GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK — The Fourth of July holiday is almost here, and it’s a good time to map out the weekend and prepare for the conditions in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP).
The park released a statement earlier this week urging visitors to plan ahead and recreate responsibly. With large crowds expected throughout the holiday week, parking lots will be full, trails will be busy and delays will occur.
“Summer in Grand Teton is spectacular but comes with responsibilities,” said GTNP Superintendent Chip Jenkins. “Help us protect this extraordinary place by recreating with care and patience.”
Park visitors are encouraged to check trail conditions, weather forecasts and river flow reports before arriving to the park. Conditions can change rapidly, and summer storms, swift water and elevation can pose risks to unprepared travelers.
Fire danger in the park is currently “high,” which means that wildfires can start easily and spread quickly. Fireworks are always prohibited in the park, and campfires are only allowed within fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
Anyone planning to recreate on GTNP’s lakes and waterways in a boat must have a valid GTNP boat permit and must stop for an Aquatic Invasive Species inspection. All watercraft — including motorized boats, rafts, drift boats, canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards — are required to stop for the inspection. There are two inspection sites in the park, just before the Moose entrance and just past the Moran entrance.
The park also reminds visitors to follow all wildlife safety regulations. Food, garbage and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers or inside hard-sided vehicles. Don’t leave attractants unattended, even just for a few minutes. Maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.
Current operational changes in the park include:
- Jenny Lake canoe launch is temporarily closed for construction. Boats that can be hand-carried can still access the lake from Rock Beach, about 200 yards from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.
- Moose-Wilson Road bike bypass, which is in effect from July 1 to August 15, allows bicycles on the levee access road near the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. This pilot program began last year to allow bypass of the hill section on the Moose-Wilson Road — which is narrow, winding and recommended for expert-level riders.
- Leigh Lake portage trail will be rerouted for about a month for reconstruction beginning on July 7. Signs will mark the trail, and the bear box will be moved for easier access.
