Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3431 MOOSE, WY —Winter season operations began Tuesday, December 15 in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The winter season brings many unique opportunities for enjoyment of the park and parkway, which are open year-round, though visitors should be aware that most visitor services are closed for the season. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in both the park and parkway. Many winter trails are skier tracked, but not groomed. The Teton Park Road, Moose-Wilson Road, and Signal Mountain Summit Road become backcountry trails in winter and are open to non-mechanized use only. The Teton Park Road will be machine groomed from the Taggart Lake parking area to the Signal Mountain Lodge junction for cross-country and skate skiing approximately two times per week thanks to generous support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation. Grooming is scheduled to take place each Tuesday and Friday through March 15, 2016, though this schedule is dependent on snow and weather conditions. For grooming updates, call the road condition information line at 307.739.3682.
Skiers and snowshoers are not restricted to established trails. However for protection of wildlife, park visitors are required to observe the following public closures during winter: Closed December 1 to April 1—Static Peak, Prospectors Mountain and Mount Hunt. Closed December 15 to April 1—Snake River floodplain from Moran to Menor's Ferry near Moose, Buffalo Fork River floodplain within the park, Uhl Hill, and Kelly Hill.
To obtain trail maps and closure locations, go to https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/maps.htm.
Additionally, visitors to the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are reminded that swimming or bathing in a thermal pool or stream that has waters originating entirely from a thermal spring or pool is prohibited. "Hot-potting" is permitted in any creeks or pools not solely of thermal origin such as Polecat Creek.
Ranger-led snowshoe hikes begin Saturday, December 26. The snowshoe tours begin at the Taggart Lake trailhead at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday each week. The two-hour guided walks offer an opportunity to learn about snow science and winter ecology. Previous experience is not necessary, and historic wooden snowshoes are available for rent for a suggested donation of $5. Reservations are required and can be made at 307.739.3399.
A Single Day Pass is available to winter visitors at the Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations. This winter-season permit allows a one-day entry into Grand Teton at a cost of $10 per vehicle. The single day pass is valid only in Grand Teton and cannot be used for entry into Yellowstone. Winter visitors may also choose to purchase one of the following other options for entry:
Backcountry users and mountaineers planning to stay overnight in the park must get a camping permit before their trip. Winter camping permits can be obtained in person at the front desk of the park headquarters building in Moose Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During weekends and holidays, persons wishing to get a permit must call 307.739.3301. The general permit information line, 307.739.3309, will be staffed Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For complete information about winter activities in the park and parkway go to https://www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/winter.htm.
—NPS—
|
Last updated: January 5, 2016