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Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393 MOOSE, WY — Superintendent David Vela and his staff will host a small event to celebrate the opening of the 1.25 mile multi-use pathway connection between Moose Junction and Antelope Flats Road in Grand Teton National Park. The celebration will take place at the Blacktail Butte Parking Area, which is also known as the "Practice Rocks," at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2016. The event is open to the public. Vehicle parking at the site of the event is reserved for persons with disabilities. Those interested in attending should use the multi-use pathway to arrive at the parking area, which is located less than one mile north of Moose Junction. Those interested in a relatively short walk or bike ride should park at the Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center in Moose.
The event is scheduled as part of the local celebration of Bike Week. Friends of Pathways, a local non-profit dedicated to the promotion of sustainable recreation and healthy transportation in Jackson Hole, has organized a group bike ride to the event. Individuals interested in riding with the group from Jackson, Wyoming should meet at Friends of Pathways Offices, 335 South Millward in Jackson, WY at 9:00 a.m. Riders can also join the group at 9:30 a.m on the pathway at Gros Ventre Junction. Those planning to ride with the group should call 307.733.4534 to RSVP.
The pathway connection from Moose to Antelope Flats provides park visitors with a new recreation opportunity and connects the existing pathway along U.S. Highway 89 with the Antelope Flats Road. The connection allows pathway users to complete the approximately 20 mile Antelope Flats-Kelly-Gros Ventre loop. Those riding this loop should be mindful of potential wildlife along the road and maintain a 25 yard distance from bison, elk, pronghorn, and other large wildlife and at least 100 yards from bears and wolves.
The pathway connection was completed in late October 2015. In addition to the 1.25 mile pathway extension, the project involves the placement of informational signage at the Blacktail Butte Parking Area, an altered culvert interior to allow for fish passage within Ditch Creek, and an engineered earthen wall that reduces the length of the culvert and maintains the wildlife corridor. Completion of the segment brought the total length of Grand Teton National Park's multi-use pathway system to 15.75 miles.
The total cost of the project, which was completed by Skanska USA of Cortez, Colorado, was $2.6 million. The project was funded primarily by a Public Lands Highway Discretionary Grant.
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Last updated: May 31, 2016