Backcountry Camping

A trip into the backcountry requires advance planning. Download the backcountry trip planner for more details. Park-approved bear canisters must be used in the backcountry. The park provides canisters free of charge for use in the park. Visit the Backcountry Reservations page to learn more about the reservation process and submit a reservation. To learn more about current conditions visit the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers blogspot.

Watch our video podcast to help you plan your trip.

When planning a backcountry camping trip in Grand Teton National Park, backpackers should expect to travel no more than 2 miles per hour. Add an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Also, trip planning that requires going over more than one pass in a day is not recommended.

All backcountry camping requires a permit. Backcountry camping permits are issued free of charge to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits can be obtained at the Colter Bay and Craig Thomas Discovery and visitor centers, and at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Climbing permits are NOT required, but backcountry camping permits are required for all climbing that involves overnight camping. Backcountry camping permits while climbing or mountaineering must be obtained at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station during the summer.

Bear-proof Canisters Required for Overnight Stays

As of April 2011, regardless of elevation backpackers will be required to carry approved bear-resistant canisters except where food storage boxes are provided.
On some specific alpine routes where a climber is bivouacing on a high rocky ledge where bears cannot go, park-approved bear canisters may not be required. Bear-resistant canisters are provided by the park or visitors may use any of the following approved canisters during the overnight stays in the park backcountry.

Watch our video podcast about food storage.

To find out which food storage canisters are currently approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, go to the Safety in Bear Country page.

Reservations

Requests for advance reservations are accepted from January 5th through May 15th. Send the request by regular mail, online or in person. Online reservations are only accessible during the reservation period. Include your name, address, phone number number of people, and preferred campsites and dates. Be sure to include alternatives. Requests are processed in the order received. Requests may be mailed to:

Grand Teton National Park
Backcountry Permits
P.O. Drawer 170
Moose, Wyoming 83012

Please note the fax machine is not working. Submit your reservation requests using the online system.

A non-refundable service fee of $25 will be charged for each reservation (fee is per trip, not per person). Put credit card information directly on the fax or mail a check made payable to: National Park Service. If you pay by check, you must include your social security number on the check. If no payment is received with your request, you will be billed. Only one-third of the sites are reserved in advance, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in reservations.

Some camping zones fill up early. Be prepared with an alternate plan. Download the backcountry trip planner to review regulations and maps showing the authorized camping zones. Individual party reservations can consist of up to six people. Groups of 7-12 people must camp in designated group sites, which are shown on the map in the brochure.

Backcountry Regulations

• Pets, bicycles and vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
• All overnight camping requires a permit.
• Carry out all of your garbage.
• Prevent erosion by hiking on established trails. Cutting switchbacks causes soil erosion.
• Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trail and remain quiet while horses pass.
• Observe and photograph wildlife from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed animals.
• Prevent contamination of waterways by burying feces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from streams and lakes. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them.
• All backpackers must carry and use an approved bear-proof canister. For more information see the Bear Safety page.

For Your Safety

• This is bear country. Make bears aware of your presence and avoid surprising them by making loud noises like shouting or singing. Please watch our "Which Bear Did I See?" and "Protect Wildlife, Keep Your Food Safe" videos.
• Carry drinking water. Bring tablets or water filtration devices to purify water in the backcountry.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bring rain gear and extra clothing. Thunderstorms occur frequently during the summer. Please watch our "Summer Weather" video for more information.
• High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself.
• Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails by mid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be careful crossing snowfields and streams.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Solo hiking and off-trail hiking are not recommended. Check with a ranger for current information on trail conditions.

Avoid Crowds

During July and August trailhead parking areas fill early, especially at South Jenny Lake, String Lake, Lupine Meadows, Death Canyon and Granite Canyon. Parking on natural vegetation results in permanent damage to plants; violators will be ticketed. In paved parking lots, parking illegally will also result in a ticket. An early start will help you avoid parking problems.

Concessioners

Youth backpacking trips are offered by the following park concessioners:

TVRC Education Foundation: www.tvrcamp.com
Wilderness Ventures: www.wildernessventures.com