Riding Our National Parks

Cruising through (some of) America's national treasures

February 2005 Feature Mary O'Byrne and Lane Lindstrom

WYOMING

Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is often overshadowed by the Park up the road-Yellowstone National Park-but the views and scenery and snow from in this park are as good as it gets.
Towering over the valley-most folks know the area as Jackson Hole-is the 13,770-foot Grand Teton. But 12 more Teton peaks reach past 12,000 feet in elevation. Mountains here are the youngest of the mountains in the Rocky Mountains. Grand Teton is also home to Jackson and Jenny Lakes, as well as an abundance of wildlife and other scenic treasures. Connecting Grand Teton and Yellowstone is the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway.
There are groomed snowmobile trails in Grand Teton, including a 31.5-mile stretch that is part of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail. The trail is between the Moran Station Entrance and the south entrance of Yellowstone and includes the Rockefeller Parkway.
For information on current trail conditions, snowmobilers can call (307) 739-3614, the Moose Visitor Center (307-739-3399) or check with the Flagg Ranch information center.
At Flagg Ranch snowmobilers can also head west on the Grassy Lake Road and hook up with the Island Park, ID, trail system. It's about 20 miles to the Idaho/Wyoming border from Flagg Ranch.
A final rule for snowmobile use in Grand Teton National Park was announced last fall. For more information, see the Yellowstone National Park section.
GTNP General Information
 Snowmobile regulations in Yellowstone National Park differ from those in Grand Teton National Park and Rockefeller Parkway.
 Snowmobiles must exhibit a valid Wyoming snowmobiling registration decal.
 All snowmobiles must have a working headlight and red light.
 Do not exceed posted speed limits.
 Snowmobiles must travel on the designated snowmobile trail.
 Entrance fees are collected at the Moran and Moose Entrance Stations in Grand Teton and all Yellowstone Entrance stations. Entrance permit is good for both Grand Teton and Yellowstone for seven days.
 Use of biodegradable motor oil and improved snowmobile technology such as four-strokes is encouraged.

Grand Teton National Park
Elevation 6,000-7,500 feet
Snowfall 145 inches
Trails About 55 miles
Location Northwest Wyoming
Entrance Fee $15 (good for GTNP
and YNP)
Closest Trail System CDST
National Park Established 1929
Size 309,944 acres
Full-Service Town Jackson
Nearest Airport Jackson (60 miles)
Information Grand Teton National Park
(307) 739-3300 or
www.nps.gov/grte

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