The parking lot at the top of Teton Pass on a not-so-busy day.

Parking at the top of Teton Pass can be challenging on busy days. But with some forethought, many problems can be avoided.

The first thing to understand is who manages what up there. While the trailhead access and surrounding land are managed by the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), Highway 22 and the parking lot at the top of the pass are managed by Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT). And while part of the Forest Service’s mandate is to provide for multiple uses on Forest Service land (including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling), WYDOT’s mandate is to provide safe and efficient passage for automobiles on their roadways. Providing parking up there is not high on their priority list, and only through their unique relationship with the BTNF and Friends of Pathways (FOP) is this situation even possible.

These parking tips will help everyone accessing the backcountry from Teton Pass have a better experience:

Carpool

Get a ride from the bottom of the pass with your friends. Parking is available at The Stagecoach in Wilson and people have been known to park in the lot at Wilson Backcountry Sports, but keep in mind that these parking areas are for those businesses. You may also park at Owen Bircher Park on Main Street in Wilson or at Coal Creek on the west side of the pass.

Comply with all parking signs

There are two parking signs that “book-end” the available parking in the lot. Vehicles must be between these two signs and anyone parking beyond those signs will be ticketed or towed.

Please park straight in, not at an angle. And there is no parking behind other cars or in the middle of the lot.

Start parking on the west end of the lot

Especially for early morning skiers, please start parking on the west side of the lot. This allows the plow drivers to continue clearing the lot on snowy days and keeps cars from getting too spread out.

Park Tight!

Park close to other vehicles. If the lot is sparsely filled, don’t just pull up in the middle of a big space; park close to other vehicles and gear up behind your vehicle. There is only so much room up there, and too many large gaps can mean someone won’t get a spot. That someone could be you.

A few other things to keep in mind

Be courteous to snowplow drivers

If you are walking up the road, always walk against traffic; however, should a plow truck come along, please get to the other side of the road as safely and quickly as possible. Do not climb the bank on the same side as the plow as you could get hit with plow debris.

Hitchhiking is illegal

Hitchhiking is illegal in Wyoming; however, the Wyoming Highway Patrol has been known to turn a blind eye to hitchhikers on Teton Pass. But when they do issue tickets it is usually because the driver of the vehicle stopped in a dangerous place, and usually it is the driver and not the hitchhiker who is cited.

That said, picking up hitchhikers makes for efficient use of parking space and natural resources. It also boosts your own hitchhiking karma, increasing the likelihood of getting picked up when you need a ride.

Parking in the “auxiliary” lot

What has become known as the “auxiliary lot” just to the east of the main lot on the pass is not really for parking; it is a turn-around for snowplows. That said, WYDOT realizes that parking can be at a premium and has not enforced a no-parking policy in this lot.

Thanks for taking the time to refresh yourself on these parking guidelines. Please keep them in mind when recreating on Teton Pass, and share this information with those who may not be familiar with them.

This post is the first of many outlining Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) regulations and recommendations for safe recreation on Teton Pass. As noted, Teton Pass has become a veritable Mecca for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. It is the access point to some of the best backcountry terrain in North America, and to say that it has become very popular in the past several years is an understatement.

It is also a home to wildlife, most notably moose. As stated by the BTNF and Friends of Pathways,

“An attitude of respect and responsibility is essential. Your actions can help ensure future access and protect this special place.”

These types of posts on Wyoming22.com will always favor the regulations that the BTNF and Friends of Pathways have put forth; however, they may also reflect my interpretation of those regulations while encouraging you to provide your input about them. This is not a perfect world; while governmental entities have developed their agendas with the broadest range of user groups in mind, it does not mean those agendas are completely thought-out or that there is no room for further feedback. The only way for the user experience to improve (or at least maintain a satisfactory level) over time is to make your voice heard. The only thing I ask is that you do so in a constructive manner; disrespectful or abusive comments will not be tolerated.

With that, please consider Wyoming22.com your forum for issues of concern on Teton Pass. Following are general safety tips provided by the BTNF and Friends of Pathways; details about these safety tips will be expanded upon in future posts, and further safety information will be provided in subsequent posts. And, of course, please feel free to post your comments.

General Safety Tips

• Prepare for backcountry travel (including proper equipment and training).
• Know the avalanche and weather forecasts.
• Know the terrain you are skiing.
• Know your group.
• Leash your dog along the highway.
• Keep dogs in your vehicle until you are ready to go.
• Get off the highway when plows are working or when visibility is very poor.

Please take the time to understand this information, share it with your fellow travelers, and be an ambassador for positive experiences on Teton Pass.