page 2 page 4 page 8 MAP WILDLIFE VISITOR SERVICES grand tetoneewinot national park & john d. rockefeller, jr. memorial parkway news t i winter 2002/2003 Seasons Transform the Teton Range Welcome to Grand Teton National Park and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. As fall turns to winter and then to spring, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem experiences dramatic change. Each season offers a range of activities, fascinating natural phenomena, and spectacular scenery. Fall visitors each winter. The north end of the Visitor activities during fall include Rockefeller Parkway serves as staging for photography, wildlife watching, and oversnow trips into Yellowstone National hiking. Favorite locations for viewing or Park via snowmobiles and snowcoaches. photographing fall colors and new snow Photography and wildlife watching are on the mountains include Snake River also popular winter activities. Turnouts Overlook, Oxbow Bend, and the Jenny along Highway 89 offer chances to view Lake area. Snowstorms may temporarily and photograph the snow-clad Tetons. FOR ASSISTANCE PLANNING hamper travel until the storms pass. You Stop by the National Elk Refuge for a YOUR ACTIVITIES be sure to can enjoy scenic views and vibrant fall sleigh ride among the elk. stop by the Moose Visitor Center Take care to avoid causing animals to flee or the Flagg Ranch Information Station. Rangers are glad to while observing or photographing them. help you plan a safe and enjoyable visit. Whether you colors while hiking the Taggart Lake, Take care to avoid causing animals to flee visit in fall, winter, or spring you Phelps Lake, Granite Canyon, and while observing or photographing them. are sure to find a wide variety of Paintbrush Canyon trails. Witness the Although the animals living here have spectacle of elk during the rut (breeding adapted to the harsh environment, the challenging and fulfilling season) along the Teton Park Road rigors of winter still pose enormous activities to enjoy against the between Signal Mountain and Moose, challenges for survival. People adapt to backdrop of inspiring scenery. and in the Colter Bay area. Oxbow Bend winter by equipping themselves and their This place, like no other, has and Willow Flats offer glimpses of moose. vehicles for low temperatures, deep snow, scenery for all seasons. and difficult driving conditions. Winter As winter descends, short days and cold Spring Phone Numbers temperatures ensure that snow blankets Winter lingers in the valley through March EMERGENCY 911 or 739-3300 Park Dispatch the mountains and valley. The park and early April and grips the mountains Visitor information (307) 739-3600 • Weather 739-3611 becomes a popular destination for visitors until June. Longer days allow for extended TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf only) 739-3400 who enjoy winter recreation in the spring skiing and snowshoeing trips. International Visitors mountains. Cross-country skiing, Throughout April, the Teton Park Road is Des renseignements en francais sont disponibles aux centres des visiteurs dans le parc. snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice closed to motorized vehicles but open to Sie konnen Informationen auf Deutsch in den Besucherzentren bekommen. fishing attract a growing number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and rollerbladers. Se puede conseguir informacion en español en el Centro del Visitante. continued, see SEASONS on page 7 www.nps.gov/grte VISITOR INFORMATION VISITOR SERVICES INDEX Visitor Centers Winter Activities AAC/Climber’s Ranch 307-733-7271 Jackson Hole Mountain Guides 307-733-4979 Moose Visitor Center Climbing Guides June–September open year-round (307) 739-3399 Exum Mountain Guides (307) 733-2297 www.americanalpineclub.org www.jhmg.com Open year-round, except December 25.Features Jackson Hole Mtn. Guides (307) 733-4979 exhibits, an introductory video, and an extensive Barker-Ewing Float Trips 307-733-1800 Jackson Hole Trail Rides 307-733-6992 book store. Located 12 miles north of Jackson. Cross Country Ski Tours Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (307) 739-2710 mid-May–late September May–September Jenny Lake Visitor Center Rendezvous Ski Tours (307) 353-2900 www.barkerewingscenic.com Open June through September. Features geology Spring Creek Ranch (307) 733-1004 307-543-2811 Jackson Lake Lodge 307-543-2811 exhibits and book sales. Located 8 miles north of Colter Bay Cabins the Moose Visitor Center on the Teton Park Road. Interpretive Programs May 23–September 28 May 18–October 5 Check at visitor centers for current information. www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com Colter Bay Visitor Center & Indian Arts Museum Winter Lodging Colter Bay Store & Marina 307-543-2811 Jenny Lake Lodge 307-733-4647 (307) 739-3594 May 3–October 15 May 31–October 5 www.gtlc.com www.gtlc.com Open summer only. Features a museum, an Flagg Ranch, Triangle X, and Dornan’s provide auditorium, and a large book store. Located 42 winter lodging in the park. Colter Bay RV Park 307-543-2811 Jenny Lake Boating 307-734-9227 miles north of Jackson. May 23–September 28 June–September Flagg Ranch Information Station Winter Campgrounds www.gtlc.com Open summer and mid-winter. Features book sales Colter Bay Campground is closed in winter; Colter Bay Tent Cabins 307-543-2811 Leeks Marina 307-543-2494 and information about John D. Rockefeller and however, limited winter camping is available near the Greater Yellowstone area. Located 16 miles the visitor center for $5.00 per night. June 6–September 1 Marina: May 17–September 14 north of Colter Bay Junction. www.gtlc.com Pizzeria:May 29–September 1 Dornans 307-733-2522 Moose Village Store 307-733-3471 Open year-round May 23–September 14 www.dornans.com www.gtlc.com Teton Weather Exum Mountain Guides 307-733-2297 National Park Float Trips 307-733-6445 Open year-round May–September Winter Spring www.exumguides.com www.trianglex.com Snow blankets the mountains and valley. From late April to early June, mild days and Flagg Ranch Resort 307-543-2861/800-443-2311 OARS 800-346-6277 During blizzards, travel is not advised and cold nights alternate with rain and late May–Oct. & mid-Dec.–mid-March mid-June–mid-September www.flaggranch.com www.oars.com roads may be closed. Between storms, days occasional snow. Snow begins melting in the are sunny and nights are frigid. valley in April; valley trails are snow-covered Fort Jackson Float Trips 307-733-2583 Signal Mountain Lodge 307-543-2831 until late May. May–September May 10–October 19 [email protected] www.signalmtnlodge.com Grand Teton Lodge Company 307-543-2811 Solitude Float Trips 307-733-2871 Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr www.gtlc.com 800-628-9988 May–September Temperature www.solitudefloattrips.com Average High ˚F 57 39 28 25 31 38 48 Heart Six Ranch Float Trips 307-543-2477 Triangle X Ranch 307-733-2183 Average Low ˚F 24 15 3 2 5 11 22 May–September Dec. 26–March 31 & May 21–mid-November www.heartsix.com www.trianglex.com Precipitation Jack Dennis Fishing Trips 307-733-3270 Triangle X-Osprey Float Trips 307-733-5500 Average Snowfall (inches) 5" 25" 40" 49" 33" 24" 11" May–September May–September www.jackdennis.com www.trianglex.com Average Clear Days 15 13 13 13 11 12 11 Call 307-739-3611 for current weather info. All dates subject to change. IMPORTANT INFORMATION SAFETY FISHING FLOATING THE SNAKE RIVER WILDLIFE Protect yourself. Know your equipment and Anglers may test their skills by trying to Only hand-propelled rafts, canoes, dories and Keep a respectful distance from all animals to your capabilities and limitations. Never ski, catch whitefish and cutthroat, lake and brown kayaks are allowed on the Snake River within avoid disturbing their natural routines. Large snowshoe or snowmobile alone. Let someone trout in lakes and rivers of the park and the park and parkway. Register non-motorized animals are quick, powerful and unpredictable. who remains behind know your planned parkway. Fishing conforms with National vessels (fee charged) at the Moose Visitor Getting too close can result in serious injury. destination, route and expected time of return. Park Service and Wyoming regulations. A Center permits desk each year. Read the launch Take special care to avoid encounters with Hypothermia is a major cause of human fatality Wyoming fishing license is required for site bulletin boards for current river conditions. bears and to help maintain their natural fear in mountain country. When the temperature fishing in the park and parkway. Jackson On the surface, the Snake does not seem very of humans. drops within the core of the body, the brain fails Lake is open to fishing year-round, except powerful, but only experienced floaters should To protect wildlife during winter, stay out of to function properly. Carry extra layers of dry during the spawn from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Jenny, attempt this swift, cold river. The Snake River closed areas. Do not approach wildlife to clothing and put them on in time to prevent Leigh, Phelps and Two Ocean Lakes are open within the park is closed to floating from obtain photographs. Wildlife uses roads as hypothermia. Never leave a member of your year-round. The Snake River is open Apr. 1 December 15 – March 31. travel corridors. Do not chase animals with party alone. If someone you are with begins to through Oct. 31. Obtain fishing regulations at your vehicle; stop your vehicle and wait until act or talk abnormally, make him or her put on the Moose Visitor Center. Be careful when animals leave the road. more clothing, drink warm liquids, etc. Study wearing waders in or near swift water. BOATING Park regulations prohibit wildlife feeding and first aid for hypothermia before your trip. A boat permit is required.