National Elk Refuge ~ Wyoming

​The National Elk Refuge certainly is a picturesque place to visit, especially during the autumn migration season. This wildlife area is located at the base of the Grand Teton Mountains in the Flat Creek wetlands area. There is a vast prairie on the eastern side of the creek that is bordered by deep forests and rolling hills, which is a traditional elk grazing area. As can be imagined, this is a great place for a wildlife observer to be during the elk rutting season and the migratory bird watching in the wetlands is superb during the autumn too!

Jackson, Wyoming and Grand Teton National Park are right next door, so plenty of modern accommodations and camping options can be found nearby. Driving along Highway 191 provides easy access to the Flat Creek wetlands in the National Elk Refuge. Wading birds and waterfowl are easy to spot at the highway overlooks and this is a nice option for travelers that are just passing through. 

For those who really want to see what this wildlife area is all about, it is best to stop by National Elk Refuge Visitor Center in Jackson. This is where information, maps and local wildlife identification guides can be found.  The road that goes to the remote wetlands observation areas and the big prairie where the elk graze begins near the Visitor Center, so this is the best place to start the venture.

The National Elk Refuge is a destination where wildlife is practically guaranteed to be found any time of the year. The high plains meet the mountains in this region and even during the harsh winter season elk can be seen foraging for food in the grassy prairie. Some big bears can be spotted here too, so it pays to practice Bear Safe food storage when doing a picnic in this wilderness area. When touring Grand Teton the National Elk Refuge is well worth checking out, especially if you brought a good camera along for the ride!