Grand Teton sets summer opening dates for roads, facilities

Private nonprofit groups are chipping in to help keep offset the effects of budget cuts this summer in Grand Teton National Park.

Private nonprofit groups are chipping in to help keep offset the effects of budget cuts this summer in Grand Teton National Park.

From Staff Reports

Road crews, maintenance workers and rangers in Grand Teton National Park are preparing for the start of the summer visitor season. And thanks to assistance from supporting partner organizations, two park facilities that had faced season-long closures due to budget cuts will instead remain open.

The park’s public affairs office on Thursday announced opening dates for seasonally operated facilities and roads in the park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, as well as details on outside funding that will help fill the gap left by across-the-board budget cuts mandated by Congress under the sequester.

For this year only, Grand Teton Association has agreed to help fund operation of the Jenny Lake Visitor Center through revenue from the organization’s book sales. Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc., which holds an endowment for the Laurence S. Rockefeller Preserve, has established a singular grant to provide funding to operate the LSR Preserve Center in 2013. This grant was made with the understanding that it is a one-time gesture. Both facilities will operate with a shorter season and reduced hours.

 

Roads 

Teton Park Road May 1
Grassy Lake Road June 1; remaining snow drifts may limit access
Moose-Wilson Open when snow melts naturally
Death Canyon Open when snow melts naturally
Signal Mountain Summit——- Open when snow melts naturally
Schwabachers Landing Closed for 2013
Spaulding Bay Closed for 2013
Two Ocean Lake Closed for 2013

Paved multi-use pathways will be become fully accessible as remaining snow melts.

 

Visitor Centers

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center Open
Colter Bay Visitor Center May 11
Jenny Lake Visitor Center June 1
Laurance S. Rockefeller (LSR) Preserve Center——- June 1
Flagg Ranch Information Station Closed for 2013

 

Campgrounds 

Gros Ventre May 3
Signal Mountain May 10
Jenny Lake May 10
Colter Bay May 23
Colter Bay RV Park May 23
Headwaters Campground & RV Sites——- June 1
Lizard Creek June 7

Backcountry campsite reservations may be made until May 15 with a $25 non-refundable fee. Reservations can be made online, by fax at 307-739-3438, or by mail to Grand Teton National Park, Backcountry Permits, PO Box 170, Moose, WY 83012. After May 15, all backcountry site permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Lodging

Signal Mountain Lodge May 10
Jackson Lake Lodge May 20
Colter Bay Cabins May 23
Triangle X Ranch May 24
Jenny Lake Lodge June 1
Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch——- June 1

 

Entrance Stations

The Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations are open. Fee options include:

  • $12 for a 7-day permit to enter by foot/bicycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
  • $20 for a 7-day permit to enter by motorcycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
  • $25 for a 7-day permit to enter by vehicle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
  • $50 for a Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass valid for one-year entry into both parks
  • $80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all fee areas on federal lands

Bicyclists are reminded that they must stop and show an entry pass before proceeding through the gates, just as vehicles are required to do.  An automated self-serve machine is located on the multi-use pathway adjacent to the Moose Entrance Station. People traveling on the pathway by foot, bike, or rollerblade will be required to stop and pay $12 for a 7-day entry permit, or have a valid pass in possession. Personal identification is required with any pass that requires a signature.

For additional information about activities and services within Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte, stop by any visitor center, or call 307-739-3300. 

2 thoughts on “Grand Teton sets summer opening dates for roads, facilities

    • The town of Jackson is likely to be the closest hot shower to Gros Ventre. The Anvil Hotel has public showers, as does the municipal rec center in Jackson.