Grand Teton: South-End Construction This Summer, Leave Yourself Extra Time

If your trip takes you into the southern part of Grand Teton, know that several construction projects are underway right now and they're changing how you get around. Nothing that'll stop your visit, but a little planning will save you from any unpleasant surprises. Here's exactly what's different on the ground.

Moose-Wilson Road, between the Murie Ranch area and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, stays open to traffic. Expect delays of up to 45 minutes, though, in both directions. In other words, a stretch that's usually quick can cost you a good half hour, so set your schedule accordingly, especially if you're aiming for a trailhead at a specific time.

A second thing to keep in mind if you're a photographer or a wildlife fan: parking along that same road is no longer allowed while the work is going on. So you can't pull over on the shoulder to watch a moose or capture a landscape. Scout out the official lots and pullouts ahead of time, because improvising a stop just isn't an option here anymore.

On the trail side, access to the Taggart area runs through a detour. You can still set out, but follow the temporary signs rather than your usual GPS track. One small road in the area, the one that serves the historic Menor's Ferry site, is also closed on weekdays, so plan for the weekend if this piece of history is on your list.

Good news, on the other hand, for Mormon Row, that cluster of iconic barns people come to photograph at sunrise: the area stays open, despite some occasional work nearby. So your must-sees are still within reach.

To plan your visit with a clear head and put these access changes in the context of the whole park, lean on the Grand Teton park guide. And if you're combining several parks, our road trip itinerary that runs through this park will help you build your stops around this construction.