HOT & DRY CONDITIONS CONTINUE - JULY 9, 2021

A very steep snowdrift still guards the top of Paintbrush Divide - 6.27.21

The unseasonably warm temperatures have continued in the Teton Range creating high fire danger throughout the region!  Despite these unusual circumstances, areas of snow remain in the higher elevation terrain, requiring skill, proper equipment and good judgement to navigate safely.  

Lower elevations can be navigated with no snow travel.  The upper halves of the major canyons have patchy snow of varying degrees that is becoming quite soft in the afternoon hours.  Damage from last years wind event and a massive winter avalanche has created very difficult hiking conditions in Death Canyon and Granite Canyon.  Be prepared to deal with downed trees and sections of trail that have been washed out.

The Baxter’s Pinnacle area remains closed to public entry to protect nesting peregrine falcons.  This closes the Baxter’s Pinnacle climbing route to human traffic as well as the social trail that branches from the horse trail and serves as the approach route to the climb.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is now open for the season daily, from 8am to 5pm.  Please stop in and see us for the latest information on conditions prior to your trip into the backcountry.  The visitor centers in Moose and Colter Bay are also open, and park information and backcountry camping permits that do not involve climbing can be obtained at these locations from 8am to 5pm.  Backcountry camping permits and bear canisters are required for all overnight trips into Grand Teton NP.    

CONDITIONS UPDATE - JUNE 12, 2021

Paintbrush Divide is still guarded by steep and dangerous snowfields - 6.8.21

Above average temperatures in early June have made it feel like the middle of summer, however, conditions in the higher elevations of the range remain largely covered with snow.  The Teton Crest Trail, Paintbrush Divide, and the upper reaches of Garnet Canyon are primarily snow covered and require an ice axe (crampons if temps get cold enough overnight), and sturdy footwear for safe passage.  

Lower elevations are melting out fast and can be navigated with little to no snow travel.  Expect patchy snow that transitions to mostly snow in the upper halves of the major canyons, and in heavily forested and shaded areas of trails.  Damage from last years wind event and a massive winter avalanche has created very difficult hiking conditions in Death Canyon and Granite Canyon.  Be prepared to deal with downed trees and sections of trail that have been washed out.

The Baxter’s Pinnacle area remains closed to public entry to protect nesting peregrine falcons.  This closes the Baxter’s Pinnacle climbing route to human traffic as well as the social trail that branches from the horse trail and serves as the approach route to the climb.

The Jenny Lake Ranger Station is now open for the season daily, from 8am to 5pm.  Please stop in and see us for the latest information on conditions prior to your trip into the backcountry.  The visitor centers in Moose and Colter Bay are also open, and park information and backcountry camping permits that do not involve climbing can be obtained at these locations from 8am to 5pm.  Backcountry camping permits and bear canisters are required for all overnight trips into Grand Teton NP.