CLOSURE REMAINS IN EFFECT NEAR HIDDEN FALLS - MAY 16, 2019

The closure of the Practice Rocks area west of Hidden Falls remains in effect this spring while Park staff assess whether any remaining rock fall hazard exists in the area.  On July 10, 2018 climbing guides alerted park rangers to movement in a rock buttress above Hidden Falls that was believed to have recently occurred. After evaluating the situation, park rangers closed the area out of concern that the rock—which was about 100 feet long, 20 feet high, and 20 feet wide—could come loose and fall onto the highly visited Hidden Falls viewing area. Sometime in early November 2018 the buttress released, likely due to freeze thaw activity associated with that time of year.  

Conditions in the backcountry remain extremely winter-like above 8,000 feet in the canyons and high mountains.  Travelers should be cautious while traveling in the backcountry, and be prepared to deal with elevated avalanche danger during warm afternoons and when overnight lows remain above freezing.  Lakes that are still covered in ice are thawing and should be considered suspect this time of year.  The valley trails are beginning to melt out, however, travelers can expect abundant patches of snow and wet "sloppy" conditions to remain for quite some time.   

The visitor centers in Moose and Colter Bay are now open and park information and backcountry camping permits can be obtained there during business hours.  Backcountry camping permits and bear canisters are required for all overnight trips into Grand Teton NP.