Safety

 

Safe Driving

• Always wear your seat belt.
• Obey posted speed limits. Be aware that the night speed limit is 45 mph on the main highway.
• Check road conditions before you leave on a trip.
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Watch for animals on the road, especially in evening and morning.

 

Important travel information

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  Road Construction

  Plan ahead and expect road closures and delays throughout the park.

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  Road Information

  Check road conditions and construction updates around the park.

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  Current Conditions and Park Alerts

  Know what to expect in the park today.

 

Black bear behind bush

NPS Photo

Viewing Wildlife Safely

• Maintain a distance of at least 100 yards (300 feet) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (75 feet) from all other wildlife.
• Never put yourself between an adult animal and its offspring.
• Do not feed any wild animal.
• Don't approach or chase wildlife.

Bear Safety

Bear behavior is complex. Like people, bears react differently to each situation.

Bears may appear tolerant of people and then attack without warning. A bear's body language can help you determine its mood. In general, bears show agitation by swaying their heads, huffing, and clacking their teeth. Lowered head and laid-back ears also indicate aggression.

Bears may stand on their hind legs or approach to get a better view, but these are not necessarily signs of aggression.

If you encounter a bear:

• DO NOT RUN. Bears can easily out run any human. Running may elicit attacks from non-aggressive bears.
• If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly.
• If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone or not at all.
• Use your peripheral vision. Bears may interpret direct eye contact as threatening.
• Do not drop your pack - this teaches bears how to obtain human food. Your pack can also protect your body in the case of an attack.
• Do not climb trees - all black bears and some grizzly bears can also climb trees.

The vast majority of bear attacks have occurred when people surprised a bear. In this situation the bear may attack as a defensive maneuver. The bear may be protecting young or defending a carcass.

If a bear charges you:

• DO NOT RUN. Some bears will bluff their way out of a threatening situation by charging, then veering off or stopping suddenly.
• Bear experts generally recommend standing still until the bear stops and then slowly back away.
• If you have bear spray this is the time to use it!
• If the bear makes contact with you, drop to the ground and lie flat on your stomach with your legs spread apart slightly and play dead. Cover the back of your neck with your hands. Keep your pack on to protect your back. Do not move until you are certain the bear has left.

 

 

Ranger wearing personal floatation device while on the Snake River.

NPS / J. Bonney

Water Safety

Swimming, boating, floating, and wading in park waters is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards anywhere in the park.

Boating & Floating Safety

• Life jackets save lives. A U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket (PFD) is required for each person when boating or floating in the park. It must be properly sized and readily accessible.
• Children under 13 must wear a life jacket when a vessel is underway, unless they’re inside an enclosed cabin.
• Life jackets are available for purchase at the Colter Bay Marina.

Know Before You Go

• Water is cold—even in summer. Glacial lakes and the Snake River often stay below 60°F. Hypothermia can set in quickly, even on a warm day.
• If awaiting rescue, assume a fetal position to conserve body heat.

Additional Information

• Check the advanced river map for weekly updates on flow rates and caution areas.
• For Snake River flow info, call 1-800-658-5771.

Hazards to Watch For

• Strong currents
• Submerged trees (strainers)
• Slippery rocks and sudden drop-offs
• Uneven riverbeds

Be Prepared

• Pack an extra paddle or oar, waterproof container with dry clothes, first aid kit, and waste receptacle.
• Inflatable boats should carry a patch kit, bailing bucket, and air pump.

Stay Safe

• Swimming in the river is not recommended.
• Respect the current. Even shallow water can sweep you off your feet. Many people are caught off guard by fast-moving water.
• Stay sober and alert. Even on shore or when swimming, impaired judgement can put you and others at risk. Operating any vessel—motorized or not—under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous.
• Assign a water watcher. Distractions can be deadly. Keep a close eye on kids and others near the water.

 

 

Climbing Safety

• Visit the Jenny Lake Ranger Station or Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center to speak to a climbing ranger about weather and route conditions.
• Leave an agenda with friends or family.
• Solo climbing and backcountry travel is not recommended.
• Be prepared with appropriate equipment such as an ice ax, mountaineering boots, crampons, etc.

Forecasts and Avalanche Risk

Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center
National Weather Service
Mountain Weather

Conditions Information

Conditions information (summer): 307-739-3343
Conditions information (winter): 307-739-3309

Current conditions are posted online for trails and passes. For information on climbing routes, contact the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers or check their instagram.

If you would like to view conditions reports from before summer 2024, check out the old blogspot.

 

Planning resources

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  Climbing and Mountaineering

  Climb in the Teton Range.

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  Weather

  Learn what weather to expect when you visit Grand Teton.

• 

  Get Your Permit

  Current pricing and tips for getting a permit

 

Prevent Human-Caused Fires

• Build campfires only in designated areas, monitor them, and make sure they are completely extinguished.
• Grind out cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco, then properly dispose of them.
• Ashtrays should be used in vehicles and should never be emptied on the ground.
• Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited at all times in the park.
• Obey posted fire restrictions. Restricts are posted as Alerts at the top of this page and at all visitor centers.

 

 

Bikers on Gand Teton Pathway.

NPS / J. Tobiason

Safe Biking

• Wear a helmet at all times.
• Ride bicycles only on the multi-use pathway and roadways, not on trails.
• Ride on the right side of the road in single file.
• Obey the rules of the road at all times.
• Use hand signals to communicate with other drivers.
• Learn more about bicycling in the park.

 

Hikers on trail

NPS Photo

Hiking Safely in the Mountains

• Hiking alone is not recommended.
• Stay on established trails for your own safety and to prevent soil erosion.
• Horses have the right of way; step off the trail and remain quiet while they pass.
• Take a map, drinking water, and extra clothing.
• Be prepared with appropriate equipment (ice ax, hiking boots, crampons, etc.).
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Practice responsible bear etiquette while traveling through the park; do not leave food or backpacks unattended for even a moment.
• Avoid surprising bears and other wildlife by making noise while hiking.
• Do not run from bears, do not drop your pack if a bear charges you.
• Check at visitor centers for complete bear safety information.
• Learn more about hiking in the park.

Backcountry Safety

Travel in Grand Teton's backcountry has inherent risks; hikers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Rescue is not a certainty. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and should be prepared to survive on their own. Appropriate equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Your safety is your responsibility.

 

Ranger helping visitors plan out their hike.

NPS / D. Nikonowicz

If You Get Lost

• Stay calm and stay put . . . you will be found sooner.
• Stay in a clearing or on a large outcrop where you will be most visible.
• Attract searchers by making noise and signaling with colorful clothing or a mirror.
• If someone is injured, provide whatever treatment you can.
• If possible, do not leave the injured party alone.
• Send for help with the exact location marked on a map, description of injuries, list of equipment, and treatment given.

Drinking Water Warning

• Giardia, Camphylobacter, and other harmful bacteria may be transmitted through untreated water.
• If you use water from lakes or streams, boil 3-5 minutes to kill microorganisms, use water treatment tablets or filter with an approved device.

 

 

Storm develops over the Tetons.

NPS Photo

Lightning Safety

• Afternoon storms are common in summer, get to a safe place before storms hit.
• Avoid mountain tops, ridges, open areas, and lone trees; forested areas with trees of similar height are safer.
• Do not stand on tree roots.
• If boating, get off the lake.
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a variety of material and links through their website at: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors. This site contains critical lightning safety and medical information.

 

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)is a rare, but frequently fatal disease of the lungs. The virus is spread by rodents, primarily deer mice, due to breathing in dust contaminated with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva.

Wildlife and Rabies

Rabies is a preventable viral infection of mammals that is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. In humans, rabies is generally transmitted through the saliva of infected animals (e.g. bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, feral cats) through a bite or a scratch.

Reduce your risk of a rabies infection during your stay at Grand Teton National Park

• Watch wildlife from a distance. Do not touch or pet wild animals.
• Alert a park ranger, campground host, or lodge representative immediately if you see aggressive, sick, or unusual behavior in an animal.
• Call the local health department or contact a park ranger if you are attacked, bitten, or scratched by a wild or domestic animal.
• If you've been bitten or scratched, immediately wash the bite or scratch for 15 minutes with warm water and soap.

Consult additional information about what to do if you think you were exposed to rabies while visiting Grand Teton National Park.

 

Have more questions?

Stop by a visitor center to check current information about park conditions. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide information regarding all aspects of safely visiting Grand Teton National Park.

Just ask a ranger!