The influx of crowds poses a concern for park rangers who are reminding travelers to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and help ensure that this iconic landscape may be enjoyed by future generations. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

JACKSON, Wyo. — This summer, visitation is at an all-time high in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). However, the influx of crowds poses a concern for park rangers who are reminding travelers to plan ahead, recreate responsibly, and help ensure that this iconic landscape may be enjoyed by future generations.

GTNP has released the following ten tips individuals should know before visiting the park:

  1. Plan ahead. Have a place to stay overnight. Reservations are required for lodging and all campgrounds in Grand Teton and are mostly booked for the peak season. Reserve your night under the stars and visit the park camping page. Camping is not allowed along roadsides, at overlooks, or in parking areas.
  2. Leave no Trace. Dispose of trash properly and follow Leave No Trace Principles by packing out what you bring in. Recycling is available throughout the park. Check out the park sustainability page here.
  3. Bear with us. Be alert. Black and Grizzly bears are active in Grand Teton, including in developed areas. Always stay 100 yards away from bears and wolves. Be bear aware and learn more about recreating in bear country on the park Safety in Bear Country page.
  4. It’s ruff for dogs in the park. Grand Teton is a wild place. National parks are not always the best place for your dog. Note that dogs are not allowed on trails, pathways, inside visitor centers or in park waters. For more information about pets in the park, visit the park Pets page.
  5. Crowds are late to rise and early to set. Parking at locations throughout the park can be difficult to find during peak hours. Visit the park before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to avoid the crowds
  6. Slow down. Be vigilant while driving in the park and give wildlife a brake. Obey posted speed limits and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. 45 at night could save a life! Follow the nighttime speed limit of 45 mph on US HWY 89/191/26.
  7. Don’t let those old flames burn. Campfires are limited to designated and installed fire rings. Campfires should always be attended to and must be completely “dead out” and cold to the touch before leaving a site. Visit tetonfires.com for current fire conditions and more fire safety information.
  8. A ranger in your phone. Download the NPS app before arrival for helpful planning tools and to make the most of your visit. The free app can be downloaded through the App Store and Google Play. Visit Recreate Responsibly to learn additional tips on how to be a good steward of public lands.
  9. More to explore. Wyoming is full of places to explore. For a full list of Wyoming National Park Service sites, visit the Wyoming Find a Park Page.
  10. We’re all in this together. Remember to follow the latest public health guidance to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 while you travel. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear masks inside park facilities or outdoors. Those who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible. Additional details are available at this link.
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Buckrail @ Caroline

caroline@buckrail.com

Caroline Chapman is a Community News Reporter. She's a lover of alliteration, easy-to-follow recipes and board games when everyone knows the rules. Her favorite aspect about living in the Tetons is the collective admiration that Wyomingites share for the land and the life that it sustains.