Grand Teton National Park managers are planning to offer increased access and services to 2021 visitors compared to last year.
NPS Photo/J. Bonney
MOOSE, WY- Summer operations in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway will be modified in a manner that continues to promote the health and safety of park employees, volunteers, partners and visitors while providing full recreational access and increased visitor services compared to summer 2020. The park is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust operations as needed.
The park is implementing preventive measures and mitigation actions to reduce the spread of infectious disease, according to a statement released by the Grand Teton public affairs office. Park visitor centers will be open with limited capacity and limited visitor services. Park staff will be stationed in the vicinity of most visitor centers to engage with visitors and provide information, with additional staff stationed at many outside locations such as overlooks and trailheads. Visitors will be able to obtain backcountry permits from the permit desks located in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Boat permits will be available at both visitor centers, as well as online at Recreation.gov beginning April 6.
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Visitor Center
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Opening Date
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Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
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May 1
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Colter Bay Visitor Center
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May 7
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Jenny Lake Visitor Center
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May 16
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Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
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May 30
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The park is working in collaboration with concessioners to safely provide visitor services for the 2021 season. Camping, lodging, dining, retail and activities will be offered, although modified from a typical year, through Grand Teton Lodge Company, Signal Mountain Lodge, Flagg Ranch Company and Triangle X Guest Ranch. In addition to services offered in 2020, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge and Climbers’ Ranch will operate, and there will be additional dining options and activities available. Please visit each concessioner’s website for information. All plans are subject to change at any time as necessary.
Park visitors will be responsible to take preventive actions as they enjoy the park. To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and facilities, and in support of the President’s Executive Order, Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, face masks are required in all National Park Service buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on National Park Service-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as hiking trails, overlooks, and parking areas.
As conditions are subject to change, details and updates on park operations will be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm and the park’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Information about how to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace principles is available at Recreate Responsibly (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
Just curious, was there any COVID cases in Yellowstone or Grand Tetons last year?
Total Confirmed Positive Employee COVID-19 Cases
Yellowstone has roughly 750 National Park Service employees, 300 volunteers, 3,000 concessions employees, and 300 contractors during an average year.
Update as of March 8, 2020 (this date will change as we update this page)
March 2021
NPS: 0
Concession: 0
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
February 2021
NPS: 0
Concession: 3 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
January 2021
NPS: 3 (recovered)
Concession: 4 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
December 2020
NPS: 3 (recovered)
Concession: 4 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
November 2020
NPS: 3 (recovered)
Concession: 4 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
October 2020
NPS: 7 (recovered)
Concession: 20 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 1 (recovered)
September 2020
NPS: 6 (recovered)
Concession: 9 (recovered)
Volunteer: 1 (recovered)
Contractor: 0
August 2020
NPS: 0
Concession: 3 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
July 2020
NPS: 0
Concession: 2 (recovered)
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
June 2020
NPS: 0
Concession: 0
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 1 (recovered)
May 2020
NPS: 0
Concession: 0
Volunteer: 0
Contractor: 0
Ruffin- any discussion on what bus traffic will be allowed? Busses are cancelling daily because of the uncertainty. Thanks
Greg, I haven’t heard anything official but I’m hoping to speak with Cam Sholly soon to try and learn about what the plans are for summer. I think there will be a phased opening similar to last year, but perhaps not as restrictive as last year. But that’s just talk I’ve heard, nothing official. I’ll be sure to ask about bus travel when I get the chance. Thanks for reading.