More access is coming to Grand Teton and Grand Canyon national parks, proof that spring is on its way to the Rockies and Southwest.

Opening dates for seasonally operated facilities and roads in Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway are as follows:

Roads

Teton Park Road

May 1

Grassy Lake Road

June 1; remaining snow drifts may limit access

Moose-Wilson

Open when snow melts naturally

Death Canyon

Open when snow melts naturally

Signal Mountain Summit

Open when snow melts naturally

Schwabachers Landing

Closed for 2013

Spaulding Bay

Closed for 2013

Two Ocean Lake

Closed for 2013

Paved multi-use pathways will be fully accessible for use as remaining snow melts.

Visitor Centers

Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center

Open

Colter Bay Visitor Center

Opens May 11

Jenny Lake Visitor Center

Opens June 1

Laurance S. Rockefeller (LSR) Preserve Center

Opens June 1

Flagg Ranch Information Station

Closed for 2013

Two facilities that would have remained closed as a result of automatic across-the-board budget cuts under sequestration will now be open thanks to collaboration with park partners.

For this year only, Grand Teton Association has agreed to help fund operation of the Jenny Lake Visitor Center through revenue from their book sales; and Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc., which holds an endowment for the LSR Preserve, has established a singular grant to provide funding to operate the LSR Preserve Center in 2013. This grant was made with the understanding that it is a one-time gesture. Both facilities will operate with a shorter season and reduced hours.

Campgrounds

Gros Ventre

Opens May 3

Signal Mountain

Opens May 10

Jenny Lake

Opens May 10

Colter Bay

Opens May 23

Colter Bay RV Park

Opens May 23

Headwaters Campground & RV Sites

Opens June 1

Lizard Creek

Opens June 7

Backcountry campsite reservations may be made until May 15 with a $25 non-refundable fee. Reservations can be made online at www.nps.gov/grte/, by fax at 307.739.3438, or by mail to Grand Teton National Park, Backcountry Permits, and PO Box 170, Moose, WY 83012. After May 15, all backcountry site permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lodging

Signal Mountain Lodge

Opens May 10

Jackson Lake Lodge

Opens May 20

Colter Bay Cabins

Open May 23

Triangle X Ranch

Opens May 24

Jenny Lake Lodge

Opens June 1

Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch

Opens June 1

Entrance Stations

The Moose, Moran and Granite Canyon entrance stations are open. Fee options include:

* $12 for a 7-day permit to enter by foot/bicycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

* $20 for a 7-day permit to enter by motorcycle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

* $25 for a 7-day permit to enter by vehicle into Grand Teton & Yellowstone national parks

* $50 for a Grand Teton/Yellowstone Annual Pass valid for one-year entry into both parks

* $80 for an Interagency Annual Pass valid for one year entry to all fee areas on federal lands

Bicyclists are reminded that they must stop and show an entry pass before proceeding through the gates, just as vehicles are required to do. An automated self-serve machine is located on the multi-use pathway adjacent to the Moose Entrance Station. People traveling on the pathway by foot, bike, or rollerblade will be required to stop and pay $12 for a 7-day entry permit, or have a valid pass in possession. Personal identification is required with any pass that requires a signature.

For additional information about activities and services within Grand Teton National Park or the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, please visit the park's website, stop by any visitor center, or call 307.739.3300.

Grand Canyon National Park

The Arizona Department of Transportation will open Highway 67 to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on Wednesday, May 15, by 8 a.m.; and Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim, a Forever Resorts property, and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will commence their 2013 seasonal operations.

Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations include lodging, groceries, camper services, food services and a service station. All concessioner facilities will open at 10 a.m. with the exception of the dining room, which will open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. Lodge check-in will begin at 4 p.m.

All services provided by the National Park Service, including the Visitor Center, backcountry permitting office, and campground, as well as the Grand Canyon Association bookstore will be available on May 15th at 8 a.m.. The first scheduled ranger program, Grand Canyon Geology, will be on the back porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge at 3 p.m.

The first evening program will be on May 15 at 8 p.m. in the Lodge auditorium. All ranger programs will be listed in “The Guide” (North Rim: 2013 Season), a free publication distributed at the North Entrance Station, the North Rim Visitor Center, other contact stations in the park and online at this site once it is available.

The last day for most concessioner services and regularly scheduled ranger-led programs will be October 15, 2013. The National Park Service will continue its operations including the North Rim Visitor Center and Bookstore, as well as the Backcountry Permits Office through October 31.

November 1 through December 1 the North Rim will be open for day use (no overnight parking) only unless snow closes Highway 67 prior to that date. From November 1 through December 1 pay-at-the-pump gas and diesel will still be available and visitors will continue to have access to Point Imperial and Bright Angel viewpoints, as well as the North Kaibab Trailhead. Camping will be available to those that walk or hike in (no car camping) at the North Rim Campground and Yurt, provided a backcountry use permit has been obtained – these permits will continue to be available through the South Rim Backcountry Information Center, and at the Visitor Center at Pipe Spring National Monument located in Fredonia, Arizona.

The North Rim lies at the southern end of the Kaibab Plateau at approximately 8,500 feet in elevation, and offers spectacular canyon views. It is approximately a 215-mile drive from the South Rim. Points of interest include Point Imperial, Cape Royal, Point Sublime, North Kaibab Trail, and Bright Angel Point.

Advance overnight lodging reservations for North Rim facilities may be made by contacting Forever Resorts at (877) 386-4383 or by visiting their website. For advance reservations from outside of the United States, please call (480) 998-1981. Advance reservations for the North Rim Campground must be made by calling 877-444-6777 or online. For information on Grand Canyon Trail Rides please call (435) 679-8665 or visit their website.

For a copy of the park’s Trip Planner or “The Guide” for the North Rim, visit this site. “The Guide” for the North Rim will be available online by May 15.