*The Jackson Hole Mountain Resort tram will be out of operation for the summer 2008 season. THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO THE PARK BACKCOUNTRY VIA THE TRAM. Plan your trip accordingly.

Hiking in Grand Teton National Park can be a challenging experience due to the rugged nature of the landscape, including high elevation, steep trails and extreme and sudden weather changes. Be sure to download the Hiking brochure (or hiking brochure in spanish) for suggested hikes and safety recommendations. For scenic hikes around lakes such as Phelps, Jenny, Leigh and Taggart download the lakeshore hikes brochure (or lakeshore hikes in Spanish). Also, stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger about recent trail conditions.

• This is bear country. Make bears aware of your presence and avoid surprising them by making loud noises like talking loudly or singing. Always carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  
• Carry drinking water. Dehydration is common and can be serious, every year at least one visitor is rescued or even air-evacuated due to complications from dehydration. Most visitors will need to drink considerably more in Jackson Hole than in other locations, the air is especially dry in this environment.
  
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes; rain gear and extra clothing.
  
• High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself.
  
• Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails snow-free by mid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be careful crossing snowfields and streams.
  
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
  
• Solo hiking and off-trail hiking is not recommended, a considerable number of rescues involve solo parties that were unable to self-rescue and remained alone in the wilderness, sometimes with life-threatening injuries until rescuers could locate them.
  
• Check with a ranger for up-to-date information on trail conditions.

• Respect wildlife: Do not approach or feed animals. Observe and photograph from a safe distance; stay at least 300 feet away from large animals.
  
• All overnight camping requires a permit.
  
• Carry out all your garbage.
  
• Hike on established trails to prevent erosion.
  
• Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trail and remain quiet while horses pass.
  
• Pets, weapons, bicycles or vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
  
• Backcountry sanitation: To prevent contamination of waterways, bury feces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from streams and lakes. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them.