News Release

Grand Teton has record visitation in May

NPS/J. Bonney

News Release Date: June 11, 2021

Contact: Denise Germann, 307-739-3393

Contact: CJ Adams, 307-739-3431

MOOSE, WY—Grand Teton National Park hosted an estimated 363,712 recreation visits in May 2021, a 30% increase compared to May 2019. The park was closed May 1- 17 in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park statistics show that May 2021 had the highest number of recreation visits on record for the month of May.

The list below shows the highest number of recreation visits on record for the month of May. 

• • • May 2021       363,712
    • May 2018       296,885
    • May 2016        292,318
    • May 2019       278,529
    • May 2017       255,583

Camping in the park increased 93% in May 2021 compared to May 2019, while backcountry camping increased 117%. Trail use in the park increased 70% in May, compared to May 2019, on trails that use is counted. 

Additional data on National Park Service visitor-use statistics is available at irma.nps.gov/STATS/.

Park staff are collecting data and conducting studies to better understand changing visitation trends in Grand Teton National Park. Historically, July and August have been the busiest months of the year at the park. Recent trends include increased visitation in the spring and fall. 

Anyone visiting the park is highly encouraged to plan ahead, recreate responsibly and help ensure this iconic landscape may be enjoyed by future generations. For a list of the Top 10 Tips for the visiting Grand Teton National Park and more helpful planning tools, visit the park’s Plan Your Visit webpage. 

Follow Grand Teton on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Download the new National Park Service (NPS) App on a mobile device to help make the most of your visit. The free app can be downloaded through the App Store and Google Play.