Wyoming’s national parks are advancing plans for infrastructure projects aimed at addressing damage from past natural events and increasing visitor pressures. Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are seeking public input on separate proposals to repair and upgrade key areas.
In Yellowstone National Park, officials have proposed improvements to a 27-mile stretch of the Northeast Entrance Road between Tower Junction and the park’s northeast boundary.
This highway, a vital year-round route for visitors accessing Cooke City/Silver Gate in Montana and the Lamar Valley wildlife areas, was heavily impacted by the historic floods of 2022.
According to a report by WyoFile, many sections were washed away, and the existing road infrastructure has aged beyond its intended lifespan. Last upgraded in the 1980s, the road faces issues such as frost heaves, worn bridges, retaining walls, and culverts.
The proposal outlines plans to modernize the road by expanding its width from 20-22 feet to a standard 30 feet, adding shoulders, parking areas, and turnouts. Additionally, sections of the road may be realigned to enhance resilience against future floods.
Public comments on this plan are open through December 3. These inputs will inform an environmental assessment, with a draft expected for public review in June 2025.
Meanwhile, Grand Teton National Park is addressing challenges at the Taggart Lake Trailhead, a popular access point for year-round outdoor activities near Jackson Hole.
The area has experienced a marked increase in visitor numbers, with summer use on the Taggart Lake Loop Trail more than doubling over the past decade. Parking shortages, resource damage, and inadequate facilities have become persistent issues.
To manage these challenges, the park has launched the “Reimagining the Taggart Lake Experience” planning effort. The initiative includes options for improving parking, trail conditions, accessibility, and visitor amenities while preserving the natural landscape.
Proposed upgrades include potential parking lot expansions, road alterations, backcountry toilet installations, and trail realignments.
Grand Teton Park officials sought public feedback on these preliminary plans until November 21. A virtual public meeting was held on November 13 to discuss the project.
Following the comment period, officials will prepare pre-NEPA documentation over the winter, with a full National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document anticipated for public review next summer.
