Grand Teton National Park Climbing & Backcountry Information: 05/23

BAXTER'S PINNACLE CLOSED - MAY 31, 2023

Effective immediately, the Baxter’s Pinnacle area is closed to public entry. 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 National Park Service has determined that the closure is necessary for the protection of nesting peregrine falcons and their young. The peregrine falcon is a state Species of Greatest Conservation Need and is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Backcountry conditions in the valley are much improved, but patchy snow still remains scattered about. The canyon trails remain mostly covered in snow and hikers should expect difficult travel and route finding at higher elevations. Sturdy boots and and ice axe/crampons are required for travel over any mountain passes.

The visitor center in Moose is now open and park information and backcountry camping permits can be obtained there from 8am to 5pm. Backcountry camping permits and bear canisters are required for all overnight trips into Grand Teton NP.

GETTING BETTER, BUT NOT GREAT - MAY 24, 2023

The snow continues to rapidly melt but we are still a long way out from summer-like conditions. Trails on the valley floor are a mix of patchy, slushy snow with numerous areas of deeper snow and many down trees. As you move into the heart of the canyons, expect nearly 100% snow cover. A volunteer ranger attempting to reach the Death Canyon Shelf a couple days ago, fell through to his knees immediately after departing the top of the aerial Tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. He was wearing skis!! Travel in the hills is still difficult to say the least. Please be prepared for these conditions and stay safe out there.

LOTS OF SNOW AND RAPIDLY CHANGING CONDITIONS - MAY 12, 2023

Clues to backcountry snow conditions still remain at Taggart Lake Trailhead - 5.12.13

Backcountry users are advised to be prepared for extensive travel across snow in the Tetons at this time. During warm afternoons and/or when the snowpack does not freeze overnight very deep (above knee to thigh deep) snow may be encountered in many places, making travel extremely arduous and difficult. This includes all trails along the valley floor. Hikers without proper footwear or equipment could become stranded and exhausted by the conditions. Conditions in the canyons and above 8,000 feet are still winter-like and completely covered in snow. Valley lakes are frozen and in deteriorating shape. Skis are still the preferred mode of travel for anything beyond a mile or so from trailheads. Due to the above average amount of snow that remains on the valley floor, conditions are changing especially fast right now, so be prepared!

Due to the extraordinarily deep snowpack in the high elevations of the Teton Range the Bighorn Sheep Closures (Mandatory and Voluntary) have been extended through May 15, 2023. Please continue to abide by winter wildlife closures and voluntarily avoid critical habitat zones for bighorn sheep. Click here for the latest bighorn sheep closure map.