DRIGGS, Idaho — Work to revitalize and enhance recreation in Teton Canyon will start back up this summer, according to a press release from the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
The Teton Canyon Corridor Access and Deferred Maintenance Project kicked off in the fall of 2022 and is expected to continue through 2024.
The Forest Service received $1.2 million from the Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) to repair the road up Teton Canyon, which has not received substantial maintenance in over 20 years. Maintenance began last summer and will begin this summer when conditions allow.
“We are adding road surface material and improving water drainage to create a more sustainable and maintainable road in the future,” Jay Pence Teton Basin district ranger said.
In 2023, the Forest Service received $1.4 million in funding through the Great American Outdoor Act (GAOA) to restore recreation sites, improve access points and address deferred maintenance on the trails and infrastructures in the Teton Canyon Corridor.
“Construction activities will have an impact on those using the area and access may be impeded at times,” Pence said. “However, the long-term benefits will greatly outweigh any short-term inconveniences.”
The Teton Canyon Corridor Access and Deferred Maintenance Project is an ambitious effort to ensure the canyon remains a vibrant recreation destination.
The scope of work includes:
- Improvements and upgrades to Reunion Flats Group and Teton Canyon Campgrounds
- Continuation of the significant transformation of Teton Canyon Road
- Trailhead improvements
- Replacing the Sheep Bridge trail bridge across Teton Creek
- Replacing the current log bridge on the South Fork of Teton Creek Trail below Alaska Basin
- Restoring life to over twenty-four miles of trails
According to the release, the Teton Basin Ranger District is also working with partners to leverage grant funding. Teton Valley Trails and Pathways was recently awarded funding for the first .6 miles of the new Teton Canyon Gravel Pathway.
This trail will begin across the first Sheep Bridge trail and run parallel to the canyon road. According to the press release, the route will provide visitors with easy access to the Forest and reduce congestion up the canyon created by frequent daily and short-time visitors.
Another project in the area is the revitalization of the Treasure Mountain Organization Campsite, which returned to Forest management in January 2022 following the expiration of the Grand Teton Council Boy Scout permit. The Scouts are working with volunteers to return it to a more natural state and will be removing a variety of infrastructure. The Forest Service is working on plans for the site for public use and enjoyment, including day use at Treasure Lake and a group-use space for larger overnight events.
More information on specific project dates is expected in the coming weeks as the region begins to thaw and dry out.
