SKI, SNOWSHOE, OR WALK ON THE GROOMED TETON PARK ROAD
Winter is in full swing at Grand Teton National Park. For the eleventh consecutive year, the Foundation is partnering with Grand Teton to groom Teton Park Road three times a week (conditions permitting), allowing visitors unparalleled access to the 14-mile stretch of road between Taggart Lake parking and Signal Mountain Lodge. Winter travelers can go by foot, snowshoe, or ski and enjoy the splendor of winter in the Tetons. The region offers a variety of terrain choices and scenic destinations from half day trips to full day tours—there’s a little something for everyone!
There are three locations available for parking - Taggart Lake Trailhead, Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area, and the gate at the north end of Teton Park Road near Signal Mountain Lodge.
If you are planning to bring your furry friend along, they are welcome to join you on Teton Park Road, but it's important to keep them on a leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted in the backcountry and owners must clean up after their pets for the safety of wildlife, visitors, and other pets.
Teton Park Road will be groomed through mid-to-late March (conditions permitting). Always remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, warm layers, eye protection, and sunscreen, and be sure to check the weather before you go. It is essential that you know how to use your gear and make wise terrain choices while recreating in the winter. See you in the park!
SNOWSHOE WITH A RANGER
Are you interested in winter ecology or snow science? Would you like to explore the park during the winter season but need some guidance? Join Grand Teton NPS for a snowshoe hike led by an interpretive ranger, which is the perfect way to get acquainted with winter in Grand Teton National Park and snowshoeing.
The Snowshoe with a Ranger program is available on Wednesdays and Fridays, from January 3 to March 15, 2024. Starting December 1, please call the park at 307-739-3399 during business hours (Monday-Friday) to make a reservation.
EXPERIENCE GRANITE CANYON TRAILHEAD
The Granite Canyon Trailhead has reopened to the public, providing visitors an improved experience while snowshoeing, skiing, or enjoying the scenic Moose-Wilson Corridor. The trailhead now includes an expanded parking lot that can accommodate more vehicles, improved accessibility, vault toilets, a bench, and an information kiosk. New signage has been added to enhance wayfinding and removable bollards and snow poles have been installed to improve visitor safety and snowplow operations. Access to the trailhead is available from the south through the Granite Canyon Entrance via Hwy 390.
CAMP AT COLTER BAY
If you're looking to have a winter camping adventure, you'll be happy to know that primitive camping is allowed in the Colter Bay Visitor Center parking lot until April 15th. For just $5 per night, you can enjoy close access to Jackson Lake, where you can do some ice fishing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. If you're interested in camping in the backcountry, call the park's permit office at 307-739-3309 on weekdays or the Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3301 on weekends to get your backcountry camping permit. Backcountry camping permits are available 24 hours in advance.
RECREATE SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY
Grand Teton is renowned destination for winter backcountry skiing. It is imperative that recreators have experience, know the terrain, and are prepared. Always check bridgertetonavalanchecenter.org before heading into the backcountry. Use careful snowpack assessment and solid terrain choices while skiing or riding in the Tetons.
Be a steward for bighorn sheep and other wildlife who survive brutal winter conditions in the Tetons. Stress from human disturbances like skiing and snowboarding can push these iconic animals towards starvation. Protect wildlife by observing closures, avoiding bighorn sheep winter zones, and giving all wildlife plenty of space (100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other wildlife). Visit go.nps.gov/tetonclosures for more information and see the entire Teton Range bighorn sheep winter zones and closure map at tetonsheep.org.