Sunday, December 6, 2020

Winter Recreation Begins in Grand Teton

Travel on the majority of the Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road within Grand Teton National Park is now open to over-snow access only. The designated portions of these roads now accommodate winter recreation, and the use of wheeled vehicles is prohibited for the season.

Once snow begins to accumulate on the roadbeds, the status is changed to over-snow access and approved winter activities such as cross-country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing become possible. Bicycles, including, snow/fat/electric bikes, are not permitted on roads designated for over-snow access. Bikes are allowed on roadways open to motor vehicle use in Grand Teton National Park.

The 14-mile section of the Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge will be groomed approximately three times a week dependent on snow and weather conditions.

* Tuesdays- Four lanes groomed Taggart to South Jenny Lake

* Fridays- Two lanes groomed Taggart to Signal Mountain

* Sundays- Four lanes groomed Taggart to South Jenny Lake

Grooming is anticipated to begin soon and will continue through mid-March, as conditions allow. Grooming is made possible through the financial support of Grand Teton National Park Foundation and a Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program grant managed by the State of Wyoming. For grooming updates, call the park’s road information line at 307-739-3682.

Parking will be modified this winter to help facilitate snow plowing activities and additional parking for day-use, backcountry and Teton Park Road recreationists. Parking will be allowed at Taggart Lake Trailhead and on the west side of the road south of the trailhead. New this winter, parking will also be available north of Taggart at the Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area and along the west side of the road across from the picnic area. Backcountry-users who plan to stay in the backcountry overnight are encouraged to use the Taggart Lake Trailhead parking, while day-users are encouraged to park along the west side of the road and at the Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area. Porta potties will be available.

Visitors planning to recreate on the northern portion of the Teton Park Road for winter activities are encouraged to park at the Signal Mountain Lodge Parking Area. The lodge provides restroom facilities, telephone access and pay-at-the-pump gasoline for winter recreationalists.

Generally, pets are only permitted along park roadways open to motor vehicle use. However, pets are allowed on the over-snow access portions of the Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road by special exception. Pets are not allowed in the backcountry. For the safety of wildlife, pets and visitors, pets must be leashed at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up waste. Dog sledding and ski joring are not allowed in the park.

Additional Winter Recreation Activities:

* For winter backcountry permits, visitors can receive a permit by calling the park’s permit office at 307-739-3309 Monday through Friday, and Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 on weekends. Permits are available 24 hours in advance and are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.

* Ranger-led snowshoe hikes are not scheduled for the 2020-21 winter season.

* Winter activities at Colter Bay include winter camping, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, and ice fishing on Jackson Lake. Winter camping is allowed in the parking lot adjacent to the Colter Bay Visitor Center from December 1 through April 15, with a $5 per night fee.

* Visitors should respect all winter wildlife closures within the park These closures are in place to protect animals during a challenging time of the year as they adapt to survive the winter.

* Always maintain a safe distance of at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife. Please let wildlife thrive undisturbed.

* Several businesses and organizations provide a variety of visitor services in the park through a contract or permit with the National Park Service. Services include guided cross-country ski and snowshoe tours, wildlife viewing tours and photography workshops.

For more information about winter activities in Grand Teton, visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/winter.htm.







Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

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