Annual Snow Plowing Begins on Teton Park Road
March 15, 2006
Annual snow plowing operations began on the Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park on Monday, March 13.
Accordingly, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing along the Teton Park Road has ended for the 2005/06 winter season. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail running from Moran Junction to Flagg Ranch within Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway closed for the winter season on March 12.
Plowing operations on the Teton Park Road began on March 13. Although access to the roadway will no longer be available to winter recreation, park visitors may continue to use ski trails and other areas adjacent to the roadbed for cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing. Pets are not allowed in the park’s backcountry, which includes areas 50 feet from roadways.
For safety reasons, visitors may not access the Teton Park Road while rotary snow removal equipment and plows are working. The roadway will be closed to ALL users during this time. Re-opening of the Teton Park Road to bikers, hikers and inline skaters will be announced once the road has been plowed and snow removal equipment is no longer operating. Park rangers will be enforcing this temporary closure to ensure safe conditions for plow operators and park visitors alike.
Depending on weather, snow conditions and plowing progress, the roadway should become accessible to traditional springtime, non-motorized activities by April 1st. Pet owners are reminded that leashed dogs are permitted only on the roadway. Pet owners must clean up their dog waste and a “mutt-mitt” station located near the road closure gate provides bags for this purpose.
The Teton Park Road will open to vehicle traffic on Monday, May 1, 2006.
The Flagg Ranch Visitor Information Station is now closed the winter season and Flagg Ranch Resort services are also closed. Winter car camping at the Colter Bay Visitor Center parking area will end on Saturday, April 15.
The Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway closes to snowmobile use for the winter season in conjunction with the other winter trail closures. It will be closed to all motorized vehicles from April 1 to May 31, due to springtime grizzly bear activity.
Throughout late winter and early spring, the Moose Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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