Boating Season Begins in Grand Teton & JDR Memorial Parkway

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Date: May 14, 2014
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393

As the boating season gets underway for waters within Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, boaters are reminded that both a park permit and a State of Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) permit are required. Permits may be purchased at park visitor centers located in Moose, Jenny Lake, or Colter Bay.

There are many opportunities for enjoying the waters of Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Parkway. The Snake River flows through both national park units and features world-class fishing, unparalleled wildlife viewing and dramatic vistas of the rugged Teton peaks. Many of the more accessible valley lakes will also be open for a variety of boating and water sports, such fishing, wading or swimming. NOTE: Life guards do not patrol any park waters.

Motorboats are permitted on Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake (10 horsepower maximum). Human-powered vessels are permitted on Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh and String lakes. Sailboats, water skiing and windsurfers are allowed only on Jackson Lake.  Jet skis are prohibited on all waters within the park and parkway.

Boat permits for Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are as follows: 

Motorized craft, $20 for a 7-day permit
Motorized craft, $40 for an annual permit
Non-motorized craft, $10 for a 7-day permit
Non-motorized craft, $20 for an annual permit.

These fees have been consistent for the past several years, and have not increased for the 2014 season.

New this year, boat permits purchased in Grand Teton National Park will not be reciprocal in Yellowstone National Park. Boaters must purchase a separate permit to use their craft on waters within Yellowstone. 

Wyoming state law requires boaters to purchase an AIS decal from Wyoming Game and Fish Department and post it on their boat. These permits cost $10 for a motorized watercraft registered in Wyoming, and $30 for a motorized craft registered in any other state. Non-motorized boats are $5 and $15, depending on resident or non-resident ownership. 

To help prevent the spread of pathogens, boaters are required to clean their boats before launching them on park waters. Aquatic invasive species, such as whirling disease and zebra or quagga mussels, are a serious ecological and economic threat to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Any activities that come in contact with any body of water have the potential to spread non-native plants, pathogens, and other invasive species among water bodies.



Last updated: February 24, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 170
Moose, WY 83012

Phone:

307-739-3399
Talk to a Ranger? To speak to a Grand Teton National Park ranger call 307–739–3399 for visitor information Monday-Friday during business hours.

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