Grand Teton National Park announces plans for summer operations/Kurt Repanshek file

Grand Teton National Park officials say they are modifying operations to protect the health of park employees, volunteers, partners and visitors this summer.

Overall, they say, they intend to provide "full recreational access and increased visitor services compared to summer 2020. The park is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and will adjust operations as needed."

A press release sent out Tuesday said the park's visitor centers will be open with limited capacity and limited visitor services. Park staff will be stationed in the vicinity of most visitor centers to engage with visitors and provide information, with additional staff stationed at many outside locations such as overlooks and trailheads.

Visitors will be able to obtain backcountry permits from the permit desks located in the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.  Boat permits will be available at both visitor centers, as well as online at Recreation.gov beginning April 6.

The park is working in collaboration with concessioners to safely provide visitor services for the 2021 season. Camping, lodging, dining, retail and activities will be offered, although modified from a typical year, through Grand Teton Lodge Company, Signal Mountain Lodge, Flagg Ranch Company and Triangle X Guest Ranch.

In addition to services offered in 2020, Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge and Climbers’ Ranch will operate, and there will be additional dining options and activities available. It's suggestd that you visit each concessioner’s website for information. All plans are subject to change at any time as necessary.

Park visitors will be responsible to take preventive actions as they enjoy the park. To protect the health of those who live, work, and visit national parks and facilities, and in support of the President’s Executive Order, Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, face masks are required in all National Park Service buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on National Park Service-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as hiking trails, overlooks, and parking areas.

The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center is scheduled to open May 1; Colter Bay Visitor Center on May 7; Jenny Lake Visitor Center on May 16; and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center on May 30.

As conditions are subject to change, details and updates on park operations will be posted on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm and the park’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Information about how to recreate responsibly and Leave No Trace principles is available at Recreate Responsibly (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).