Grand Teton sets summer opening dates for roads, facilities

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.