Size: 310,444 Acres
Year Established: 1929
Annual Visitors: 3.89 Million
Firearms Information in Grand Teton National Park
On February 22, 2010, a federal statute began permitting individuals to carry in Grand Teton National Park if they were allowed to possess weapons under applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Before visiting this park, they make it your responsibility for understanding and abiding by all applicable state, local, and federal firearms regulations.
Federal legislation also prohibits the possession of firearms in certain park facilities (such as visitor centers, government offices, etc.); signs are posted at all public entrances.
This national park prohibits the discharge of firearms (except during permitted hunting seasons) and prohibits the use of firearms to protect wildlife. Bear spray and other safety procedures are the only approaches that have been demonstrated to prevent bear and other wildlife interactions. You can visit the Bear Safety page for updated information.
To learn more about Wyoming’s Gun Laws, click here.
Hunting in Grand Teton National Park
Hunting in Grand Teton National Park is not permitted unless it is during Elk Hunting Season for the park’s Elk Reduction Program. This is typically around early November to early December.
NEAR Grand Teton National Park, practically all wilderness areas and national forests permit hunting. However, rules and restrictions frequently vary, including the permit requirements, hunting seasons, and open hunting zones. If you are NOT planning to hire one of the many licensed outfitters in the region, we recommend that you contact the local Wyoming Game and Fish office for the most current information.
Elk spend the summer in Grand Teton, traveling between the park and the National Elk Refuge, which is located southeast of the park. These elk are kept as part of the largest elk herd in North America, the Jackson herd. When Congress extended the borders of Grand Teton National Park in 1950, they added a provision for an annual elk reduction program to regulate the elk population.
The Bison and Elk Management Plan asks for 5,000 elk to spend the winter on the National Elk Refuge and 1,600 elk to spend the summer in Grand Teton National Park. The Wyoming Game & Fish Department has established an elk population goal of 11,000 for the Jackson herd.
Elk reduction program participants must have a park permit and a valid Wyoming elk hunting license to harvest elk.
You can contact the Wyoming Game & Fish Department if you are interested in the program.
To learn more about Wyoming’s Hunting Laws, click here.
Additional Information About Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton is only 10 miles south of Yellowstone, but despite its proximity, it is vastly distinct from its sibling. The 13,776-foot mountain that gives the park its name is accessible through sawtooth granite ridges. Jackson Lake, which is 15 miles long, dominates the park’s northernmost section. The Snake River, which flows across sagebrush flats, is renowned for fly-fishing.
At daybreak in the spring, endangered greater sage-grouses perform their complex courtship dances. The pronghorn antelope also inhabits the park. With a peak speed of 60 mph, it is the quickest mammal in the Western Hemisphere and the second quickest on Earth.
The park is also home to the tiniest bird in North America, the calliope hummingbird. It is approximately one-tenth of an oz in weight and three inches in length. The trumpeter swan is the continent’s largest waterfowl. It has white feathers and nearly seven-foot-long wings.
Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park
The best time to visit Grand Teton National Park is between the months of June to September.
Visitor Fees
$20.00 per person/cyclist valid for up to 7 days
$35.00 per vehicle valid for up to 7 days
$30.00 per motorcycle valid for up to 7 days
$70.00 for the Grand Teton Annual Park Pass
Pass is good for one year until the end of the month when it was bought. The holder of a Park Annual Pass and any passengers in a single private, non-commercial vehicle can get into the park for free.
Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?
Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.
This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.
Visitor Centers
Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
Address
100 Discovery Way
Moose, WY 83012
Phone Number
(307) 739-3399
Hours of Operation (October Hours)
Daily 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures. This visitor center is typically closed from November 1 – April 8.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
Address
9001 Moose-Wilson Road
Moose, WY 83012
Phone Number
(307) 739-3654
Hours of Operation (October Hours)
Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures. This visitor center is typically closed for Winter from September 26-June 5.
Jenny Lake Visitor Center
Address
403 South Jenny Lake Dr.
Moose, WY 83012
Phone Number
(307) 739-3392
Hours of Operation (October Hours)
Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures. This visitor center is typically closed for Winter from September 26-May 14.