GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — Construction work across Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) is about to enter the next phase in several locations, and visitors should plan ahead for changing conditions.
In a Thursday update, GTNP stated that visitor access is expected to change due to ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, along the Moose-Wilson Road corridor, and near the Moose Entrance Station. Drivers are asked to follow posted closures and allow for additional time when traveling through these areas.
“We know construction can change the way people experience some of their favorite places in the park, especially during the busy summer season,” GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in the statement. “We appreciate visitors’ patience and cooperation as crews work to improve trails, roads and facilities while protecting the resources that make this place special.”
Taggart Lake Trailhead
GTNP stated that the Cottonwood Creek picnic area is scheduled to close for construction before the end of the month, as part of the project to improve the Taggart Lake Trailhead. The Taggart Lake Trailhead and parking lot will remain open, but the northern portion of the Taggart Lake Trail is closed for construction. Taggart Lake can still be accessed on the southern route, a longer and steeper trail that is about 4.25 miles, roundtrip.
GTNP urges visitors to follow all posted signs and stay out of active construction zones. This project is a multiyear initiative to upgrade accessibility, address erosion and protect the heavily visited area.
Moose-Wilson Road
The Moose-Wilson Road is scheduled to close to vehicle and bicycle traffic at the end of the day on Sept. 7. Construction will continue in the corridor and the closure is scheduled to remain in place through Nov. 15. From now until Sept. 7, the road is open between Teton Village and Moose, with intermittent delays of up to 45 minutes as construction continues.
After Nov. 15, the road will transition to seasonal winter recreation use, but visitors should check road and trail conditions before traveling to the area. From the Moose-Wilson Road, Death Canyon Road and Death Canyon Trailhead remain closed through the summer season.
Teton Park Road Roundabout
Next week, construction will begin on a bypass for the future Teton Park Road Roundabout near the Moose Entrance Station. Work is anticipated to continue for about two weeks. Visitors should expect delays of up to 20 minutes — not including the wait time at the entrance — and traffic reduced to one lane, controlled by flaggers.
Menors Ferry Road will likely be closed during the construction. Pathway users and cyclists should follow posted signage and expect to use the road shoulder through the work area, which could include some unpaved areas. The bypass road is expected to be paved at the end of September. Visitors can avoid the area by using the Moran Entrance Station.
Check GTNP’s website for road, trail and construction information, as well as current conditions across the park.
