MOOSE, Wyo.— In the coming weeks, hikers may experience delays due to a series of intermittent closures on a section of the Teton Crest Trail.
30-minute closures near the summit of Paintbrush Divide will occur between July 21-26, Aug. 4-9, and Aug. 18-23.
“Visitors who plan to hike over Paintbrush Divide during these dates should expect delays in both directions,” said Grand Teton National Park in a statement today.
During construction, loose materials such as rocks and gravel may be moved downhill and cause a safety hazard to hikers below. A closure is necessary for safety purposes. Additionally, closures will allow uninterrupted work to be performed and time to clear the trail of any newly created hazards.
Grand Teton National Park is now in its third year of working to improve sections of the Teton Crest Trail in partnership with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
The Teton Crest Trail is a 45-mile long trail through the high country of the Teton Range. Sections of the trail were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps dating back to 1934, and despite constant use, much of the trail has remained largely untouched by park maintenance crews since then.
Paintbrush Divide is the highest point along the Teton Crest Trail at 10,700 feet/3,261 meters in elevation and is typically one of the most challenging locations for trail users. The eastern slope is a scree slope and over time, water flow from melting snow and yearly visitor use has eroded and shifted the trail. The trail damage now poses safety hazards to hikers.
Although no delays are expected, trail users should also anticipate seeing NPS crews working in high elevation locations along the Static Peak Trail rehabilitating historic stone retaining walls as well.
