Grand Teton National Park Visitor Safety Tips

Grand Teton National Park Visitor Safety Tips

Stop by a visitor center to check current information about park conditions. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide information regarding all aspects of safely visiting Grand Teton National Park.

Safe Driving

always wear your seat belt
obey posted speed limits
check road conditions before you leave on a trip
be prepared for changing weather conditions
watch for animals on the road, especially in evening and morning

Viewing Wildlife Safely

maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from large animals
never put yourself between an adult animal and its offspring
don't feed any wild animal
don't approach or chase wildlife

Hiking Safely in the Mountains

hiking alone is not recommended
stay on established trails for your own safety and to prevent erosion
horses have the right of way; step off the trail and remain quiet while they pass
take a map, drinking water, and extra clothing
be prepared with appropriate equipment (ice ax, hiking boots, and crampons)
tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
practice responsible bear etiquette while traveling through the park; do not leave food or backpacks unattended
avoid surprising bears and other wildlife by making noise while hiking
do not run from bears, do not drop your pack if a bear charges you
check at visitor centers for complete bear safety information

Climbing Safety

visit the Jenny Lake Ranger Station to speak to a climbing ranger about weather and route conditions
leave an agenda with friends or family
solo climbing and backcountry travel is not recommended
be prepared with appropriate equipment such as an ice ax, mountaineering boots, and crampons

Boating Safety

wear a lifejacket at all times
check bulletin boards for flow rates and caution areas
even boaters frequently floating the Snake should check conditions before every trip, as the river can change hourly
take an extra paddle or oar, a waterproof container with extra clothes, a first aid kit, and a waste receptacle
inflatable boats should have an air pump, bucket for bailing, and patch kit
swimming in the river is not recommended

Safe Biking

wear a helmet at all times
ride bicycles only on roadways, not on trails
ride on the right side of the road in single file
obey the rules of the road at all times
use hand signals to communicate with other drivers

Lightning Safety

afternoon storms are common in summer, get to a safe place before storms hit
avoid mountain tops, ridges, open areas, and lone trees; forested areas with trees of similar height are safer
do not stand on tree roots
if boating, get off the lake
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a variety of material and links through their website at (http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm). This site contains critical lightning safety and medical information.

Water Warning

Giardia, Camphylobacter, and other harmful bacteria may be transmitted through untreated water
if you use water from lakes or streams, boil 3-5 minutes to kill microorganisms or filter with an approved device

Prevent Human-Caused Fires

build campfires only in designated areas, monitor them, and make sure they are properly extinguished
grind out cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco, then properly dispose of them
ashtrays should be used in vehicles and should never be emptied on the ground
fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited at all times in the park
obey posted fire restrictions

A Special Message about Backcountry Safety
Travel in Grand Teton's backcountry has inherent risks; hikers assume complete responsibility for their own safety. Rescue is not a certainty. Your safety depends on your own good judgment, adequate preparation, and constant attention. Backcountry users should be in good physical condition and should be prepared to survive on their own. Appropriate equipment and the knowledge of how to use it are essential for a safe trip. Your safety is your responsibility.

If You Get Lost

stay calm and stay put...you will be found sooner
stay in a clearing or large outcropping where you will be most visible
attract searchers by making noise and signaling with colorful clothing or a mirror
if someone is injured, provide whatever treatment you can
if possible, do not leave the injured party alone
send for help with the exact location marked on a map, description of injuries, list of equipment , and treatment given

Bear Safety

Allowing a bear to obtain human food, even once, often results in aggressive behavior. The bear then becomes a threat to human safety and must be removed or destroyed. Help keep park bears wild and safe. Do not feed the bears for any reason! Failure to follow park regulations is a violation of federal law and may result in citations and fines.

Keep a Clean Camp

After eating and before leaving camp or sleeping, check to be sure you have a clean, bear-proof campsite:
All food, containers, and utensils must be stored in a bear box or in a closed, locked vehicle with windows rolled up. The only exceptions are during the transport, preparation, and eating of food.
Trash and garbage must be stored in the same manner as food, or placed in bear-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
Treat odorous products such as soap, deodorant, sunscreen, and perfumes in the same manner as food.
For your safety absolutely no food, foodstuffs, garbage, or odorous products may be stored in tents or sleeping bags.
Ice chests, thermoses, water containers, barbecue grills, stoves, dishes, and pans must be stored in the same way as food — inside a locked vehicle or bear box.

Bear Etiquette

If you encounter a bear, do not run. If the bear is unaware of you, detour quickly and quietly away. If the bear is aware but has not acted aggressively, back slowly away while talking in an even tone.
Never approach a bear for any reason.
Never allow a bear to get human food. If approached while eating, put food away and retreat to a safe distance (100 yards/91 meters).
Never abandon food because of an approaching bear. Always take it with you.
Never throw your pack or food at a bear in an attempt to distract it.
Never bury food scraps, containers, or fish entrails. Put them in trash cans.
Never leave food, containers, or garbage unattended in camp. Bears are active both day and night.

You Can Make a Difference
Since 1996, seven bears have been destroyed in this park due to irresponsible human behavior that led to the bear’s habituation to human food. Please help to ensure that similar situations are not repeated. Your actions while on park trails and in the campground will affect the chances of these bears survival.

If you encounter a bear, do not approach it for any reason. Bears are unpredictable and should be watched only from a safe distance of at least 100 yards (91m). Report all bear sightings to a ranger.