Grand Teton National Park is a bucket list park, the Teton Mountains are breathtaking but unfortunately for dogs it is a 1-paw park. Dogs can be at the many paved scenic road stops and there are some unpaved roads where dogs can be walked. River Road is a 4WD road that dogs may walk on year round. The usual paved trails and campgrounds are dog-friendly. Additionally, they may be onboard boats on Jackson Lake, but the boats do need a permit.
There is a ton of wildlife and it is constantly being harassed by some not-so-smart humans so it is understandable they have strict dog restrictions. Like any almost healthy ecosystem there are lots of predators and dogs can become prey themselves or be predators towards other wildlife.
Seasonal changes
During the winter (November 1-April 30), dogs may be walked on Moose-Wilson Rd., Teton Park Rd. and Grassy Lake Rd. Moose-Wilson Rd. and Teton Rd. are also closed to motor vehicles during the spring and fall so dogs are allowed then as well. Summer time is extremely busy and more restrictive. The park service has created a helpful map with all this information in addition to their standard pet page.
More hiking opportunities
If you want to hike with your dog go to the National Forest. The surrounding Bridge-Teton National Forest is dog friendly and quite extensive. Be bear aware! Carry bear spray and bells can’t hurt if you don’t like talking to make your presence known.
Tourist Season
The locals are still trying get tourist season open for hunting tourists so be nice to them, they can get really cranky during the summer. The road and foot traffic is crazy. While driving through the park watch for random traffic jams. It is most likely an animal jam of some sort, bear-jam, moose-jam, elk-jam or bison-jam will be the most common. That is the best time to watch for stupid human tricks as well. Like trying to take a selfie with the bull elk. Don’t be that human!
If you want to see wildlife, and why would you go to a National Park and not want to, get out early. At dawn early. Drive Moose-Wilson Road if you don’t have an RV or trailer, it’s slow but scenic. If you want to camp, make reservations. You can get lucky, we have, but don’t count on it.
Some not dog-friendly activies
If you have a place to safely leave your dog you might want to jump in a kayak or canoe and float the river. You can also float in a hot air balloon to the south near Wilson and Teton Village.
