Backcountry Permits

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All overnight stays in the backcountry require a backcountry permit.

NPS/A. Falgoust

 

Grand Teton National Park encompasses over 310,000 acres of mountains, lakes, plains, and rivers with over 200 miles of hiking trails to explore. A backcountry trip is a great way to enjoy the park, but takes planning. Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Most trails gain elevation and many cross steep mountain passes. Snow and ice can remain on designated trails well into July. Rivers and creeks are extremely cold and swift from spring runoff.

To plan your trip check out the backcountry camping page.

Getting a Permit

A permit is required for all overnight stays in the Grand Teton backcountry. Permits can be purchased online in advance, or in park the day before.

Advance Backcountry Permits

Requests for advance backcountry reservations for the summer season are accepted January through May. Reservation dates will be posted closer to opening. All requests must be submitted on recreation.gov. Customers will be able to view backcountry campsite availability in real-time and apply for reservations accordingly. A $45 non-refundable processing fee is charged for each trip upon completion of your reservation. To facilitate the permit reservation process, establish a recreation.gov account prior to the reservation system open season.

First-come, First-serve Backcountry Permits

The park will reserve up to one-third of each camping zone in advance, and save two-thirds of each zone for first-come, first-served permits. Permits can be picked up in-person one day before the start of a backcountry trip. Those who do not secure an advanced reservation may still apply for a walk-in permit. During peak season (July and August), competition for twalk-in permits is high. There is a $35 fee for each walk-in backcountry permit. Permits are available at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center, and the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Check location for hours and season dates.

Any backcountry permit involving technical climbing or mountaineering and any backcountry permit for Garnet Canyon must be picked up at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Open early June through early September.

Plan Ahead

Be sure to research your trip itinerary before you attempt to reserve your trip. Download the backcountry camping brochure for information on trail distances and campsite locations. Topographical maps and books describing the trails are available for purchase at the Grand Teton Association website.

Snow often remains in the backcountry until mid-July. Ice axes may be necessary for safe passage over all divides and passes. Divides and passes melt out different dates each year depending on the past winter's snowpack depth and spring temperatures. For current backcountry conditions visit the Jenny Lake Climbing Rangers blogspot. Permits are not required for day climbs.

Bear Country

Grand Teton is bear country! Grand Teton National Park requires the use of Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved canisters for food storage in the backcountry. All permit holders may check out a canister, free of charge.

All food, garbage, toiletries and any odorous item that may attract a bear, must be stored in a bear-resistant food canister when not in immediate use, day and night. Prepare food, eat, and store your food canister at least 100 yards downwind from your tent. Store your canister and clean cooking gear on the ground hidden in brush or behind rocks. Do not place canister near a cliff or water source.

For a list of all approved portable bear-resistant food canisters please visit the IGBC website.

Backcountry Travel Video

Watch a short video to learn about backcountry travel in Grand Teton.

 

Duration:

7 minutes, 38 seconds

This video will help prepare you for backcountry travel in Grand Teton National Park.

 

Additional Grand Teton Information