Grand Teton National Park

From the top of Togwotee Pass east of Jackson, the Teton Range anchors Wyoming’s western horizon, its glacial horns seemingly clawing at the sky. It’s a view as stunning as it is breathtaking, and one that never leaves your memory.

Why is Grand Teton National Park staff investing so much time, energy, and money on a management plan for the Moose-Wilson Road corridor? In large part because the road is a wildlife-human intersection, one that presents a management dilemma as park staff try to protect both wildlife and humans.

Spring skiing in the Rockies can be sublime, with warm daytime temperatures and "corn" snow conditions, all set against incredible scenery. But it also can be risky, as melting snow can be prone to avalanches, and squalls can make conditions dicey. Such was in the case in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park this past weekend, as a slide killed one skier and seriously injured another. A third skier sustained minor injuries while a fourth was uninjured.

A little detour will be required this summer for Grand Teton National Park hikers heading to Inspiration Point. Trail work in the area above Jenny Lake requires the detour so crews can replace bridges and work on the steep and rocky ledge trail section that leads to Inspiration Point.