JACKSON, Wyo. — It may be difficult to know what to expect in the coming months while a global pandemic is still creating uncertainties in many things that were once considered normal.
Last year, Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) and Yellowstone National Park (YNP) closed for a period of close to two months when COVID came around.
However, in light of the distribution of vaccines throughout 2021, some things will start going back to normal. Last year, Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) cut back many of its operations as the pandemic began to reach the valley of Jackson Hole. This year, GTLC is planning on opening its lodges to park visitors.
Moose
Moose, Wyoming, where the GTNP headquarters is located, will have most of its operations up and running by May 1. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center will open its doors from May 1 until October 31. On the 29 of April, visitors will be able to stop at the Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Check Point located on the right before going through the Moose entrance to the park. The following day, the Gros Ventre Campground, near Kelly, WY, will open up. This year, a large amount of the campsites in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are only available through registration.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center Visitor Information, permit desk, and bookstore open daily. Exhibits and auditorium not expected to open. |
May 1 | October 31 |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Check Point | April 29 | late September |
| Moose Landing, Snake River Launch | April 1, Spring opening of wildlife closure | December 14, Winter wildlife closure |
| Gros Ventre Campground | April 30 | October 10 |
| Menors Ferry Historic District | Area open for walking. | |
| Menors Ferry Store | TBD | |
| Chapel of the Transfiguration | ||
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, donated to the National Park Service in 2007, will open its parking area on May 1. Parking at the Preserve has a trail system connecting to areas like Phelps Lake and Death Canyon. Those who would like to park at the Preserve should plan to get there early, as spaces will fill up quick.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center | May 30 | September 26 |
| LSR Preserve Parking Area | May 1, Spring opening of Moose-Wilson Road | October 31, Winter closure of Moose-Wilson Road |
Jenny, String, and Leigh Lakes
Some of the most popular areas in the parks are the pristine mountain lakes that are easily accessible by road. It will take a bit longer for these areas to open up, with the Jenny Lake Campground and General Store first opening on May 7. The boat launch on Jenny Lake and String Lake will be accessible on May 1, while Jenny Lake Boating services will be offered near the middle of the month on May 15. The next day, on May 16, park-goers will be able to check out the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Jenny Lake Lodge, run by GTLC, will open its doors to visitors on June 1.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Jenny Lake General Store | May 7 | September 26 |
| Jenny Lake Ranger Station Climbing information and backcountry permits |
June 5 | September 5 |
| Jenny Lake Visitor Center | May 16 | |
| Jenny Lake Campground | May 7 | September 26 |
| Jenny Lake Boating | May 15 | September 30 |
| Jenny Lake Boat Launch | May 1, Spring opening of Teton Park Road | October 31, Winter closure of Teton Park Road |
| AAC Climbers’ Ranch | June 12 | |
| String Lake Mobile Contact Staton | Mid-June | Late September |
| String Lake Boat Launch | May 1, Spring opening of Teton Park Road | October 31, Winter closure of Teton Park Road |
| Jenny Lake Lodge and Dining Room (Registered guests only) | June 1 | October 3 |
Signal Mountain
Signal Mountain Lodge, along with most of the services in the area, will be open on May 14. This includes the Signal Mountain Campground, showers and laundry, gift stores, and the gas station. The Signal Mountain Marina will be accessible for boaters on May 22.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Signal Mountain Lodge | May 14 | October 17 |
| Needle Gift Store & Timbers Gift Store | May 14 | October 17 |
| Signal Mountain General Store and Gas Station Groceries and camping supplies. Gas pumps open 24/7, self service. |
May 14 | October 17 |
| Signal Mountain Campground | May 14 | October 17 |
| Signal Mountain Showers and Laundry | May 14 | October 17 |
| Signal Mountain Marina | May 22 | October 3 |
| Chapel of the Sacred Heart |
Moran
Two Snake River Launches are currently open near Moran, Pacific Creek Landing, and the Jackson Lake Dam Launch. The Cunningham Cabin Historic District is also currently open. The Moran Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Checkpoint will be available on April 29. Triangle X Dude and Guest Ranch will open its doors to visitors on May 22.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Aquatic Invasive Species Watercraft Checkpoint | April 29 | late September |
| Deadmans Bar, Snake River Launch | April 1, Spring opening of wildlife closure | December 14, Winter wildlife closure |
| Pacific Creek Landing, Snake River Launch | Area open | |
| Jackson Lake Dam, Snake River Launch | Area open | |
| Cunningham Cabin Historic District | Area open | |
| Triangle X Dude and Guest Ranch | May 22 | October 6 |
Jackson Lake Lodge
Jackson Lake Lodge will be taking in visitors on May 17, and offer most of its amenities. On June 7, the Pioneer Grill will serve hungry visitors, and guests will be able to take horseback rides into the park when the corrals open on June 15.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Jackson Lake Lodge | May 17 | October 3 |
| Mural Dining Room | May 17 | October 3 |
| Pioneer Grill | June 7 | October 3 |
| Jackson Lake Lodge Corrals | June 15 | October 3 |
| Jackson Lake Lodge Shops | May 17 | October 3 |
Colter Bay Village
This month, on April 17, the Colter Bay Convenience Store and Gas Station will be open. The RV Park in Colter Bay Village open on May 6, followed by the Colter Bay Visitor Center on May 7. Most services will open in Colter Bay on May 24 including; the Colter Bay Marina, Cabins, Tent Village, Campground, General Store, and more.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Colter Bay Visitor Center Visitor information, permits office, and bookstore open daily. Exhibits and auditorium not expected to open. |
May 7 | October 4 |
| Colter Bay Campground | May 24 | September 26 |
| Colter Bay RV Park | May 6 | October 3 |
| Colter Bay Convenience Store and Gas Station Gas pumps open 24/7, self service. |
April 17 | October 10 |
| Colter Bay Cabins | May 24 | September 26 |
| Colter Bay Tent Village | May 24 | September 6 |
| Colter Bay Launderette and Showers | May 6 | October 3 |
| Colter Bay General Store | May 24 | September 26 |
| Ranch House | May 24 | September 26 |
| John Colter Cafe Court | May 24 | September 20 |
| Corrals | June 15 | September 5 |
| Colter Bay Marina (water levels permitting) | May 24 | September 19 |
Leeks Marina & Lizard Creek
Leeks Marina will open for boaters on May 22, followed by the Lizard Creek Campground on June 11. Leeks Pizzeria, closed last year, will begin operating on June 18 for hungry park-goers, but only for takeout.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Lizard Creek Campground | June 11 | September 13 |
| Leeks Marina | May 22 | October 3 |
| Leeks Pizzeria | June 18 | September 12 |
| UWNPS – AMK Ranch | Closed for construction 2021 season | |
Rockefeller Parkway, Flagg Ranch
Heading closer to the South Entrance of Yellowstone, visitors will be able to stay near the Snake River Headwaters at Flagg ranch when the Campground opens on May 14 for RV’s, and June 1 for Camping and Cabins. Sheffield’s Restaurant in the main building at Flagg Ranch will offer takeout food and beverages on June 1. The Headwaters Convenience Store and Gas Station will be the first service in the area to open, May 17.
| Facilities/Services | Opening | Closing |
| Flagg Ranch Information Station | Not expected to operate | |
| Headwaters Lodge and Cabins | June 1 | October 1 |
| Sheffields Restaurant – takeout food and beverages | June 1 | October 1 |
| Headwaters Convenience Store and Gas Station Gas pumps open 24/7, self service |
May 7 | October 17 |
| Headwaters Campground and RV Park | May 14(RV), June 1(Camping and Cabins) | October 1 |
| Corrals | Not expected to operate | |
All services in the park will remain under strict COVID-19 guidelines. Some restaurants may be open for takeout only. For more information on operations in Grand Teton National Park this summer, visit the park’s webpage.
