As the first signs of spring begin to emerge in Grand Teton, we can only think of one thing to remedy the post-winter-pre-summer blues—a snow and car free park road during the month of April! The Teton Park Road is open to non-motorized recreational access from now until May 1 when it opens to vehicle traffic. This means that visitors who wish to travel by foot, bike, or any other human-powered source are free to explore the distance between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain without sharing the pavement with cars. A favorite time of year among locals, the month of April provides a unique experience in Grand Teton before the busy summer season.
There are a few important things to remember before your April visit to the park:
- Vehicles should slow down and use caution in the area.
- Be respectful of other visitors enjoying the area and be thoughtful of how music may affect others. Operating an audio device, such as a stereo, Bluetooth speakers, radio, or musical instrument in a manner which is unreasonable and impacts park users is prohibited by law.
- Water is not available at the trailhead or along the road. Be self-sufficient with water, snacks, and bicycle/skate repairs.
- Vault toilets are available at Taggart Lake Trailhead and Cottonwood Picnic Area, with portable toilets located along the road between Cottonwood and North Jenny Lake Junction, and restroom facilities at Signal Mountain Lodge.
- Pack it in, pack it out. There are limited trash receptacles at both ends of the road. Do not put trash in the portable toilets.
- Dogs are permitted on the Teton Park Road. Dog owners are required to use a leash no longer than six feet in length and are required to clean up after their dogs. Waste disposal bag stations are located at each end of the road. Bags should be deposited into appropriate trash receptacles and not left along the road.
- Consider beginning at the Signal Mountain end of the road as it is less busy and offers ample parking, restroom facilities, water filling station, and self-pay fuel pumps at Signal Mountain Lodge. Please respect the Signal Mountain Lodge area, as most facilities are not open to the public at this time.
We hope you have the opportunity to enjoy this special time of year in Grand Teton National Park!
