Record numbers visit Grand Teton National Park for eclipse

Grand Teton National Park experienced record visitation August 18-21 as visitors traveled to the park to view the total solar eclipse.

Park traffic data collection indicates that compared to the same days in 2015 and 2016, the park saw an approximate 40 percent increase of park visits.

The park also saw an increase in visitation on the days leading up to the eclipse.

Park concession-operated campgrounds were near capacity, and for the first time in park history, all backcountry permits were issued for three days straight, the days leading to the eclipse.

Grand Teton Association, an official park partner that operates the bookstores at park visitor centers, had a record-setting sales weekend as well. Most eclipse materials were sold out on Sunday, August 20. The entire weekend and day of the eclipse shattered sales records, including last year’s National Park Service Centennial records.