Spring plowing of the Teton Park Road is scheduled to begin Monday/NPS file photo

The plows will be out in Grand Teton National Park on Monday as road crews begin their annual spring plowing of the Teton Park Road from Taggart Lake parking area to Signal Mountain Lodge. As plowing operations get under way, recreation on this winter trail will cease for the season.

Visitors may continue to use other winter trails, and/or areas adjacent to the Teton Park Road, for skate-skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing until conditions are no longer favorable. Snow removal will also begin on the Moose-Wilson Road, once work is concluded on the Teton Park Road.

For safety reasons, visitors are not to venture onto the Teton Park Road while rotary snow removal equipment and plows are working; the roadway is closed to all users during this time, park officials said. Park rangers will enforce the temporary closure to ensure safe conditions for plow operators and visitors alike. Skiers and snowshoers using areas adjacent to the Teton Park Road are cautioned to avoid the arc of snow being blown from the rotary equipment because pieces of ice and gravel can be mixed with the spray.

Depending on weather, snow conditions and plowing progress, the roadway may become accessible to springtime activities by early-April. However, visitors should be alert for park vehicles that occasionally travel for administrative purposes and for snow plowing operations that continue due to late-season snowstorms. The Teton Park Road will open to vehicle traffic on Friday, May 1.

Leashed dogs are permitted on the Teton Park Road and other park roads; however they are restricted to roads and turnouts'”they are not permitted to travel beyond the roadbeds, into the park'™s backcountry, or on the multi-use pathways. Owners are required to keep pets on a leash (six foot maximum length). "Mutt Mitt" stations are in place at the Taggart Lake parking area and pet owners are required to use these disposal bags.

Grassy Lake Road in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway is currently closed to all vehicles and will remain closed until May 31, due to springtime grizzly bear activity.

As a reminder, entrance stations are operating and collecting fees. Fee options for a seven-day pass into Grand Teton are: $12 for foot/bicycle; $20 for motorcycle; and $25 for vehicle. Visitors can also opt for a $50 Annual Pass valid for one-year entry or $80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all fee areas on federal lands.

When entering the park using a pass, please be sure to bring personal identification. Bicyclists are required to stop and show a pass before proceeding through the gates, just as motorized vehicles are required to do.