Grand Teton National Park welcomed 666,422 visitors in June, making it the park’s third-busiest June on record. While that was down 2% from last year, total visitation through the first half of 2026 reached 1.3 million—up 2.5% year over year. In other words, those crowded trailheads and overflowing parking lots are not your imagination.

Jackson Lake’s low water levels have forced an unusually early end to the summer boat-tour season. Meal cruises wrapped up July 13, followed by scenic cruises on July 16, because larger vessels can no longer safely navigate the boat ramp as the lake recedes. Smaller boat rentals remain available for now, but conditions could change. The early shutdown is another sign of a dry summer: the Upper Snake River system is currently at just 41% of capacity, although Jackson Lake itself remains more than 70% full.

Jackson’s housing debate has officially gone national. A new 20-minute video from nonprofit newsroom More Perfect Union has generated more than 5,000 Instagram reposts and 1,500 comments, spotlighting the growing divide between Jackson’s wages and housing costs. The video arrives as local officials debate major housing proposals—including the Virginian Lodge development—and has sparked plenty of discussion over whether it accurately captures the full Jackson story.