CDST opens within Grand Teton National Park
January 16, 2005
The portion of the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) that runs through Grand Teton National Park opened for the 2005 winter season on Sunday, January 16.
Visitors using the CDST must stop at the Moran entrance station to show a valid park pass or purchase a snowmobile permit of $15.00 for one day entry or $20.00 for a week. Hours of operation are from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.
The CDST runs through the park adjacent to the plowed road surface of Highway 89/287 for a total of 34 miles. It begins at the park’s east boundary, six miles from Moran Junction, and ends at Flagg Ranch Resort. The snowmobile trail itself is built along the shoulder of a roadway that other vehicles travel along. For safety reasons, the trail’s speed limit is set at a maximum of 35 mph and is strictly enforced. Users are reminded to travel with caution and pay heed to all informational and regulatory signs.
The Temporary Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks during the 2004-2005 winter season specifies that 50 snowmobiles per day may travel on the CDST in Grand Teton National Park. Snowmobile use within Grand Teton is prohibited except on the CDST or for access routes leading to adjacent national forest and private lands. In addition to the CDST quota, 50 snowmobiles may also travel daily on the Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. Snowmobiles may also travel on the frozen surface of Jackson Lake for the purpose of fishing only.
All snowmobiles operating in Grand Teton on either the CDST or Jackson Lake must meet the NPS best available technology requirements. Approved snow machines are listed online at the following website: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/todo/winter.
The CDST will remain open dependent upon weather and snow conditions. Temporary trail closures can occur for safety or resource concerns, for snow grooming, snow removal operations, or as a result of deteriorating snow conditions. Trail conditions are available by calling a recorded information line at (307) 739-3614.
|
