Grand Teton National Park Nears Record-Breaking Visitation in 2024
Grand Teton National Park is on track to have its second busiest year in history, with over 3.5 million recreation visits recorded between January and October 2024. The park’s busiest year on record remains 2021, with nearly 3.9 million total visits.
Superintendent Chip Jenkins acknowledged the growing popularity of the park. “Even though the year isn’t over yet, the data shows us that Grand Teton National Park continues to resonate with millions of visitors,” Jenkins said. “As visitation trends change, we will need to figure out how to respond to and manage those changes for the good of visitors, park resources, and our local communities.”
Changing Visitation Patterns
The park has seen notable increases in visits during the shoulder seasons of April, May, and October, as well as at the Moose Entrance. Wildfires along U.S. Highway 26/287 east of the park also influenced visitation patterns. Trail use has surged, with a 16% increase compared to 10 years ago and a 4% increase compared to five years ago.
Managing Increased Visitation
In response to these changes, park officials sought public feedback over the summer about desired visitor experiences and conditions. Park staff are now analyzing those comments to ensure the park continues to provide high-quality experiences while preserving natural resources.
Visitation data is a key tool for the National Park Service (NPS) in managing public access, resource conservation, and visitor satisfaction. More information on park visitation statistics can be found on the NPS Stats website.
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