MOOSE, Wyo. — On Friday, Nov. 22, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) announced that 2024 has been the second busiest year on record for recreation visits.
“Even though the year isn’t over yet, the data shows us that GTNP continues to resonate with millions of visitors.”
GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins
According to GTNP, the Park hosted more than 3.5 million recreation visits between January and October just shy of the 3.9 million recreation visits seen in 2021. Four of the last 10 months have been the second busiest months, GTNP said in the announcement.
“Even though the year isn’t over yet, the data shows us that GTNP continues to resonate with millions of visitors,” GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins said via press release. “As visitation trends change, we will need to figure out how to respond to and manage those changes for the good of visitors, park resources and our local communities.”
The Park says that some of the largest increases in recreation visits occurred during the shoulder seasons, including April, May and October. Arrivals increased at the Moose Entrance while wildfires affected U.S. Highway 26/287 east of the park.
“More visitors hit the trails this summer than ever before,” GTNP said. “Trail use increased by about 16% compared to 10 years ago and by about 4% compared to five years ago.”
In an effort to better understand changing visitation and how people use the park, GTNP asked the public for their input about desired conditions and visitor experiences. Park staff are reviewing and analyzing the comments and will use that information to ensure visitors continue to have high-quality experiences in the park, GTNP writes.
The NPS Stats website has more information about visitation statistics at GTNP.
