Driving the Moose Wilson Road – 6 Tips to Know Before You Go

Driving the Moose-Wilson Road – 6 Tips to Know Before You Go!

– Updated: April 22, 2024 –

The Moose Wilson Road (“Wyoming Highway 390” on the map) is a road that runs from Moose, WY to Wilson WY, (hence the strategic name), and is about 14.6 miles long from end to end.

On the Moose Wilson Road – heading south from Moose, WY to Teton Village / Wilson, WY

The part of the Moose-Wilson Road you are most likely interested in is the narrow, windy, 8-mile scenic section located between Teton Village and Moose, WY.

This is the scenic drive section of the road, and the section to drive in hopes to see wildlife.

Map of 8-mile section of Moose Wilson Road between Teton Village and Moose, WY (in green)

It is also the road that can be used to go between the towns of Jackson/Wilson/Teton Village and Moose, WY. At the north end of the road, turn left for the Moose Entrance to Grand Teton National Park.

You will need to take the Moose Wilson Road if you are going to any of the following places:

• Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve Center
• Granite Canyon Trailhead
• Phelps Lake Trailhead
• Death Canyon Trailhead

Note: RVs and trailers (vehicles over 280 inches, 23.3 feet in length) are prohibited on the 8-mile scenic section between Granite Canyon Entrance and Moose, WY.

Whether you are using the road for function, for a scenic drive, or in hopes to see wildlife, here are a few things to know before you go.

1. You Will Need a Park Pass

You will need a park pass if you are traveling from Teton Village to Moose and you will need to show it at the Granite Canyon Entrance. National Park Passes can be bought there too.

Map of 8-mile section of Moose Wilson Road between Teton Village and Moose, WY (in green)

You do not need a park pass if are traveling southbound from Moose, WY to Teton Village, WY.

Helpful Info: National Park Pass information and Prices

2. It’s the Scenic Route

The Moose-Wilson Road is mostly in the trees and you will see beautiful aspens along with the pine trees, tall grasses, and a variety of flowers. And hopefully some moose, bears, beavers, deer, elk and/or foxes.

Pro Tip: If traveling from Moose to Teton Village, at the beginning of the road, look for a view of the Grand Teton as seen in the following picture 

Look for a Grand Teton view on the Moose Wilson Road from Moose, WY heading south to Teton Village / Wilson, WY

And while this road is a scenic drive, there are very few places to pull over.

When there is a pullover, they are usually very small.

Don’t be surprised if some of the pullovers are blocked with signs saying “No Stopping” as officials are trying to keep traffic moving on this narrow, windy road.

If You Are Not in the Mood for the Scenic Route

You can take US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89 (See Map Below). It also runs between Moose, WY and the town of Jackson. It’s a larger, less windy, two-lane highway and has a higher speed limit.

Map of Moose Wilson Road (green) and HWY 191/89/26 (blue)

NOTE: When heading south using the Moose Wilson Road, (marked in green) it will drop you off on the Teton Village side of the valley.

NOTE: Heading south using US-191 N/US-26 E/US-89, (marked in blue) will drop you off on the Jackson town side of the valley.

This is important to know, as to get to each side of the valley, you have to go all the way around using Teton Pass HWY 22. There are no roads that cut through!! It’s a pain, I know, but better to know this now and avoid wasting time looking for a cut through road (many have tried…including me…it just adds time instead of saving it…big sigh…)

3. You MIGHT See Animals

Please know you might see a moose.

It is not a guarantee, as much as we would like it to be, and as much as the name of the road seems to promise!

Moose have been spotted on all parts of this road, but it’s always good to stop and look at the Moose-Habitat Overlook on the north end of the road (easily recognizable look for a big parking area). This spot overlooks a large section of ponds.

Moose Habitat Overlook on the north end of the Moose Wilson Road

Moose are often seen in and by ponds.

In fact, wherever you see ponds in Grand Teton, look to see if a moose is there grazing on water lilies.

Growing up, my Gramma Frances never passed an animal-less pond without commenting “awww, what a shame…that would be a good place for a moose!” Now I do too! (And now maybe you?? You’re welcome.)

In the ponds along the Moose Wilson Road, you will most likely see beaver dams and may even catch a glimpse of a beaver swimming. While beavers are not as an impressive sight as a moose, they are still fascinating and entertaining to watch.

Baby moose at the Moose Habitat on north end of the Moose Wilson Road (photo taken with a large, zoom lens, mama near by).

Other Animals to Look For

Moose and beavers are not the only animals that you will possibly see on this road.

Other park animals are possible to see here too, including owls, foxes, coyotes, deer, elk, and bears.

We have seen bears! We once saw a black bear high up in a tall bush eating berries. It was amazing! I would have never thought to look up in a bush to see a bear.

Pro Tip: If you are specifically going on this road to see wildlife, you may increase your chances if you go around sunrise and/or sunset.

Bear crossing the Moose Wilson Road

Also, if you happen to get behind a local sightseeing van (usually a white van with a #22 Wyoming license plate) don’t be in a hurry to pass them.

They are there specifically on that road in hopes to show their paying customers animals.

Since that is their business, they probably have inside info on nearby animals or are familiar with the nearby animals’ patterns. Stay close to them in hopes to increase your chance of spotting an animal!

4. Take Your Time

The Moose Wilson Road is a narrow, two-lane road, that is 8 miles long with lots of turns and blind corners.

Many blind corners.

You will not cover these 8 miles in 8 minutes. It is a slower road.

Take Your Time on the Moose-Wilson Road – there are many blind corners, two pedestrian crossings, and a one-lane bridge

Speaking of going slow, please do so as there are two pedestrian crossings on the road for people walking between the Laurance Rockefeller Preserve and Phelps Lake. Slow down and stop for them.

This scenic drive is a popular one. If you aren’t on the Moose Wilson Road for the scenery and wildlife, there will be many who are.

Please do not tailgate.

Two young moose

5. There Is a Good Chance You Will Be Tailgated

The tailgaters will most likely have a Wyoming #22 license plate or an Idaho license plate. These are locals and seasonal employees.

They use this road ALL the time. They drive it uncomfortably fast and will tailgate you until they can pass you.

And they will pass you.

Even though they are not supposed to.

Let them pass.

Tailgating on the Moose Wilson Road doesn’t work or help anyone

Don’t speed up to accommodate them or try and stop them from passing.

Please don’t let it ruin your experience by getting upset and/or taking it personally.

It’s not personal, at all! They most likely are working and have to get back and forth many times a day on that road.

Let them pass.

Then go back to enjoying your drive and don’t give them another thought!

Pro Tip: If there is a long line of cars behind you, (and there isn’t an animal jam), look for the next small pullout to let them by.

Moose – photo credit: Jane Gamble – National Park Service

6. Protect Yourself and the Animals

Your best bet for protecting yourself, your group, and the animals you hope to see is to follow the Animal Safety Rules.

• Keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and at least 25 yards from all other wildlife (honestly I think 25 yards is still too close) For close viewing and photos, use binoculars, spotting scopes, or long camera zoom lenses.
• Don’t get in between an adult animal and it’s offspring. If you see a baby animal, assume the mom is very close by.
• Don’t feed any animals. It’s illegal and it is the surest way to get them killed as they will start associating humans with food and then they often become aggressive. The animal usually then pays the final price of being euthanized.
• Respect and follow instructions from the on-site Wild Life Management Teams. They are there to protect you and the animals. They are not trying to be “jerks” by asking you to stay in your car or move along. They really want you to see the animals, they know how thrilling that is! They just want to do everything possible to keep the animals safe and alive.

If you are lucky enough to see an animal on the Moose Wilson Road, protect yourself and the animals by keeping a safe distance!

Now that you know all the tips, go drive the Moose Wilson Road and enjoy!

Good Luck!!

I really hope you get to see a moose (pond or no pond…)!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP

3 DAY Itinerary for the Top 12 Things to do in Grand Teton National Park

The Moose-Wilson road is in our 3 DAY Itinerary, along with 11+ other top things to do in Grand Teton National Park. Our 3 DAY Itinerary lays out the best time-efficient way to fit them all in while you are here.

All the best places to see, hikes to do, places to dine, and the fun to have organized into this 3 DAY Itinerary.