• The Cathedral Group from the Teton Park Road

    Grand Teton

    National Park Wyoming

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Bears are active in Grand Teton

    Black and grizzly bears are roaming throughout the park--near roads, trails and in backcountry areas. Hikers and backcountry users are advised to travel in groups of three or more, make noise and carry bear spray. Visitors must stay 100 yards from bears. More »

  • Area closure in the area around Baxter's Pinnacle

    An area closure is in effect around Baxter's Pinnacle to protect nesting peregrine falcons. This closure precludes any climbs of Baxter's Pinnacle and usage of the walk-off gully. This closure will be in effect through 8-15-2013. More »

  • Area Closure in effect in the Elk Ranch area

    A temporary area closure is in effect in the Elk Ranch Area to protect wildlife during the denning and young-rearing period. Follow the link for a map of the closed area. More »

Carry Bear Spray - Know How to Use It

Bear spray has been shown to be extremely effective in deterring bear attacks (T. Smith, et al. 2008). Bear spray is a non-toxic and non-lethal means of deterring aggressive bears. It temporarily affects the respiratory system and mucus membranes in bears.

  • Use bear spray. Personal self-defense pepper spray is not effective.
  • The canister must be immediately available, not in your pack.
  • Leave the safety clip on the trigger unless you are ready to spray an aggressive bear. The spray may accidentally discharge otherwise.
  • Bear spray can be adversely affected by wind, rain, cold temperatures, and age.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions, know how to use the spray, and be aware of its limitations, including the expiration date.
  • If you use the spray to stop a bear, leave the area immediately.
  • It is not a repellant! Do not spray it on people, tents, or backpacks.
  • Do not store your bear spray in a vehicle. It may explode.
  • Under no circumstances should bear spray create a false sense of security or serve as a substitute for standard safety precautions in bear country.

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Never approach a bear.
Never feed a bear.
Stay 100 yards (1 football field) from bears at all times.

Did You Know?

Beaver Dick Leigh and his family.

Did you know that Jenny and Leigh Lakes are named for the fur trapper “Beaver” Dick Leigh and his wife Jenny (not pictured)? Beaver Dick and Jenny assisted the Hayden party that explored the region in 1872. This couple impressed the explorers to the extent that they named the lakes in their honor.