GTNP: roads are ready for winter activities – Buckrail
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MOOSE, Wyo. – Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road and Signal Mountain Summit Road in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) are now open for cross-country skiing, skate skiing, snowshoeing and walking. Once snow begins to accumulate on the platforms, designated portions of these roads can accommodate winter recreation, and the use of wheeled vehicles is prohibited for the season.
The 14 mile section of Teton Park Road between the Taggart Lake trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge will be groomed approximately three times per week depending on snow and weather conditions.
- Tuesdays – Four lanes groomed from Taggart to South Jenny Lake
- Fridays – Two groomed routes from Taggart to Signal Mountain
- Sundays – Four lanes groomed from Taggart to South Jenny Lake
Grooming is expected to begin soon and will continue until mid-March, conditions permitting. Grooming is made possible through financial support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation and a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program administered by the state of Wyoming. For updates on grooming, call the park’s road information line at 307-739-3682.
Bikes, including snow / fat / electric bikes, are not permitted on roads designated for snow access. Bicycles are permitted on roads open for motor vehicle use in Grand Teton National Park.
Parking is available at the Taggart Lake trailhead and on the west side of the road south of the trailhead. 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 planning on spending the night in the backcountry are encouraged to use the Taggart Lake Trailhead parking lot, while daytime users are encouraged to park along the west side of the road and at Cottonwood Creek picnic area.
As a rule, pets are only allowed along park roads open to motor vehicle use. However, pets are permitted on the snow-covered access sections of Teton Park Road and Moose-Wilson Road by special exception. Animals are not allowed in the hinterland. For the safety of wildlife, pets and visitors, pets must be kept on a leash at all times. Pet owners are responsible for picking up litter. Dog sledding and ski joering are not permitted in the park.
Additional winter leisure activities
- For backcountry winter permits, call the park permit office at 307-739-3309 Monday through Friday and the 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.
- Snowshoe hikes supervised by rangers are planned for the winter season 2021-22. The program will be offered daily from December 27 to 30, 2021 and Saturdays from January 8 to March 13, 2022. Reservations are required, call 307-739-3399 Monday through Friday to make a reservation.
- Winter activities at Colter Bay include winter camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing on Lake Jackson. Winter camping is permitted in the parking lot adjacent to the Colter Bay Visitor Center from December 1 through April 15, with a charge of $ 5 per night which can be paid at the Moran Entrance Station.
- Several companies and organizations provide a variety of services to visitors to the park through contract or permit with the National Park Service. Services include guided cross-country ski and snowshoe tours, wildlife viewing tours and photography workshops.
When you leisure in Grand Teton, don’t forget to keep the wilderness in the wildlife. Avoid disturbing wintering wildlife by following winter closures for animals like the bighorn sheep. Fauna is active in the park, including in the developed areas. Do not feed foxes, squirrels, or any other wild animal. Check closures here.
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