Grand Teton National Park Climbing & Backcountry Information: LOTS OF SNOW AND RAPIDLY CHANGING CONDITIONS

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.