Boaters in Grand Teton National Park will need both a park permit and a state Aquatic Invasive Species decal this year/NPS

With warmer weather on the way, boaters of all kinds will be heading to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. They best come prepared, with both a park boat permit and a state of Wyoming Aquatic Invasive Species decal, before shoving off.

Park boat permits can be purchased at visitor centers located in Moose, Jenny Lake, and Colter Bay. AIS stickers must be obtained before purchase of a park boat permit.

Wyoming state law requires boaters within Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Parkway to purchase an AIS decal from Wyoming Game and Fish Department and affix it to their boat. These decals may be purchased at the Wyoming Game and Fish Regional Office in Jackson, at local vendors including marinas and fishing stores, or online.

To help prevent the spread of pathogens, boaters are required to clean their boats before launching on park waters. Aquatic invasive species, such as whirling disease and zebra or quagga mussels, are a serious ecological and economic threat to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Any activities that come in contact with any body of water have the potential to spread non-native plants, pathogens, and other invasive species among water bodies. Boaters must be vigilant and drain, clean, and dry their watercraft between launches.

New this year, all boat permits for Grand Teton and the John D. Rockefeller Parkway are valid for the entire season. Weekly passes available in past years have been eliminated. In addition, motorized boat permits remain the same cost as previous years, while the cost of a non-motorized boat permit decreased from last year. Boat permits for all motorized watercraft are $40. Permits for all non-motorized watercraft, including stand-up paddle boards, are $10.

Grand Teton National Park boat permits are not valid in Yellowstone National Park. Boaters must purchase a separate permit to use their craft on waters within Yellowstone.

Motorboats are permitted on Jackson Lake and Jenny Lake (7.5 horsepower maximum on Jenny Lake). Hand-propelled vessels are permitted on Jackson, Jenny, Phelps, Emma Matilda, Two Ocean, Taggart, Bradley, Bearpaw, Leigh, and String lakes as well as the Snake River. Sailboats, water skiing and windsurfing are allowed only on Jackson Lake. Jet skis are prohibited on all waters within the park and parkway.

There are ample opportunities to enjoy the waters of Grand Teton and the Rockefeller Parkway. The Snake River flows through both national park units and features world-class fishing, unparalleled wildlife viewing, and dramatic vistas of the rugged Teton peaks. Many of the more accessible valley lakes also offer a variety of boating and water sports, such fishing, wading, or swimming.

Life guards do not patrol any park waters.