Overview
Moose Wilson Road (Wyoming Highway 390 south of Teton Village, transitioning to a narrow unpaved section within the park) is a roughly 7-mile corridor that threads through the quieter, western edge of Grand Teton National Park. Unlike the busier highway along Jackson Lake, this road winds through dense spruce-fir forest, willow flats, and wetlands that are among the most productive wildlife-viewing habitat in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The road begins near the resort village of Teton Village and ends near the Moose Entrance Station and Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. It is narrow, has no shoulders in many sections, and a portion is unpaved—trailers, RVs, and vehicles wider than 8 feet are prohibited on the unpaved segment. Despite its modest length, the road attracts serious wildlife watchers, photographers, hikers, and cyclists.
The surrounding area carries the informal designation "Moose Wilson Road" and has a small resident and seasonal population associated with the park, preserve, and nearby ranches. It functions less as a conventional town and more as a geographic reference point within one of America's most celebrated national parks.
Before You Go
Entry Requirements
Moose Wilson Road lies entirely within Grand Teton National Park. Entry requires a valid park pass—an America the Beautiful annual pass, or a park-specific pass purchased at the entrance station. Verify current fees at the official National Park Service website (nps.gov/grte) before your visit, as fees are updated periodically.
Seasonal Road Status
The unpaved section of Moose Wilson Road is typically closed to vehicles in winter and early spring due to snow and mud. It usually reopens in late May, though the exact date varies by year—check road conditions with the park before you go. The road remains open to non-motorized use (skiing, snowshoeing) in winter.
What to Pack
- Bear spray is strongly recommended; black bears and grizzly bears are regularly seen along this corridor
- Binoculars and a telephoto lens if you plan to photograph wildlife
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be intense near wetlands in June and July)
- Layers—mountain weather changes quickly even in summer
- Water and snacks; there are no services on the road itself
Visas
For international travelers entering the United States, visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the U.S. Department of State or your nearest U.S. embassy for current requirements.
Getting There
By Air
The closest commercial airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), located within Grand Teton National Park itself, approximately 10–12 miles north of Teton Village. It is one of the few commercial airports situated inside a U.S. national park. Several major carriers offer seasonal and year-round service; verify current routes and schedules with airlines directly.
By Car
Moose Wilson Road is accessible by private vehicle from two directions: from the north via the Moose Entrance Station (off US-26/89/191 near Moose), or from the south via Teton Village (off Wyoming Highway 22 west of Jackson). The southern/Teton Village approach is paved. From Jackson, the drive to the Teton Village end of the road is roughly 12 miles. GPS is generally reliable in this area, though cell service can be intermittent once inside the park.
By Shuttle or Transit
Starting Town Square Shuttles and the Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START Bus) operate between Jackson and Teton Village—verify current schedules and stops at the START Bus website before traveling, as service levels change seasonally. There is no public transit that travels the length of Moose Wilson Road itself.
Getting Around
Moose Wilson Road is best experienced slowly. Most visitors drive its length, stopping at pullouts to scan for wildlife. Keep in mind that spontaneous roadside stops ("bear jams") are common and can cause brief but significant traffic backups—patience is essential.
Cycling is popular and practical. The road's low speed limit and light traffic (relative to the main park highway) make it suitable for confident cyclists, though the unpaved section requires a gravel-capable or mountain bike. Cyclists should be prepared to encounter wildlife at close range.
Walking and hiking connect the road to several trailheads, most notably the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve trailhead (LSR Preserve), which has its own small parking area. The preserve requires visitors to park on-site; overflow parking is not permitted along the road. Arrive early, particularly in summer, as the lot fills quickly.
There are no gas stations, ATMs, or services on Moose Wilson Road. The nearest services are in Teton Village (limited) or Jackson (comprehensive).
Things to See & Do
Wildlife Watching
Moose Wilson Road is consistently rated one of the best wildlife-viewing corridors in the American West. Black bears are frequently seen foraging along the willow flats, particularly in berry season (late summer). Moose—the road's namesake—wade through wetlands year-round. Elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, sandhill cranes, osprey, and great gray owls are also regularly observed. Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife (at minimum 25 yards from most animals, 100 yards from bears and wolves) as required by park regulations.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve
This 1,106-acre preserve, donated to the National Park Service in 2007, sits along the road and centers on Phelps Lake. The preserve emphasizes a reflective, contemplative experience of nature. Its visitor center (verify hours on the NPS site) features interpretive displays focused on sensory engagement with the landscape. Trails from the preserve lead to Phelps Lake, where swimming is permitted in summer.
Hiking
- Phelps Lake Trail – A moderate loop from the LSR Preserve trailhead to a glacially carved lake with views of the Tetons
- Death Canyon Trailhead – Accessible via a short spur off Moose Wilson Road; the trail climbs into a dramatic canyon with opportunities for extended backcountry travel
- Valley Trail – Connects multiple trailheads along the western base of the Tetons
Photography
The combination of forest framing, wetland reflections, and the Teton peaks in the background makes this corridor exceptionally photogenic. Dawn and dusk light are best, and those hours also correspond to peak wildlife activity.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants, cafes, or food vendors on Moose Wilson Road. Pack your own food and water for any time spent on the road.
Teton Village (south end of the road) has several dining options ranging from casual to upscale, concentrated around the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Options vary by season—summer and winter see the most activity, while shoulder seasons may see reduced hours or closures. Verify locally.
Jackson (roughly 12 miles southeast) offers the widest range of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores in the region, from casual burger spots and local brewpubs to fine dining. The town square area is the culinary hub of the Jackson Hole valley.
Practical Information
Cell Service and Connectivity
Cell coverage is unreliable along Moose Wilson Road and absent in parts. Download offline maps before you arrive. The NPS app allows offline access to Grand Teton maps and trail information.
Bear Safety
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store all food, scented items, and trash in bear-proof containers or the trunk of your vehicle—never leave them visible in a car. Bears in this corridor are habituated to human presence and can approach vehicles.
Leave No Trace
Pull completely off the road at designated pullouts only. Do not trample vegetation or approach wildlife for photographs. Pack out all trash.
Emergency Services
The closest hospital is St. John's Medical Center in Jackson. For park emergencies, contact Grand Teton National Park dispatch—verify the current non-emergency and emergency contact numbers on the NPS website (nps.gov/grte) or at the Moose Visitor Center before your visit.
Restrooms
Portable or vault toilets are available at the LSR Preserve trailhead and Death Canyon trailhead. There are no facilities mid-road.
Safety
Moose Wilson Road presents wildlife-related safety considerations that require genuine attention, not just casual awareness. Bears—both black and grizzly—are regularly present and have been involved in incidents with visitors who approached too closely or handled food carelessly. Follow all NPS guidelines on wildlife distances without exception.
The road's narrow width and blind curves mean drivers should travel slowly and stay alert for sudden stops ahead. In wet conditions, the unpaved section can become slick. If you encounter a long wildlife jam, turn off your engine and wait; idling exhaust can disturb animals and other visitors.
Thunderstorms develop rapidly over the Tetons, especially in July and August. If hiking, be off exposed ridges before early afternoon. Hypothermia is a real risk for unprepared visitors even in summer at higher elevations.
