National Park Week begins Saturday, April 19, making this a wonderful time for an early season getaway to experience the wonders of Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Visitors can participate in special National Junior Ranger Day programs on Saturday, April 26. Join us for fun and free activities for the whole family, starting this weekend.
The theme for this year’s National Park Week invites visitors to Go Wild! for history, nature, culture, wildlife, and fun in America’s national parks. “National Park Week is a great time to discover the diverse wildlife, iconic landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history found in our national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Every park offers a different experience so I invite everyone to join the celebration and get to know a park.”
The entry fee for a private, non-commercial vehicle to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks normally costs $25 for seven days.
National Park Week wraps up with a celebration of National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26. Free events will take place at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (CTDVC) in Moose and children who participate in at least three of the activities will earn a Junior Ranger badge or patch. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., families can explore rescue vehicles and equipment used in park operations including fire engines, ranger patrol cars and snowplows. Visitors are also invited to: participate in physical games testing their skills in an obstacle course; compete against the natural abilities of wildlife in Animal Olympic Games; listen to tales about Grand Teton in the story corner; touch animal furs, feathers and bones or dress up in a real ranger uniform; and spring into fitness with St. John’s Medical Center Wellness Services staff. Bird handlers from the Teton Raptor Center will be present from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide information and demonstrations with live birds of prey.
Junior Ranger Day is made possible in part with funding by the park’s long-time partner Grand Teton Association (GTA), who will offer a 15 percent discount in the CTDVC bookstore. Participants can buy educational materials, books and other merchandise like videos, posters, and plush animals by using this special discount.
Thanks to the GTA, free shuttles will also be available to transport families from Jackson to the CTDVC for the Junior Ranger Day events. Space on the shuttles will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about Junior Ranger Day activities or about the free shuttle service, please call the CTDVC at 307.739.3399.
Additional information about National Park Week, including a list of nationwide events can be found online at www.nationalparkweek.org.
Opening dates for seasonally operated facilities and roads in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are as follows:
Roads
| Teton Park Road | May 1 |
| Moose-Wilson | After snow melt—date to be determined (TBD) |
| Grassy Lake Road | June 1; remaining snow drifts may limit access |
| Signal Mountain Summit | TBD |
Paved multi-use pathways will be fully accessible for use once the snow melts naturally.
Visitor Centers & Ranger Stations
| Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Ctr. | Open |
| Colter Bay Visitor Center | May 10 |
| Jenny Lake Visitor Center | May 16 |
| Laurance S. Rockefeller (LSR) Preserve Center | May 31 |
| Flagg Ranch Information Station | June 2 |
| Jenny Lake Ranger Station | June 6 |
Campgrounds
| Gros Ventre | May 2 |
| Signal Mountain | May 9 |
| Jenny Lake | May 9 |
| Colter Bay | May 22 |
| Colter Bay RV Park | May 22 |
| Headwaters Campground & RV Sites | June 1 |
| Lizard Creek | June 13 |
All backcountry camping permits cost $25, whether advanced reservation or walk-in. Backcountry reservations may be made until May 15 with an additional $10 fee for advanced booking. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. After May 15, all backcountry site permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lodging
| Signal Mountain Lodge | May 9 |
| Jackson Lake Lodge | May 19 |
| Colter Bay Cabins | May 22 |
| Triangle X Ranch | May 25 |
| Jenny Lake Lodge | June 1 |
| Headwaters Lodge at Flagg Ranch | June 1 |
Entrance Stations
The Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations are open. Fee options include:
$ 12 for a 7-day permit to enter by foot/bicycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
$20 for a 7-day permit to enter by motorcycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
$25 for a 7-day permit to enter by vehicle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks
$50 for a Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass valid for one-year entry into both parks
$80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to
all fee areas on federal lands
Bicyclists are reminded that they must stop and show an entry pass before proceeding through the gates, just as vehicles are required to do. An automated self-serve machine is located on the multi-use pathway adjacent to the Moose Entrance Station. People traveling on the pathway by foot, bike, or rollerblade will be required to stop and pay $12 for a 7-day entry permit, or have a valid pass in possession.
Personal identification is required with any pass that requires a signature.
For additional information about activities and services within Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, please visit the park’s website www.nps.gov/grte, stop by any visitor center, or call 307.739.3300.