The official newspaper of National Park & Grand Teton Guide John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Winter 2016-2017 (November–April) Parkway

Native American tribes refined their designs winter conditions—skis and snowshoes were Winter in the Tetons by fashioning beautifully laced snowshoes that invaluable tools. The oldest pair in our collection Grand Teton National Park feels like a different caught the eye of European settlers. The historic dates back to 1943! The snowshoes’ history is not place in winter. The pace is slower, the snow- snowshoes used on the park’s ranger-guided well known leaving many unanswered questions. covered mountains seem larger and the whole snowshoe walks reflect these ancient designs. Were these snowshoes ever used in combat? Were park feels quieter. A great way to experience the they used by local area soldiers recruited for their park is on skis or snowshoes. Even if you have skills in the mountains? We will never know, but never been on snowshoes before, you can join a it’s fun to wonder. ranger-guided snowshoe walk for a fun-filled and educational experience! Join a ranger-guided snowshoe walk to While many of us travel over snow for recreation, experience these skiing and snowshoeing were once key to winter unusual snowshoes survival. The oldest known snowshoes—found for yourself. Or, head in the Italian Dolomites—are almost 6,000 out on your own and Some of the park’s historic snowshoes likely came years old! Many different cultures probably enjoy the experience from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division. developed snowshoes around the same time of winter in Grand During and after World War II, soldiers from the to allow traveling and hunting during winter. Teton National Park. 10th trained for combat in mountain areas and

Winter Wildlife

Winter poses challenges for all wildlife. Snow buries food, temperatures plummet and traveling through Safe Wildlife Viewing Winter Closures deep snow is difficult and tiring. Wildlife survive the • Keep your distance and never approach. To protect wildlife during this stressful season, the park closes key habitat areas to all travel. harsh winter by adapting. Some animals migrate, some • Use binoculars for better viewing. hibernate and some • Areas around Snake River, Buffalo Fork River & Kelly • Obey speed limits: Wildlife may be near the roadway. simply endure. Enjoy Warm Springs: December 15–March 31 watching the wildlife • Feeding wildlife is prohibited and dangerous. • Summits of , & in the park, but be : December 1–March 31 respectful and don’t add Keep Your Distance More Information page 4 to their challenges. For your safety and theirs, never approach wildlife and back away if needed. Did You Know? Bears usually hibernate from December into March— timing varies on weather and 25 yards (23 m) 100 yards (91 m) food.

International Visitors Contact Information Snowshoe Walk

• Des renseignements en Français sont disponibles Website www.nps.gov/grte Experience winter in Grand aux centres des visiteurs dans le parc. Facebook www.facebook.com/GrandTetonNPS Teton National Park. Join a ranger for a Lost & Found www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/lost-found.htm guided snowshoe walk. Walks offered, late • Sie konnen Informationen auf Deutsch in den December through mid-March, conditions Besucherzentren bekommen. EMERGENCY ...... 911 permitting. See page 2. • Se puede conseguir información en Español en el Centro Park Dispatch...... 307-739-3301 del Visitante. Contents Visitor Information...... 307-739-3300 • 国立公園案内の日本語版が各公園内のビジターセン Weather ...... 307-739-3611 ターでご利用できます Trip Planning and Safety ...... 2 Road Conditions ...... 307-739-3682 • 您可以在游客中心免费领取中文版《大提顿国家公园游 Concessioners...... 2 览指南》 Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center ...... 307-733-2664 Go Digital...... 3 Snowshoe Hike Reservations/Information (10 am–4 pm, M–Sa). .307-739-3399 Partners...... 3 Accessibility information available at visitor centers Backcountry Permit Information...... 307-739-3309 Park Map...... 4 and on the Grand Teton website: www.nps.gov/grte. TTY/TDD Emergency Calls Only...... 307-739-3301

Publication of the Grand Teton Guide made possible through the generous support of the Grand Teton Association. Make the Most of Your Winter Park Visit

Average Weather Moose, WY 1958-2013

Average Average Average Average Month High Temp Low Temp Snowfall Snow Depth January 26.1 °F 0.9 °F 43.1 in. 27 in. February 31.0 °F 3.2 °F 28.7 in. 33 in. March 39.4 °F 12.1 °F 20.3 in. 30 in. April 49.3 °F 22.3 °F 9.5 in. 12 in. May 60.9 °F 30.8 °F 2.4 in. 0 in. June 70.7 °F 37.3 °F 0.1 in. 0 in. July 80.6 °F 41.6 °F 0 in. 0 in. August 79.2 °F 39.7 °F 0 in. 0 in. September 69.3 °F 32.1 °F 0.4 in. 0 in. October 55.7 °F 23.2 °F 4.7 in. 0 in. November 38.3 °F 13.6 °F 23.4 in. 4 in. VISITOR INFORMATION December 26.5 °F 1.8 °F 39.5 in. 16 in. From November 1, 2016 through March 5, 2017 all visitor centers in the park are closed. The Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center will reopen on March 6. For information, visit the park’s website: www.nps.gov/grte, or call 307-739-3399, Monday–Saturday, 10 am–4 pm. Safety and Regulations Activities FALL ELK REDUCTION SNOWBIKES & KITE-SKIING Congress authorized an elk reduction Snowbikes are NOT allowed for over- program in some areas of the park for herd snow travel. Kite-skiing is only allowed on RANGER-GUIDED SNOWSHOE When skiing or snowboarding, you are management when the park expanded the frozen surface of Jackson Lake. WALKS responsible for your own safety. If you in 1950. The reduction program ends on Are you curious about winter ecology or access the park from Jackson Hole Mountain December 11, 2016. Call 307-739-3399 for HOT SPRINGS snow science? Would you like to experience Resort, remember the park does not perform additional information. Soaking in pools where thermal waters the park in winter? A snowshoe walk with a avalanche hazard reduction work. Please originate is prohibited to protect resources. interpretive ranger is the perfect introduction check the map on page 4 for wildlife closures. WILDLIFE VIEWING Soaking in adjacent run-off streams is to winter in Grand Teton National Park and The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Maintain a distance of at least 100 allowed, provided they do not contain an snowshoe travel. The park offers a two-hour Center posts a daily avalanche forecast at: yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards originating water source. These waters may guided snowshoe walk from the Taggart Lake www.jhavalanche.org or call 307-733-2664. from all other animals whether on foot harbor organisms that cause diseases. Trailhead Monday, Wednesday, Friday and or in your vehicle. Please obey all wildlife Saturday, at 1:30 pm beginning December WINTER CAMPING closures (see map on page 4). WINTER SAFETY 26th through mid-March (conditions Park campgrounds are closed during • Protect yourself. Know your permitting). Reservations required. Call 307- winter. Primitive winter camping is allowed PETS & SERVICE ANIMALS equipment and capabilities. 739-3399, 10 am–4 pm, Mon.–Sat. on the parking lot next to the Colter Bay Pets: During winter, pets are allowed • Ski or snowshoe in GROUPS. Visitor Center from December 1 to April 15. on plowed roadways and parking areas, Always tell someone your route, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & Pay $5 at the self-pay station by the restroom. and the unplowed portions of the Teton destination, and expected return time. SNOWSHOEING If your plans include backcountry camping, Park and Moose-Wilson roads. Pets must • HYPOTHERMIA is a common cause Experience the exhilaration of winter you must obtain a backcountry permit. For be restrained on a leash (6 feet or less) at all of human fatality in mountain country. on cross-country skis or snowshoes. more information, call 307-739-3309. times. Properly dispose of pet feces. Pets Carry extra clothing and dress to prevent From November 1 through April 30, 14 miles are not allowed in visitor centers, on ranger- hypothermia. Never leave a member of of the Teton Park Road from the Taggart SNOWMOBILING led activities or park trails. Pets are only your party alone. If anyone in your group Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge, is Snowmobile use is limited in Grand allowed in boats on Jackson Lake. begins to act or talk abnormally, have open for non-motorized use only (snowbikes Teton National Park to the frozen surface of Service Animals: Must assist with a them put on more clothing and drink prohibited). Thanks to the generous support Jackson Lake with approved snowmobiles disability and must be trained to perform warm liquids. Learn about treating of the Grand Teton National Park Foundation for ice fishing only. Snowmobiles are also tasks to aid with the disability. Dogs whose hypothermia before your trip. and the Nordic Alliance, the Teton Park allowed on the Grassy Lake Road in the John sole function is providing comfort or • Be prepared for sudden changes in the Road will be groomed approximately twice- D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. For emotional support do not qualify as service WEATHER and SNOW. Conditions weekly from mid-December to mid-March more information, visit: www.nps.gov/grte/ animals under the ADA may vary considerably throughout the day (conditions permitting). Call 307-739-3682 planyourvisit/winter.htm. and with elevation. Check the weather for updates. Other places to enjoy winter FIREARMS forecast before you venture out, and activities include Colter Bay, Moose-Wilson FISHING state regulations apply. above all use common sense. Road, Taggart Lake and Flagg Ranch. Fishing in Grand Teton National Park Carrying or possessing firearms is • Be cautious in AVALANCHE terrain, such is subject to Wyoming state regulations. A prohibited in buildings where notice is as in mountain canyons and crossing BACKCOUNTRY SKIING & Wyoming fishing license is required in the posted. Firearms may not be discharged “exposed” slopes. See Avalanche forecast SNOWBOARDING park and parkway. Obey wildlife closures in a national park, except by permitted information above. Jackson Hole has world-renowned along the Snake River. individuals during legal hunting seasons. • Take the following essential WINTER backcountry access. Few places GEAR on any excursion: water in an provide the scenery, variety of terrain, and UNMANNED AIRCRAFT insulated bottle, high energy snacks, first challenging lines found here. Launching, landing or operating an aid kit, extra clothing including a hat and unmanned aircraft, such as a drone, within gloves, sunscreen and sunglasses, map and Park Concessioners & Lodging Grand Teton National Park is prohibited. compass, flashlight, and a repair kit.

BACKCOUNTRY SKIING/ Teton Backcountry Guides AVALANCHE EDUCATION 307-353-2900 www.skithetetons.com Exum Mountain Guides 307-733-2297 www.exumguides.com WINTER LODGING Triangle X Ranch Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Open: late December to late March 307-733-4979 www.jhmg.com 307-733-2183 www.trianglex.com

CROSS-COUNTRY SKI & Dornans Spur Ranch SNOWSHOE TOURS 307-733-2522 www.dornans.com The Hole Hiking Experience 866-733-4453 www.holehike.com Additional accommodations available in Jackson, Wilson & Teton Village. For more Jackson Hole Mountain information, visit the Jackson Hole Chamber Resort Nordic Center of Commerce: 307-733-3316 307-739-2629 www.jacksonhole.com www.jacksonholechamber.com

2 Grand Teton Guide Winter 2016-17 Grand Teton Guide Winter 2016-17 3 Go Digital Moving Forward

Grand Teton National Park App MOOSE-WILSON CORRIDOR Grand Teton National Park is planning for the Grand Teton National Park is proud to future of the Moose-Wilson corridor. This 10,300 announce the release of their new app on acre corridor is in the park’s southwest corner and both iTunes and Google Play Store. Locate features a remarkable variety of natural communities, your favorite trailhead, learn about a historic cultural and wilderness resources. district, find a place to eat or take a guided tour as you explore this iconic park. The Moose-Wilson Road bisects the corridor and provides access to several park destinations, Grand Teton Association App including and Granite Canyon The Grand Teton Association app trailheads, Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Photo: G. Pollock includes essential information for White Grass Ranch and Murie Ranch historic planning your trip or during your visit. districts. The road also passes through a wildlife- experience. Discover the corridor through an migration corridor with outstanding wildlife viewing interactive “eXperience” online field trip by visiting: opportunities. www.nps.gov/features/grte/moosewilson/eTour.html. TravelStorysGPS App Learn more about the final comprehensive The Grand Teton National Developing a comprehensive management plan management plan / environmental impact statement Park Foundation app for the Moose-Wilson corridor is critical to ensure released on September 2 on our website: shares engaging audio stories about the protection of key resources, values, and your www.nps.gov/grte/learn/management/mwccmp.htm the history, geology, wildlife and activities. Jenny Lake Renewal Project eClimb

Experience a sense of adventure climbing the Grand Teton from WHAT IS INSPIRING JOURNEYS? WHAT TO EXPECT anywhere. Learn about the history, environment, and risks of this An $18 million collaboration between Grand Teton Work will continue in the Jenny Lake area through journey: www.nps.gov/features/grte/grandteton/eClimb.html National Park and its fund-raising partner, Grand summer 2017. Construction work around South Jenny Teton National Park Foundation, celebrating the Lake will continue with completion of the interpretive Follow @GrandTetonNPS National Park Service’s centennial. The project will plaza, trail network and new restrooms. Work on the build a cohesive, durable and timeless complex of west side of Jenny Lake will focus on the Inspiration trails, bridges and other facilities around Jenny Lake. Point viewing area, but the viewing area for Hidden Falls will reopen. www.facebook.com/GrandTetonNPS WHY IT MATTERS twitter.com/GrandTetonNPS The park’s most visited destination hosts more than For more information about the Jenny Lake Renewal instagram.com/GrandTetonNPS one million people a year. The Civilian Conservation Project, please visit: www.youtube.com/user/GrandTetonNP1 Corps crews that built much of the infrastructure in www.nps.gov/grte/getinvolved/jlrp.htm flickr.com/GrandTetonNPS the 1930s could not conceive of so many visitors.

Park Partners

GRAND TETON ASSOCIATION Grand Teton National Park works closely with a variety of partnership organizations who help support The Grand Teton Association was established in 1937 as the park’s important projects, programs and visitor services, benefiting visitors and the park. primary partner to increase public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of Grand Teton National Park and the Greater Teton Science Schools Grand Teton Association Yellowstone area. The association has long been an important bridge 700 Coyote Road, Jackson, WY 83001 P.O. Box 170, Moose, WY 83012 between visitors and the environment. 307-733-1313 www.tetonscience.org 307-739-3403 The Murie Center of Teton Science Schools www.grandtetonpark.org When you make a purchase at an association bookstore, you help P.O. Box 399, Moose, WY 83012 support the educational, interpretive and scientific programs in the 307-739-2246 www.muriecenter.org park including the winter Snow Desk, the NPS Academy, the Boyd Grand Teton National Park Foundation Evison Graduate Research Scholarship and many other programs. P.O. Box 249, Moose, WY 83012 University of Wyoming/AMK Research Station Your purchase also supports the publication of this newspaper, 307-732-0629 Department 3166 1000 E. University Ave. books and educational handouts. www.gtnpf.org Laramie, WY 82071 www.uwyo.edu

We invite you to become a member entitled to a Donor gifts offer a 15% discount on purchases at all GTA visitor center A Grand helping hand to one of outlets, as well as on catalog and website orders. Many cooperating America’s favorite outdoor association stores nationwide offer reciprocal discounts. Partnership destinations. When you $35 Individual Annual Member with discount privileges and a support trail renewal, unique member gift wildlife, and outdoor $50 Family Annual Member with discount privileges and a choice of member gifts education for youth, Additional annual memberships: $100 Supporting Member, $250 Sustaining Grand Teton National Park Member, $500 Gold Member with discount privileges and additional gifts can deliver unforgettable $1000 Platinum Member, a three-year membership includes an Interagency Annual Pass (see page 2) experiences to visitors and strengthen resources Name: for the future. Address: City: State/Zip Code: Date of Application: Phone: Paid by Cash Check Credit Card Card Number Exp. Date

Grand Teton Association • P.O. Box 170 • Moose, WY 83012 307-739-3403 • www.grandtetonpark.org www.gtnpf.org

2 Grand Teton Guide Winter 2016-17 Grand Teton Guide Winter 2016-17 3 Grand Teton National Park Map

Drive Safely!

WINTER DRIVING can be challenging. Park roads Open Roads During Winter are frequently covered with ice or hard-packed snow. The park’s main roadways, Highway 26/89/191 and Winter storms create white-out driving conditions. Highway 26/287, are plowed and open for winter travel. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter or all-season tires and carry tire chains when crossing Seasonal Road Closures mountain passes. Much of the Teton Park and the Moose-Wilson roads • Drive below the speed limit as conditions warrant. are closed to motorized vehicles during the winter • Watch for wildlife on the roadway. months. See the map above for additional seasonal • Carry an emergency kit and a shovel in your vehicle. road closures. The unplowed section of the road from • Snowstorms can occur at any time. Taggart Lake trailhead to Signal Mountain Lodge—a • Roads may close at any time for visitor safety. distance of 14 miles—is open to non-motorized use • Always wear your seat belt. only (skiers, snowshoers and walkers). Snow bikes are • Be prepared for changing weather conditions. not allowed.