News Release

Moose-Wilson Road’s Northern Section Temporarily Closed

Date: August 16, 2018
Contact: Andrew White, 307.739.3431

MOOSE, WY—The northern section of the Moose-Wilson Road, between the Murie Ranch Junction and the Death Canyon Junction, is temporary closed to all visitors including motorists, cyclists, and hikers. The Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve and Death Canyon Trailhead can be accessed from the south. A similar closure went into effect Thursday, August 9 and was lifted Monday, August 13.

A new temporary road closure went in to effect early this morning when grizzly bears were again found eating berries along the roadside. Visitors can learn the current road status by calling the park road information line at 307.739.3682 or visiting www.nps.gov/grandteton and clicking on the “alerts” tab. Updates are also posted on the park’s Facebook and Twitter accounts (@GrandTetonNPS).

Park rangers will monitor the situation and will reopen the road when conditions allow, which is what occurred on Monday.

The road is closed for human safety and the protection of the bears. Because of its narrow surface lined with dense vegetation, hillsides, and wetlands, the Moose-Wilson Road does not allow for a safe distance between people and bears. These factors create situations where both visitors and bears may be at risk for injury, making it necessary to close the road whenever bears are foraging along the roadway.

Rangers remind visitors to “Be Bear Aware,” as these animals are active throughout park and are beginning to feed on ripening berries. All visitors are required to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and always carry bear spray, as well as make noise and travel in groups.

Park regulations require that all food, garbage, toiletries, pet food, coolers, food containers and cookware be stored in a hard-sided vehicle with the windows rolled up or in a bear-resistant food locker when not in immediate use or attended to.

For more information about safety in bear country, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/bearsafety.htm.