Biking

Grand Teton is becoming an increasingly cyclist-friendly park. A paved eight-mile pathway connects Moose [1] with Jenny Lake [2], paralleling Teton Park Road and providing a safer alternative for bike riders. A second portion of the pathway—completed in fall 2011—continues south 12 miles to Jackson [3], where it connects with additional bike trails. This newest pathway crosses under the highway at Moose [1] junction and follows the east side of U.S. 26/89/191, crossing the Gros Ventre River on its own bridge. Note, however, that much of the bike path between Moose [1] and Jackson [3] is closed October-April to prevent conflicts with migrating elk. All bike paths are also open to runners, rollerbladers, and strollers. Park bike paths are not plowed in the winter.

Pick up the park’s bicycling pamphlet for details on cycling options. Bikes are not allowed on any trails within Grand Teton National Park [4], but you can ride mountain bikes on several wonderful dirt roads, including Two Ocean Lake Road (three miles), Grassy Lake Road [5] (52 miles from Flagg Ranch [5] to Ashton, Idaho), and the River Road (15 delightfully remote miles in the heart of the park). In addition, the paved secondary roads in the Antelope Flats-Mormon Row-Kelly area see less traffic and provide the opportunity to see bison and spectacular mountain vistas. Shadow Mountain Road is an off-the-beaten-path dirt road that takes off from the Antelope Flats area and climbs through Forest Service land to splendid vistas. The primary north-south highway through the park—U.S. 26/89/191—is heavily trafficked, and cars often top the speed limit. Cyclist should avoid this route.

Teton Park Road is closed to cars and other motorized traffic until May, and during April it is plowed and open to cyclists, walkers, and inline skaters. When the weather warms up, this is a wonderful traffic-free way to see the park.

Rentals and Tours

Rent bikes from Adventure Sports (307/733-3307, www.dornans.com [6]) at Dornan’s in Moose [1]; $28 for a half-day or $36 for all day. They’ll provide a map showing good mountain biking roads in the park. Teton Mountain Bike Tours (307/733-0712 or 800/733-0788, www.wybike.com [7]) leads scenic half- or all-day bike trips through Grand Teton for all levels of ability, with prices starting at $60 for a four-hour ride in the Antelope Flats area.