John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
Park Scenic parkway linking Yellowstone and Grand Teton
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway links Grand Teton and Yellowstone, offering a scenic corridor with trailheads, wildlife viewing and backcountry access; travelers use it to move between the two parks and explore quieter valleys.
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway is a National Park Service-managed corridor that links Grand Teton National Park to the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. It preserves wildlife habitat, scenic roadways, and trail connections between the two parks.
The parkway contains trailheads, pullouts, and undeveloped backcountry used for hiking and wildlife viewing; it also serves to reduce development pressure in the important ecological link between the parks. Management emphasizes landscape-scale conservation and visitor access to natural features.
The parkway was created in the late 20th century to protect the corridor between the neighboring national parks and to commemorate John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s contributions to national park conservation. It is administered by the National Park Service as part of the regional park complex.
Geographically it lies in northwestern Wyoming between the southern boundary of Yellowstone and the northern part of Grand Teton National Park, accessed via the national park road network and nearby towns such as Jackson, Wyoming.
- Connector corridor: The parkway functions as a protected scenic corridor linking Grand Teton National Park and the South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
How to Get to John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway #
The John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway is the National Park Service corridor that connects Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks along the highways US‑191/US‑89/US‑287. Access is by driving those routes between the parks; from Jackson, WY, follow US‑191/US‑89 north toward Grand Teton and onward into the parkway area - exact distances and access points vary depending on which trailhead or pullout you plan to use, so consult park maps for the specific segment you intend to visit.
Tips for Visiting John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway #
- Use the Parkway as the scenic connector between Grand Teton and Yellowstone-plan multiple short stops rather than driving straight through so you don't miss pullouts where wildlife and vistas are often seen.
- Check the National Park Service road and seasonal-closure updates before travel; the Parkway sits at high elevation and conditions (snow, wildlife closures) can change access windows.
- Drive slowly and scan meadow and river pullouts-early morning and dusk are best for spotting elk, bison and bears along the corridor, and stopping at official overlooks avoids blocking shoulders.
Best Time to Visit John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway #
Plan a visit in summer for full access, or late spring/early fall for fewer crowds while still enjoying open roads and facilities.
Weather & Climate near John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway #
John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (726 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -17°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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