From Staff Reports
Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, along with all national parks across the country, will offer free admission to visitors Saturday, June 9 in observance of National Get Outdoors Day.
Grand Teton will host a series of special family-oriented activities that focus on First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside initiative, a national campaign focused on exercise as a way to help combat childhood obesity.
“With colorful wildflowers in bloom and newborn animals making their debuts, this is an ideal time to visit Grand Teton and experience the beauty and fun recreational opportunities that this park and others offer throughout all seasons of the year,” said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott in a statement released Monday.
Then-President Bill Clinton in 1998 proclaimed a week in June as Great Outdoors Week, kicking off the National Get Outdoors Day tradition. President Barack Obama issued a similar proclamation urging Americans to spend time in nature as a way to connect future generations with a national legacy of public lands.
“Outdoor physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and national parks are great places to get out, experience nature, and get your heart pumping,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis.
“There’s something for everyone in America’s national parks,” Jarvis said in a statement released Monday. “We hope to see you on Saturday.”
Most hotels, campgrounds, stores and visitor services in Yellowstone are open for the season. Lodging and campground information is available by phone at 307-344-2114, and road information is available at 307-344-2117.
In Grand Teton, a series of group activities will be held Saturday, and may be repeated at various times throughout the summer. Saturday’s events include:
- Inspiration Point Hike: Trek to Hidden Falls and a viewpoint above Jenny Lake to learn about Teton geology and the work of glaciers. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center flagpole for an uphill 2-mile hike of moderate difficulty.
- Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Hike: Explore the sights, sounds and solitude of the preserve while strolling along Lake Creek to an overlook at Phelps Lake that affords a dramatic view of the Teton Range. Reservations are recommended by calling 307-739-3654. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center’s porch for this 3-mile hike of easy-to-moderate difficulty.
- Taggart Lake Hike: Walk to scenic Taggart Lake at the base of the Teton Range and learn about the geology and biologic communities that adorn the landscape. Meet at 9 a.m. at the Taggart Lake trailhead for this 3-mile hike of moderate difficulty.
- Swan Lake Hike: Wander through forest and wetland communities while learning about the plants and animals living near Jackson Lake and Colter Bay. Meet 1 p.m. at Colter Bay Visitor Center flagpole for this easy 3-mile hike.
Participants are advised to bring water, sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellant, binoculars and cameras.
National Park fees will also be waived on September 29 for National Public Lands Day and November 10-12 for Veterans Day weekend.
All other fees besides entrance fees will remain in effect Saturday.
Contact Yellowstone Gate at 307-213-9818 or [email protected].