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Jenny Lake Ranger Station is open late May to late September, call for hours; (307) 739-3343. It’s closed in winter. It features in-depth information for visitors planning to climb and backpack in the park. The Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum is open early May to late May 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., late May to early September 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., and early September to early October 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (307) 739-3594. This facility will probably close for the season in early October. It is located 25 miles north of Moose, adjacent to Jackson Lake. From June through September craft demonstrations and museum tours are offered, as well as other interpretive programs. The Indian Arts Museum displays some of the David T. Vernon Collection, an impressive variety of American Indian artifacts. It also has a large bookstore, information desk, auditorium, telephones, restrooms, and backcountry permits. The Flagg Ranch Information Station opens from early June to early September 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., closed for lunch. (307) 543-2327. It is located about 2.5 miles south of Yellowstone National Park’s south boundary and 40 miles north of Moose. It features information about John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and the Greater Yellowstone area as well as book sales, park information, and restrooms. Jenny Lake Visitor Center is open early June to early September 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and early September to late September 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located 8 miles north of Moose at South Jenny Lake. Features include geology exhibits, information, a relief model, activity schedules, maps, book store, restrooms, store, and telephones. Moose Visitor Center is open all year 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. June 6-Sept. 5), except Christmas. (307) 739-3399. Located 12 miles north of Jackson, it features endangered species exhibits, a relief model of the park, and an introductory video, information, an extensive book store, maps, activity schedules, backcountry camping permits, boat permits, restrooms and telephones.

Visitor Centers at Moose, Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, and Flagg Ranch provide accessible restrooms, TDD, parking spaces, curb cuts, and entrances. Restrooms and exhibits at Colter Bay may require assistance. TDD is (307)739-3400. Some hiking trails are accessible, with asphalt surfaces, appropriate grades, and good views. Most trails make no special provisions for accessibility. Valley floor elevations vary from 6,400 feet to 7,200 feet. Wayside exhibits and overlooks have curb cuts and designated parking.

The national park was established in 1929 and has over 2 million visitors a year.

The Jackson Hole area is rich with history. The Menor’s Ferry Trail, less than 0.5-mile long, affords a look at homesteading and pioneer life in Jackson Hole. Visit Bill Menor’s cabin and country store. Ride a replica of the ferry that crossed the Snake River at the turn of the century (dependent on water levels). Menor’s Ferry once belonged to William D. Menor who came to Jackson Hole in 1894, taking up a homestead beside the Snake River. Here he constructed a ferryboat that became a vital crossing for the early settlers of Jackson Hole Valley. Also to be seen is the altar window of the Chapel of the Transfiguration that frames the tallest Teton peaks. Please be respectful, the chapel is a house of worship.

The Colter Stone, discovered near Tetonia, Idaho in 1933, is a piece of rhyolite carved in the shape of a human head. It is engraved on one side with the name “John Colter”, on the other side is the year “1808”. If authentic, it represents the only solid proof of the route followed by trapper and explorer John Colter. Colter explored the greater Yellowstone area during the winter of 1807-8, perhaps the first white man to do so. His route, however, is uncertain as no clear maps or records exist. Colter set out from a fur trapping fort in present-day southern Montana and headed south to near today’s Cody, Wyoming. On his return he passed through what is now Yellowstone National Park. The middle section of his journey is a matter of conjecture. One theory indicates he traveled via Togowtee Pass. The other commonly held view traces Colter’s route through Jackson Hole, over Teton Pass, and north along the west side of the Teton Range. No evidence exists to substantiate either route. The only available sources of information are vague accounts and maps derived from interviews with Colter after his return. Thus, the significance of the Colter Stone becomes clear. The location of its discovery, the west side of the Teton Range, would prove that John Colter had traveled the Teton Pass route. But the Stone has not been fully authenticated, so the Colter Stone remains a fascinating piece of the puzzle yet to fit into the mystery of John Colter’s pioneering sojourn through this region.

Grand Teton National Park protects stunning mountain scenery and a diverse array of wildlife. Rising more than 7,000 feet above the valley of Jackson Hole, the Teton Range dominates the park’s skyline. Natural processes continue to shape the ecosystem against this impressive and recognizable backdrop. The elevation of the park ranges from 6,400 feet on the sagebrush-dominated valley floor to 13,770 feet on the windswept granite summit of the Grand Teton.

In the northern, southern, and, most dramatically, in the western portions of Grand Teton National Park are extensive formations of sedimentary deposits, some over a thousand feet thick. These formations contain the fossil remains of oceanic organisms. The presence of the fossils leads geologists to conclude that the area now occupied by the Eton’s was once the floor of ancient seas. The seas were inhabited by algaes and corals, brachiopods (clam-like in appearance), and early ancestors of the crayfish—trilobites. Fossil records in Grand Teton date back to at least the Cambrian age approximately 500 million years ago. Fossils do more than provide us with a fascinating look at prehistoric life forms. They are useful tools in dating geologic features, analyzing past climates, and tracing evolutionary processes. If you are fortunate enough to find a fossil during a visit to one of the national parks, please look but do not touch. Leave them to be rediscovered by the visitors and scientists of the future.

Snow and ice are present in the form of glaciers and snowfields. Glaciers carry rocks, soil, sand, and other debris from higher to lower elevations. This material can be carried on the surface, inside, or even frozen to the bottom of the glacier. In this park, the glaciers are wet-based, meaning they move on a thin plane of water like an ice skater. One major feature you may see on a glacier is a crevasse. These are deep, V-shaped structures found in the uppermost layer of the glacier. This part of the glacier breaks easily as the ice moves, causing crevasses to open and close. Currently there are numerous snowfields and twelve glaciers in the park. These masses of moving ice have names like Schoolroom, Teton, Middle Teton, Triple, and Skillet Glacier.

Crystalline alpine lakes fill glacial cirques, and noisy streams cascade down rocky canyons to larger lakes at the foot of the range. These lakes, impounded by glacial debris, mirror the mountains on calm days. Running north to south, the Snake River winds its way down the valley and across this amazing scene.

Over 1000 species of vascular plants grow in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area. Soil conditions, availability of moisture, slope, aspect, and elevation all determine where plants grow. The plants are divided into the following communities: sagebrush flats, riparian corridors and wetlands, forests, and alpine areas. The silvery-green big leaf sagebrush is conspicuous on the valley floor of Jackson Hole. During summer, wildflowers paint meadows in vivid colors. Wet meadows provide the conditions suited to grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Between the summit and plain, forests carpet the mountainsides. The canyons, mountainsides, and hills created by glacial debris, called moraines, contain deeper soils that are capable of holding moisture. These conditions support the growth of trees. Conifers dominate these areas, coloring the slopes a dark green. Lodgepole pines, blue spruce, Engelmann spruce, Douglas fir, and subalpine fir, Quaking Aspens and many species of willow can be found.

Although they appear gray and lifeless, the high alpine reaches of the park support plants specially adapted to the harsh growing conditions found there. Wind, snow, lack of soil, increased ultraviolet radiation, rapid and dramatic shifts in temperature, and a short growing season all challenge the hardy plants that survive here. Most plants adapt by growing close to the ground in mats like the alpine forget-me-not. Ferns are ancient plants that are commonly found in moist, shady, forests, softening the landscape while adding cover and protection for small wildlife. Bracken ferns colonize open disturbed areas, such as recent burn areas. This is the largest fern of the park and can be easily recognized by the triangular shape or its fronds. Bracken fronds turn a rusty orange during early fall adding color to the fall foliage. There are several varieties of ferns found throughout the park.

Grand Teton forests generally contain two or three different types of trees growing together in a specific habitat type. These forests merge into one another in zones called ecotones, which creates edge habitat for various species of wildlife. Some animals, like the red squirrel, pine marten, and black bear spend most of their time in the forests. Others, such as moose, elk, and wolves, seek the forest for shade and shelter during the day and move out to the sagebrush or meadows to feed in the early mornings and evenings. Forests are a very important part of the Grand Teton ecosystem. They stabilize the soil, create homes and food for wildlife, provide nutrients and carbon dioxide to the ecosystem, and create beauty and enjoyment for us all.

There are lots of opportunities for enjoying water in Grand Teton National Park. The Snake River flows through the park and features world-class fishing, unparalleled wildlife viewing, and mild rapids. Many of the more accessible lakes are open for a variety of activities. There’s kayaking, canoeing and boating opportunities. The park has a worldwide reputation for its excellent trout fishing. Interestingly, of the five species of trout present in the park only one, the Snake River cutthroat trout, is native to the region. In total there are more than a dozen species of fish that make the waters of Grand Teton home. Native fish include Utah sucker, Longnose dace, Redside shiner, Paiute sculpin, Mountain whitefish, Speckled dace, Mountain sucker, and Mottled sculpin, while nonnative fish include Rainbow trout, Eastern brook trout, Lake trout, Brown trout, Utah chub, Arctic grayling, and Bluehead sucker. Fishing is regulated according the Wyoming state laws and a license is required.

Many turnouts along park roads offer exhibits on park geology, wildlife, and plants. Turnouts also provide safe places to enjoy scenic views and take beautiful outdoor pictures. Do not stop in the middle of the road to view wildlife. The Teton Park Road follows the base of the Teton Range from Moose to Jackson Lake Junction. The Jenny Lake Scenic Drive skirts Jenny Lake and provides spectacular views of the peaks; the scenic drive is one-way and begins just south of String Lake. The Signal Mountain Summit Road climbs 800 feet (242 meters) to panoramic views of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole valley, and Jackson Lake.

This national park is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but fall is especially magical for a number of reasons. Beautiful fall colors, wildlife, and few crowds make for a wonderful and relaxing time of year. In general, fall in the Teton’s lasts from the beginning of September until about mid-October. But like all natural events, fall depends on local climatic conditions. The amount of rainfall and the nighttime temperatures both play important roles in determining fall colors. While no one can accurately predict exact “peaks” of fall colors, in the Teton’s, the third week in September has historically been about the peak for fall colors. And of course, some years are better than others! No matter when you come in the fall, the park holds many wonders to explore. The Teton Range has large stands of deciduous trees whose leaves blaze mostly yellow and orange (and occasionally red) shades in the fall. Cottonwoods line the banks of the Snake River and other creeks in the area. Aspens are found on hillsides and scattered throughout the park’s moist areas. Numerous species of willows, as well as other shrubs, transform lake and canyon trails into yellow and red carpets in the fall.

Fall is also an important time for the deer species, whose annual rut (breeding season) takes place during this time. Male elk actively bugle to signal their dominance and attract females, an eerie sound that pierces early evenings. You may even witness a sparring match between two dominant male elk — truly an incredible sight to behold. The bull moose in the park are also actively searching for females and may at times spar for dominance too. Bears are actively searching for the berries and any other food source they can find, as they only have a few short weeks left to gain the additional fat they will need to survive hibernation. Since so much wildlife is active (and often aggressive) in the fall, please enjoy viewing them from your car, or a safe distance away (25 yards at least for most wildlife, and 100 yards for bears).

Events often take place that alter the balance of an ecosystem and affect the species within. Areas can become altered, or “disturbed,” through a natural or human-caused occurrence. Natural disturbances range from earthquakes to fires to floods to volcanoes that may occur periodically in a region. Human-caused disturbances include road construction, agriculture, and urban/suburban development. Disturbed lands may be barren, void of plant and animal life, following an incident. Some native species of plants thrive after a disruption of the natural balance. The first returnees to a burned area, for instance, are grasses that take advantage of increased sunlight, decreased shade, increased nutrients in the soil, and lower acidity levels in the soil.

After a disturbance, the topsoil is susceptible to erosion in the form of landslides after rainfall. Often a disturbed area is threatened by the generation of invasive, non-native, or exotic plant and animal species. This is evident along roadsides in Grand Teton National Park that contain fields of Canada thistle, Hounds-tongue, Yellow Toadflax (Butter and Eggs), and mullein. These new species do not have natural environmental controls (e.g. predators) and can easily out-compete native species. Eventually disturbed land may become dominated by non-native species. Grand Teton National Park is home to a large number of plant and animal species that do not occur here naturally. Non-native species out-compete the native plants and animals for resources, which leads to a decrease in habitat for native species and biodiversity.

Park scientists fight noxious weeds with mechanical (hand or tool control), chemical, biological, and cultural controls. Biological controls involve using native predators of the weed (usually insects) to control its spread. Cultural controls include educating people about the dangers of noxious weeds and changing their behavior to avoid further weed spread. The park is also involved with local agencies, groups, and individuals to help control the spread of non-native weeds in the Jackson Hole valley. Visit http://www.jhwma.org for more information on this cooperative effort.

The park also hosts non-native aquatic species such as the New Zealand Mud Snail. Some varieties of non-native fish are found in many of the park’s streams and lakes. They are actively working to control the spread of all types of exotic species and are having some success, especially with a few of the plant species. These control efforts will be ongoing for many years.

Fire has been a part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for thousands of years. Its presence is important for wildlife habitat, nutrient recycling, plant diversity, and overall landscape health. Fire managers at Grand Teton National Park seek to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire, and protecting human life and property.

During the past century, fire was feared and suppressed. This led to a significant and unnatural buildup of live and dead trees, pine needles, shrubs, and grasses. Not only does this buildup create risks for developments near wildland areas, it poses a threat to the health of the forests. Fire naturally thins the forest, recycles nutrients into the soil, and stimulates new plant growth. Fire ecology research has shown that many plant and animal species benefit from the rejuvenating effects of fire.

The first heavy snows fall by November 1 and continue through March with snow and frost possible during any month. Summer days are generally in the 70s and 80s with cool nights in the 40s. Summer thunderstorms are common with mild to cool temperatures through September and October. Raingear is recommended during spring, summer, and fall. During September, October and November, sunny days and cold nights alternate with rain and occasional snow storms. Between storms, December thru mid-May, the days are sunny and nights are frigid. Snow blankets mountains and valley. Travel is not advised and roads may be closed during blizzards.

Afternoon storms are common in summer causing lightening. Get to a safe place before storms hit and 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) provide a variety of material and links through their website at (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm). This site contains critical lightning safety and medical information.

Long, snowy, and bitterly cold winters make the climate of Jackson Hole unforgiving. The coldest temperature ever recorded in Grand Teton National Park was –63°F, and snow often blankets the landscape from early November to late April. Brief, relatively warm summers provide a respite from the rigors of winter and a time of renewal and rebirth. In cooperation or competition, the plants and animals adapt to this harsh climate and dramatic elevation change as each finds ways to survive.

Current Weather

A trip into the backcountry requires advance planning. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Backcountry camping permits are issued free of charge to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits can be obtained at the Moose and Colter Bay visitor centers, and at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Permits involving climbing any of the peaks may be obtained only at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Requests for advance reservations are accepted from January 1st to May 15th. Send the request by regular mail, fax, or in person. Include your name, address, and phone number, number of people, and preferred campsites and dates. Be sure to include alternatives. Requests are processed in the order received. A non-refundable service fee of $15 will be charged for each reservation (fee is per trip, not per person). Put credit card information directly on the fax, or mail a check made payable to the National Park Service. If no payment is received with your request, you will be billed. Only one-third of the sites are reserved in advance, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in reservations. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Solo hiking and off-trail hiking are not recommended. Check with a ranger for current information on trail conditions.

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.

Carry drinking water. 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 or filter with an approved device. Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bring rain gear and extra clothing. Sub-zero temperatures are common throughout winter and demand multi-layered clothing, hats, mittens and cold weather boots. High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself. Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails by mid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be careful crossing snowfields and streams. Hiking alone is not recommended. Stay on established trails for your own safety and to prevent erosion. Add these items to your backpacking checklist: topographical map, compass, suitable tent for the season you are hiking/camping, sleeping bag and mat, water filtration system, collapsible water container, 1-2 quart water bottle, good hiking boots, ice axe, crampons, bivy sac, bear-proof container, flashlight with extra batteries and bulb, signal mirror and/or whistle, first aid kit, repair kit, backpack, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent (depending on season), food, campstove, fuel, matches, fire starter, cooking pots and eating utensils, multipurpose tool or knife, and garbage bags to haul out what you bring into the backcountry.

Please follow these backcountry rules. Pets, weapons, bicycles, and vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. All overnight camping requires a permit. Carry out all your garbage. Practice the Leave-No Trace principles. Prevent erosion by hiking on established trails. Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trail and remain quiet while horses pass. Observe and photograph wildlife from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed animals. Prevent contamination of waterways by burying feces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from streams and lakes. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them. During July and August trailhead parking areas fill early, especially at South Jenny Lake, String Lake, Lupine Meadows, Death Canyon, and Granite Canyon. Parking on natural vegetation results in permanent damage to plants; violators will be ticketed. In paved parking lots, parking illegally will also result in a ticket. An early start will help you avoid parking problems.

For safe biking, wear a helmet at all times, ride bicycles only on roadways, not on trails, ride on the right side of the road in single file, obey the rules of the road at all times, and use hand signals to communicate with other drivers. Bicycle riders in the park and parkway must obey the same rules and regulations that apply to motorized vehicles. Bicycles are allowed only on paved and unpaved roads, unless otherwise posted. Bicycles are not allowed on any park or parkway trails or in any backcountry areas. Operating a bicycle abreast of another bicycle on paved roads within the park and parkway is prohibited. During low visibility and between sunset and sunrise, bicyclists must display a white light or reflector from the front and a red light or reflector from the rear.

Current and detailed information for climbing and mountaineering is available at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station in the summer, (307) 739-3343. In the winter call (307) 739-3309. From June through September, all Garnet Canyon permits and permits for any trip involving technical climbing or mountaineering should be picked up at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Backcountry Avalanche Hazard & Weather Forecast information can be obtained from (307) 733-2664 recorded information or (307) 733-2759 which reports avalanche activity. 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, and crampons

Drive carefully through the park. Watch for large animals on the road. Drive slowly at night. Elk, bison and mule deer frequently migrate at night and may be difficult to see. Moose use roads as travel corridors. Hitting a large animal at highway speeds has resulted in fatal accidents. Careful driving protects you and wildlife. Always wear your seatbelt, obey posted speed limits, check road conditions before you leave on a trip, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

For boating safety, follow these guidelines. Wear a lifejacket at all times. Check bulletin boards for flow rates and caution areas. Even boaters frequently floating the Snake should check conditions before every trip, as the river can change hourly. Take an extra paddle or oar, a waterproof container with extra clothes, a first aid kit, and a waste receptacle. Inflatable boats should have an air pump, bucket for bailing, and patch kit. Swimming in the river is not recommended. For information on Snake River flows, call 1-800-658-5771.

It seems that wildlife is never far away in Grand Teton National Park. There are several areas in the park for wildlife viewing that allow for many possibilities for a great national park picture. Oxbow Bend is a great place to view wildlife, located one mile east of Jackson Lake Junction. Slow-moving water provides habitat for fish such as suckers and trout, which become food for river otters, ospreys, bald eagles, American white pelicans, and common mergansers. Look for swimming beavers and muskrats. Moose browse on abundant willows at the water’s edge. Elk occasionally graze in open aspen groves to the east. Timbered Island is a forested ridge southeast of Jenny Lake. Small bands of pronghorn antelope, the fastest North American land animal, forage on nearby sagebrush throughout the day. Elk leave the shade of Timbered Island at dawn and dusk to eat the grasses growing among the surrounding sagebrush. Along Mormon Row and Antelope Flats Road, one mile north of Moose Junction, bison and pronghorn can be seen grazing in spring, summer, and fall. Also watch for coyotes, Northern harriers and American kestrels hunting mice, Uinta ground squirrels, and grasshoppers. Sage grouse, sage thrashers, and sparrows also frequent the area.

Snake River runs from Jackson Lake Dam south to Moose. Elk and bison graze in grassy meadows along the river. Bison also eat grasses in the sagebrush flats on the benches above the river. Bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons build large stick nests within sight of the river. Beavers and moose eat willows that line the waterway. Cascade Canyon is located west of Jenny Lake. Look for, but do not feed, golden-mantled ground squirrels at Inspiration Point. Pikas and yellow-bellied marmots live in scattered boulder fields. Mule deer and moose occasionally browse on shrubs growing at the mouth of the canyon. Listen for the numerous songbirds that nest in the canyon. Blacktail Ponds is a half-mile north of Moose on Highway 26-89-191. Old beaver ponds have filled in and now support grassy meadows where elk graze during the cooler parts of the day. Several kinds of ducks feed in the side channels of the Snake River. Moose browse on willows growing along the river.

While most visitors don’t come to Grand Teton seeking amphibians, they are some of the most unique and important species found in the park. Amphibians are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body’s temperature like mammals and birds, so in the park, the cold annual temperatures, high elevation, and dry climate limits amphibian diversity and numbers. The park is home to six species of amphibians: spotted frogs, boreal chorus frogs, boreal toads, tiger salamanders, northern leopard frogs (unfortunately, these are now believed to be extinct in the area), and bullfrogs (which were introduced just outside the park).

The best places to find amphibians are near the rivers, streams, and lakes along the valley floor. Good places to look for spotted frogs include String Lake, Schwabacher’s Landing (along the Snake River), and Taggart Lake. Chorus frogs are easiest to find in late May and early June because the males are actively calling during their breeding season, moist valley meadows are great spots to look and listen for these frogs at dusk. The boreal toad seems to be disappearing from their historic range; sightings of these, as well as leopard frogs, should be reported to any of the park’s visitor centers. Take some time on your visit to search for these interesting creatures; they can be readily seen if one knows where to look. They are key links in the food web—providing food for many other animals including birds, otters, and fish. Amphibians are also important predators of insects. Finally, they are excellent indicators of overall ecosystem health. Their dependence on water and the dual life cycle they lead makes them extremely sensitive to changes in environmental conditions.

Grand Teton National Park has a number of diverse habitats which support a host of birds in the area. Within the park boundaries some of the largest and smallest North American birds can be found, so you bird watching groups need to be sure to bring your binoculars. The calliope hummingbird, the smallest North American bird, weighs less than a tenth of an ounce. This bird can be found around blooming scarlet gila and near willow. The trumpeter swan, the largest water fowl in North America, can be seen in the area of Swan Lake as well as near the National Elk Refuge. These birds are usually found in pairs that mate for life. The Western Tanager is one of the most colorful birds in the Teton’s and can be found in forested areas. In the summer the male is red, orange, yellow, and black. Another impressive bird sighting in the area of the Teton’s is the Sage Grouse.

You can participate in the Migratory Bird Conservation Program while you are enjoying bird watching. Most of the birds found in the park and parkway are migratory, spending only 3-6 months here each year. Migratory birds are protected while they nest in national parks, but may lose safe nesting sites on other lands due to human activities. Migratory birds also face numerous perils on their long journeys to and from wintering grounds. Human-caused habitat changes fragment forests and remove safe feeding and roosting areas in migration corridors. Birds that migrate to the tropics may lose their winter range due to deforestation.

Birdwatchers and scientists alike have become concerned about the future of migratory birds. Show your concern by enjoying birds in your backyard and in your travels! Assist scientists to measure bird population changes by participating in bird counts and surveys, such as Christmas Bird Counts, the North American Migration Count, and Breeding Bird Surveys. Find out about the Partners in Flight program in your home state. You can use your interest and knowledge of birds to help assure their future!

Use binoculars, spotting scopes or long lenses for close views and photographs. Always maintain a safe distance of at least 300 feet from large animals such as bears, bison, moose, and elk. Never position yourself between an adult and its offspring. Females with young are especially defensive. This is bear country. Make bears aware of your presence and avoid surprising them by making loud noises like shouting or singing. Remember all animals are wild, no matter how tame they appear, therefore unpredictable. To learn more about wildlife habitats and animal behavior, attend ranger-led activities. See Wildlife Precautions page.

It is illegal to feed wildlife, including ground squirrels and birds. Feeding wild animals makes them dependent on people, and animals often bite the hand that feeds them. Also, if your presence makes an animal change its behavior, you are too close. They generally run away and others can not enjoy viewing them. Be courteous of others.

Do not harass wildlife. Harassment is any human action that causes unusual behavior, or a change of behavior, in an animal. Repeated encounters with people can have negative, long-term impacts on wildlife, including increased levels of stress and the avoidance of essential feeding areas. Nesting birds are easily disturbed. For wildlife, raising young is a private affair. If an adult bird on a nest flies off at your approach, or circles you or screams in alarm, you are too close to the nest. Unattended nestlings readily succumb to predation and exposure to heat, cold, and wet weather.

Fees are good for both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks: $25.00 per vehicle, $12.00 per person for single hiker or bicyclist, $20.00 per motorcycle; all for 7 days.

There is a winter day use fee of $5.00, available from mid-December through April 30. It is valid for Grand Teton National Park only.

There are several established campgrounds available. The group campsites are for organized groups such as youth, religious, and educational groups. Group site capacities range from 10 to 75 people. Advance reservations are required. Requests for reservations should be made between January 1 and May 15 by calling (800) 628-9988 or (307) 543-3100; and faxing or by writing to address and number found at the contact area below. Campgrounds at Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake (partially accessible restrooms), and Colter Bay (partially accessible restrooms) are located on relatively flat terrain. Lizard Creek and Signal Mountain campgrounds are hilly and access is more difficult. Inquire for most accessible sites.

Colter Bay Campground is open from late May through later September. It is located 25 miles north of Moose, close to Jackson Lake. With 350 sites, 11 group sites, trailer dump station, showers, and laundry nearby, Colter Bay is a wooded campground with larger sites and easier access if you are traveling with a camper, trailer, or looking for RV campsites. It generally fills up by noon. Group camping fees are $3.00 per person per night plus a $15.00 non-refundable reservation fee.

Gros Ventre Campground is open from May to mid October. It is located 11.5 miles south and east of Moose, with 360 campsites, 5 group sites, and a trailer dump station. Group camping fees are $3.00 per person per night plus a $15.00 non-refundable reservation fee. It generally fills in the evening, if at all, but it’s advised that if you arrive late, you should just pull in and find a better spot in the morning. The campground lies along the Gros Ventre River with a mix of sites in sagebrush, beneath cottonwoods and adjacent to, but a short distance from, the river.

Jenny Lake Campground is open from mid May to later September. It is located 8 miles north of Moose and has 51 campsites, tents only. Only one vehicle, less than 14 feet long, is permitted per site. Trailers are prohibited. This is the park’s most popular campground and is generally full by 8 a.m. Sites are in among the evergreens and glacial boulders a short distance from Jenny Lake.
Lizard Creek Campground is open from June through September. It is located at the north end of Grand Teton National Park, about 32 miles north of Moose. A less heavily developed campground with 60 campsites in the spruce and fir forest. One side of the campground is adjacent to and slightly above Jackson Lake. Vehicle size limited to 30 feet, so there are RV campsites.

Signal Mountain Campground is open early May to mid October. It is located 16 miles north of Jenny Lake and has 81 sites with a trailer dump station. Vehicles size limited to 30 feet. Signal Mountain offers a mix of spruce and fir trees, hillsides, and lake and mountain views. Campsites are generally small and intimate.

Backcountry camping is available with a permit. Build campfires only in designated areas, monitor them, and make sure they are properly extinguished. After eating and before leaving camp or sleeping, check to be sure you have a clean, bear-proof campsite: all food, containers, and utensils must be stored in a bear box or in a closed, locked vehicle with windows rolled up. The only exceptions are during the transport, preparation, and eating of food. Trash and garbage must be stored in the same manner as food, or placed in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters. Treat odorous products such as soap, deodorant, sunscreen, and perfumes in the same manner as food. For your safety absolutely no food, foodstuffs, garbage, or odorous products may be stored in tents or sleeping bags. Ice chests, thermoses, water containers, barbecue grills, stoves, dishes, and pans must be stored in the same way as food — inside a locked vehicle or bear box. Never bury food scraps, containers, or fish entrails. Put them in trash cans. Never leave food, containers, or garbage unattended in camp. Bears are active both day and night.

Yellowstone National Park, Fossil Butte National Monument, the USFWS National Elk Refuge (307) 733-9212, just 12 miles away, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Caribou National Forest, Targhee National Forest, Shoshone National Forest and Fort Hall Indian Reservation are all nearby attractions.

The nearest airport service is to Jackson Hole, WY.

To travel by car from Salt Lake City, Utah (approximately 275 miles): Take I-15 to Idaho Falls, Highway 26 to Swan Valley, Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass to Victor and then Highway 22 over Teton Pass, through Wilson to Jackson. If you would like to avoid the 10% grade of Teton Pass, take Highway 26 from Idaho Falls to Swan Valley. Continue on Highway 26 to Alpine Junction, highway 26/89 to Hoback Junction and the highway 26/89/191 to Jackson.

From southeast, take I-80 to Evanston. From there take Highway 89/16 to Woodruff, Randolph, and Sage Creek Junction, Highway 30/89 to Cokeville and then Border. Continue on Highway 89 to Afton, and then to Alpine Junction. Highway 26/89 to Hoback Junction. Highway 26/89/191 to Jackson.

From Denver, Colorado (approximately 550 miles): Take I-25N to Cheyenne, then I-80W through Laramie to Rock Springs. From there take highway 191 north through Pinedale, then highway 191/189 to Hoback Junction and highway 191 to Jackson. Or take I-25N to Fort Collins, highway 287 North to Laramie and then I-80W to Rawlins. Take highway 287 to Muddy Gap Junction. Continue on Highway 287 to Jeffrey City, Lander, Fort Washakie, Crowheart, and Dubois and highway 287/26 over Togwotee Pass to Moran. Highway 26/89/191 goes to Jackson.

Public transportation is available to the park.

Approximate Mileage from the following major cities to Grand Tetons National Park :

By Car:

Casper, WY – 275.38 miles

Cheyenne, WY – 421.94 miles

Buffalo, WY – 380.86 miles

Idaho Falls, ID – 104.69 miles

Salt Lake City, UT – 315.26 miles

Bozeman, MT – 203.84 miles

Pocatello, ID – 152.97 miles

By Plane:

Jackson Hole Airport, WY – 4.89 miles

Idaho Falls Regional Airport, ID – 103.33 miles

Salt Lake City International Airport, UT – 318.73 miles

Grand Teton National Park, PO Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012-0170
Grand Teton National Park, Campground Reservations, PO Box 170, Moose, WY 83012
Information (307) 739-3300
Information (TDD) (307) 739-3400
Fax (307) 739-3438

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