EARLY "MELT OUT" FOR 2021 SEASON - JULY 20, 2021

 The hot dry weather that we have been experiencing since early June has resulted in a very early "melt out" in the Teton Range this summer.  Trails and approaches are looking more like August than late July.  You no longer need an ice axe or crampons to traverse the Teton Crest Trail or Paintbrush Divide.  Those trails are almost completely dry and whatever snow remains is insignificant.  Likewise you no longer need an ice axe or crampons to climb the Upper Exum or Owen Spalding routes on the Grand Teton.

See the flyer for some delays going over Paintbrush Divide.  You can also still expect some trail damage in Death Canyon and Granite Canyon from last years wind event, but trail crew is working on it and they are both in better shape than a month ago.  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.