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A 14-mile stretch of the Teton Park Road is open to hikers, walkers, and cyclists/NPS

With winter losing its grip, staff at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is working to open up access for visitors.

While the Teton Park Road isn't scheduled to open to motorized traffic until May 1, a 14-mile section of the road between the Taggart Lake Trailhead and Signal Mountain Lodge has been cleared of snow and is open to walking, running, biking and skating.

On nice days in April, the Teton Park Road can be busy, according to park staff. Children, pedestrians, cyclists, and other users share the section of the road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Cottonwood Picnic Area with vehicles. To avoid riding in traffic with your group, use the 10-minute loading and unloading zone at Cottonwood, located just north of the Taggart parking lot. 

Spring opening operations and plowing are ongoing throughout the park. Visitors should be alert for park vehicles and heavy equipment on all park roads, including the Teton Park Road. Respect any road or wildlife closures marked by signs or barricades and use caution, as snow and ice may persist on some road sections. Please stay at least 100 feet away from snow removal operations so operators can see approaching pedestrians or cyclists.

The Teton Park Road will open to vehicles on Thursday, May 1, weather depending. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose will also open for the season on May 1. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The paved multi-use pathway will open when it is mostly free of snow and ice. Other roads, facilities, and services will open later in the spring and early summer.

The NPS reminds visitors that antler collection is prohibited in all areas of Grand Teton National Park. Legal antler collection takes place on public lands outside the national park. Use of a mapping app can help ensure you are outside the park’s boundaries.

Here are more tips and reminders to help visitors prepare for spring at Grand Teton National Park: 

• Check for road information and weather conditions before you visit. Temporary road and wildlife closures may affect where you can go in the park. Spring weather is unpredictable and can change within hours from sunny and warm to stormy and cold.
• Entrance fees are required to enter the park. Fees and passes can be paid at the Moose and Moran entrance stations, or at Recreation.gov.
• Be watchful and cautious of wildlife on park roads. This is an important time of year for ungulate migrations. Animals like bison and elk may travel on park roads.
• Bears are active in the park. The best way to stay safe in bear country is to come prepared. Carry bear spray, have it readily accessible and know how to use it. Stay at least 100 yards away from any bear.
• Drive responsibly. Slow down and use caution in parking areas. The road between Taggart Lake Trailhead and Cottonwood picnic area can be busy with pedestrians and bikers.
• Pack plenty of food and water. Food and water are not available at Taggart Lake trailhead or along the Teton Park Road.
• Go before you go. Restroom facilities are available at Taggart Lake Trailhead, Cottonwood Picnic Area, and at Signal Mountain Lodge.
• Leave No Trace and dispose of trash in receptacles.
• Dogs are allowed on the Teton Park Road on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet owners must clean up after their dogs. Deposit dog waste bags in trash receptacles.