom, Oxbow Bend and Willow Flats area. 
     >Elk : Watch for elk in Willow Flats, Lupine Meadow, and Timbered Island.
     >Pronghorns: By August, the most consistent two species of animals will be Bison (AKA Buffalo) and Pronghorns (AKA Antelope Flats)
     >Bison: Along the Gros Ventre Road, Antelope Flats Road, Mormon Row and also farther north near Elk Flats. Bison begin their rut in August.
     >Grizzly Bears: Grizzlies are seen more often during the middle of the day than most other animals, so search for Moose, Deer, and Elk early then move to areas where the bears hang out during the summer months. Remember, you must remain at least 100 yards from a Grizzly or Black Bear.
Look for Grizzlies at Oxbow Bend, Pacific Creek Road, Jackson Lake Lodge and Christian Pond Area, Pilgrim Creek and Pilgrim Creek Road, Colter Bay Area.
     >Black Bears often show up in September along the Moose-Wilson Road looking for berries.

Gallery Coming Soon

November Overview:

Some locals view November as a “shoulder season” month. That’s short for “not much going on”. Of course, those people are merchants, tour operators, skiers, and so forth. That is far from accurate when speaking about viewing and photographing wildlife and landscapes in and around Grand Teton National Park. In many ways, November might be THE BEST month to capture wildlife images on a consistent basis. First off, days are much shorter and the sun stays low in the sky much of the day. The hours are compressed, but more importantly, the quality of the light is better for much longer. Weather wise, November is a transitional month with winter storms blanketing the mountains and some snow starting to build on the valley floor—however not so much that you can’t get around.

One of the major park road arteries, the Teton Park Road, closes on November 1st, but there are still plenty of places to go to and see. Trumpeter Swans can be incredibly fun to photograph as they migrate into the valley, landing and taking off on Flat Creek. Later in the month, Bighorn Sheep move onto the National Elk Refuge as they gather to begin their rut. All of the ungulates still have their antlers and are usually active and visible. Lastly, when you do find something of interest, you’ll often be the only person there taking the shots. November might be considered the “locals little secret”. Variety is the hallmark of the month if you are willing to go out and into the cold to enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, seen in early November along the river bottoms and later in the sage flats north of Kelly.
     >Bison, seen often in the Elk Ranch Flats area.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >Elk, are difficult to see and photograph anytime in GTNP, but even more so starting in November when the hunt begins.
     >Bighorns: A few will start being seen early in the month along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge. By Thanksgiving, most move in for the rut.

Festive Lighting begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving, then will be one each night throughout the holiday season.

December Overview:

Winter is here to stay! I can almost sum up the month in three concepts: Cold days and nights—short daylight hours—limited access. That’s not all necessarily bad, but it is a far cry from the norms of summer. The cold brings heavy snow and that creates numerous winter activities like snowmobiling, skiing, shoe shoeing, and so forth. Some animals are hibernating, while others are more available to us than ever, such as Bighorn Sheep and possibly Mountain Goats. Some of the winter sunrises can be spectacular and you seldom need a graduated neutral density filter! The sun goes behind the mountains by 4:30 pm, so it’s easy to be back for dinner. The sun is low in the sky, allowing you to take photos almost all day long with limited high contrast issues. Many roads are closed during the Winter months, however other opportunities seem to fill the void.

Consider a sleigh ride on at the National Elk Refuge. The Bighorns on Miller Butte are always good in December, including the opportunity to witness their annual rut. Swans move into the valley for the Winter, with good access spots along Flat Creek and Boyle’s Hill. Check out a guided snowmobile trip to Granite Hot Springs and see Granite Falls along the way. Holiday lights wrap about every tree and all four of the Elk Antler Arches downtown. At the end of the month, plan on going to one of the torch light parades to say goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015. Fun photography!

In many ways, the months of December, January, and February are almost carbon copies of each other. Bull moose drop their antlers during the month of December and early January. 

Winter Roads:
     >The Inner Park Loop Road from the Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge is closed to vehicle traffic until May 1st.
     >The south end of the Moose-Wilson Road is closed for construction.
     >Antelope Flats Road closes around December 10th. You can hike, shoeshow, or cross country ski in to the barns.
     >The Park Road past Flagg Ranch is closed to vehicles.
     >Almost all secondary roads are closed. Only the largest pullouts are plowed.

Closures:
     >Actually there area a lot of closure areas in GTNP. Beginning on December 15, the river bottom along the Snake River between the Moose Visitor’s Center and the Pacific Creek boat launch is closed to human activity. It is illegal to hike into areas like Schwabacher Landing and Blacktail Ponds during the winter months (Reopens April 1st) See the GTNP site for a full list of winter closure areas.

Wildlife Options:
     >Moose, seen in early December north of Kelly, and later along the river bottoms.
     >Bison, a few bulls linger around Cunningham Cabin, catch them moving to the National Elk Refuge.
     >Foxes & Coyotes, seen randomly around the valley.
     >Eagles, seen feeding on winter kills, mostly around the Elk Refuge.
     >Swans, Ducks & Otters, seen most often when there is open water in Flat Creek north of town.
     >Elk, easily seen on the National Elk Refuge. Sleigh Rides begin in December.
     >Bighorns, seen on most days along Miller Butte on the National Elk Refuge

Torchlight Parades happen at Snow King and at Teton Village on December 31st to celebrate a new year to come.