Backcountry Situation Report

 

Last Updated: June 1, 2023

This Backcountry Situation report provides the most up-to-date conditions for Yellowstone’s backcountry. Conditions are listed by area, then trail.To avoid frustration, even if you are experienced with Yellowstone’s backcountry, please review our Camp in the backcountry webpage as some procedures have changed. Before heading out on the trail, make sure to review information about traveling safely in bear country, and familiarize yourself with our bear management areas. Depending on other activities you intend to pursue in the backcountry please reference our fishing, boating, and horse use regulations.

Backcountry Permits:

Backcountry Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Please visit our Camp in the backcountry page for information on how to reserve a backcountry permit.

Backcountry Offices Hours of Operation:

Albright Visitor Center (Mammoth Backcountry Office): Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Bechler Ranger Station: Opens June 5, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Bridge Bay Ranger Station (Backcountry Permits & Boat Permits): Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Canyon Visitor Education Center (Backcountry Office): Closed for the 2023 season.
Grant Visitor Center (Backcountry Office & Boating Permits): Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Old Faithful Ranger Station (Backcountry Office): Closed for the 2023 season.
Snake River Ranger Station: Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Tower Ranger Station (Backcountry Office): Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center (Backcountry Office): Open. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

General Conditions:

Snow Levels:

This winter we have had above average snow fall. Snow is melting out in low elevation locations. Higher elevations and mountain passes are snow packed. See the snowpack model to get a sense of current snow levels Yellowstone Climate Dashboard (climateanalyzer.science).

High Water Caution:

As the temperatures rise and snow melts, streams will be at peak runoff levels and many will be too high and dangerous to cross. Streams which are crossable in the morning may rise to unsafe levels by afternoon. Don't get caught on the wrong side of a stream. If you must cross, scout out the safest location. The best crossing may not be in the exact location where the trail meets the stream. Above all use caution and be safe around all streams. Yellowstone's backcountry does not have many bridges. Please evaluate planned travel routes for any potentially hazardous stream crossings. View river levels of the surrounding rivers.

Increased Spring Bear Activity:

After a long hard winter, there are many winter kill carcasses on the landscape. Visitors should use extra caution and familiarize themselves with how to stay safe in bear country. If you encounter a fresh carcass, make sure to back away, do not run, and report the information to a park ranger as soon as possible.

Fires:

Before deciding to have a campfire, check that your campsite allows for fires, and consider the current weather conditions. During the spring when campsites are still snow covered, users may only have a fire if the designated campfire ring can be located, and if visitors can find / access dead and down wood. Campfires are only allowed in the designated fire ring. Fire danger is currently: Low (5/3/23)

Ticks:

Where trails are snow free, ticks are out. After your hike check your body for ticks. Visit the CDC website for further information on tick prevention.

Fishing Season:

Fishing season is open. Please visit the Catch a fish page for further details and information.

Boating Season:

Boating season is open. All watercraft must be inspected and registered in the park. Prepare for your boating visit by reviewing the boating regulations page and by Cleaning, Draining, and Drying your boats. Due to inaccessible boat launch on Lewis Lake, boat inspectors will not be available at this location until a later date.

Horse Use:

Some areas of the northern sections of the park are now open for day riding. See "Stock Use" descriptions for the trails listed below for details. Overnight horse use is closed until July 1. Make sure to review our Ride a Horse page for further information regarding horse riding permit requirements and information.

Pets:

Other than qualified service animals, pets are not allowed in the backcountry.

Bear Management Areas:

In order to reduce human related impacts on bears in high density grizzly bear habitat, the park has established several bear management areas. Listed below are the current Bear Management Areas (BMAs) in effect. Some Bear Management Areas are full closures, others prohibit off trail travel. Please reference the Bear Management page for further details and locations of closure area .

Richards Pond (BMA B) Several restrictions in place. See Bear Management Area pages.

Gneiss Creek (BMA C) Closed through June 30

Gallatin (BMA D) No off-trail travel May 1 through November 10.
Blacktail (BMA E) Closed through June 30.

Washburn (BMA F) Open only by special permit (through July 31)

Antelope (BMA G) Closed through November 10.

Mirror Plateau (BMA H) Closed. Day use only May 15 through November 12.

Pelican Valley (BMA I) Closed through July 3rd.

Clear Creek (BMA J1) No off trail travel through August 10. See Bear Management Area pages for further details

Clear Creek (BMA J2) No off trail travel through July 14. See Bear Management Area pages for further details

Lake Spawn (BMA K) From May 15 through July 14 no off trail travel .

Riddle / Solution (BMA M) Closed April 30 through July 14.

Heart Lake (BMA O) Closed through June 30.

Backcountry Access

Review the park roads page, to see road opening dates and current status.

Backcountry Map

Click on a region of the map for current backcountry conditions in that area.

 

Yellowstone Backcountry Map: click a region to jump to conditions for that area.

 

Northwest Region

After a long hard winter, there are many winter kill carcasses on the landscape. Visitors should use extra caution and familiarize themselves with how to stay safe in bear country. If you encounter a fresh carcass, make sure to back away, do not run, and report the information to a park ranger as soon as possible. Strong Bear Warning on all Northwest Region trails.

• Starting May 1, there is no off trail travel within the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• A minimum group size of four people is recommended for hiking and camping within the Gallatin Bear Management Area. BE BEAR AWARE!
• Hikers should expect to encounter snow in higher elevations.(5/23/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock.(4/15/21)

Old Yellowstone Railroad Bed (Gardiner)

• Trail is open. (5/3/23)

Sepulcher/Beaver Ponds/Snow Pass area

• Sepulcher Trail: Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow in higher elevations. High elevations and mountain passes have deep snow and cannot be crossed.(5/23/23)
• Beaver Ponds Trail is open. Strong bear warning in effect. (6/1/23)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area
• Snow Pass/Claggatt/ Beaver Ponds trail are initially cleared. (5/16/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. Beaver ponds trail is not suitable for stock (year round)

Glen Creek Trailhead – Fawn Pass & Electric Pass

• Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow in higher elevations. High elevations and mountain passes have deep snow and cannot be crossed. (5/23/23)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bunsen Peak/Osprey Falls

• Bunsen Peak Trail: Snow at higher elevations. (5/25/23)
• Osprey Falls Trail is closed. See Map of Flood Closures.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. Osprey Falls Trail is not suitable for stock (year round)

Bighorn Pass Trail (Indian Creek)

• Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. High elevations and the mountain pass have deep snow and not crossable. (5/23/23)
• Access road to the trailhead parking area and Indian Creek Campground is currently closed. At this time hikers wishing to access the Bighorn Pass trail must park in the pullouts near the access road barricade. Do not block the access road. (5/1/23)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Mount Holmes/Grizzly Lake area

• Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. (5/23/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Purple Mountain

• Two feet of snow at the peak, otherwise trail is snow free. (5/27/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Monument Trail

• Monument Trail snow free. (5/22/23)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock. (year round).

Trailheads along Hwy 191 (from north to south)

Daly Creek/Black Butte/Sky Rim Trail/Shelf Lake

• Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. High elevation locations and passes are snow covered and not crossable. (5/23/23)
• Strong Bear Warning on Daly Creek Trail, carcass reported near trail. (5/15/23)
• Stock use: Closed to stock (4/15/23)

Specimen Creek/High Lake/Crescent Lake/Sportsman Lake

• Specimen Creek Trail: Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. High elevation locations and passes are snow covered and not crossable. (5/23/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bacon Rind

• Bacon Rind Trail has patchy snow (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Fawn Pass/Fan Creek

• Fawn Pass Trail: Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. High elevation locations and passes are snow covered and not crossable. (5/23/23)

• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bighorn Pass (Hwy 191)

• Bighorn Pass: Conditions unknown. Expect mostly snow free conditions in lower elevations and snow (deep) in higher elevations. High elevations and the mountain pass are snow covered and not crossable. (5/23/23)
• Visitors should familiarize themselves with the no off trail travel restrictions of the Gallatin Bear Management Area.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Gneiss Creek/Cougar Creek

• Much of Gneiss Creek Trail closed until June 30, due to Gneiss Creek Bear Management Area.(5/1/23)
• Gneiss Creek Trail is "primitive" in nature and contains areas where there is no trail tread and limited trail markers.
• Cougar Cabin Trail is clear of snow. (5/27/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Harlequin Lake Trail

• Harlequin Lake Trail is clear of snow. (5/27/23)
• Stock use: Not suitable for stock (year round).

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Northeast Region

After a long hard winter, there are many winter kill carcasses on the landscape. Visitors should use extra caution and familiarize themselves with how to stay safe in bear country. If you encounter a fresh carcass, make sure to back away, do not run, and report the information to a park ranger as soon as possible. Strong Bear Warning on all Northeast Region trails.

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail/Yellowstone River Trail/Black Canyon

• A handful of trails/sections of trails and campsites along the northern range of the park will remain closed due to the flooding event that caused extensive damage to some trails and roads. See Overview Map of Flood Closures. Damage assessments and repairs are continuing.
• Little Cottonwood Creek (just west of site 1R3) is running deep and fast and is not safe to cross. Don't book trips that will cross the creek until further notice. (5/24/23)
• Ticks are out. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Blacktail Creek Trail and Trailhead are open. Little Cottonwood Creek near campsite 1R3 can't be crossed (running high and fast) and the bridge on Hellroaring Creek between campsite 2H7 and 2H8 is closed to stock at this time. (5/26/23)

Wraith Falls

• Wraith Falls Trail has reopened. (5/9/23)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock.(5/1/23)

Lava Creek Trail/Rescue Creek Trail

• Rescue Creek is open from the Blacktail Creek TH to the Gardiner River. The trail is still inacessible from trailhead starting in the North. See Overview Map of Flood Closures. Damage assessments and repairs are continuing. (5/25/23)
• Section from the "bone yard" to the Junction with Lava Creek Trail is closed. (5/25/23)
• Lava Creek Trail is open, but is still inacessible from trailhead starting in the North. (5/25/23)
• Stock Use: Rescue Creek from Blacktail Creek Trailhead is open to the Yellowstone River bridge. (5/26/23)

Lost Lake Loop

• The road to the Petrified Tree Trailhead is open. (5/23/23)
• Lost Lake Trail is likely snowy and muddy. Access to the Lost Lake Trail is in and out only through the Trailhead at Petrified Tree. The trailhead starting at Roosevelt Lodge is closed due to flood damage. (5/22/23)
• The Lost Creek Falls Trail is closed. (5/22/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Hellroaring Creek/Coyote Creek/Buffalo Plateau

• A handful of trails/sections of trails and campsites along the northern range of the park will remain closed due to the flooding event that caused extensive damage to some trails and roads. See Overview Map of Flood Closures. Damage assessments and repairs are continuing.(5/1/23)
• Hikers reported a habituated marmot at site 2H9. Chewed through tent and carried off hikers boot. Stress proper food storage. (5/22/23)
• Little Cottonwood Creek (just west of site 1R3) is running deep and fast and is not safe to cross. Don't book trips that will cross the creek until further notice. (5/24/23)
• Due to washed out bridge on Horse Creek north of the Park's boundary, the Bull Mountain Loop trail is no longer accessible in spring. (5/1/23)
• Coyote Creek Trail likely to be mostly snow free. (5/24/23)
• Upper elevations of Buffalo Plateau Trail are likely still under snow. Campsite 2B1 possibly still snow covered. (5/24/23)
• Initial trail clearing of Hellroaring trail has been completed. (5/16/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Buffalo Fork

• Buffalo Fork not accessible due to Slough Creek not being crossable. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (4/15/21)

Garnet Hill

• The Garnet Hill Loop Trail is partially closed due the flood damageSee Tower Area Flood Closure Map. (5/30/23)
• Garnet Hill likely has patches of snow. Be sure to detour around bison herds and bison calves. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (4/15/21)

Tower Fall Trail

• Trail is open. (5/12/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Slough Creek

• Trail in good conditions, a few muddy spots.(5/30/23)
• Trail initially cleared. (5/15/23)
• Stock Use: Open. (5/26/23)

Pebble Creek

• Snow encountered on Pebble Creek Trail about 2.5 miles in, well before site 3P1. Clear of trees to that point. (5/18/23)
• Be aware of avalanche danger from the Warm Creek Trailhead. Yellowstone National Park is not covered by an official avalanche center forecast, however forecasts for nearby areas by provide insight into snow conditions within Yellowstone. We suggest reading the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center Forecast. Soon, Pebble Creek will no longer be crossable due to increased snow melt, at that time the only campsite that will be accessible will be campsite 3P1 due to uncrossable rivers. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (4/15/21)

Bliss Pass (between Slough Creek and Pebble Creek)

• Bliss Pass is snow covered and should not be crossed due to deep snow and dangerous conditions. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Trout Lake

• Trout Lake trail has reopened.(5/4/23)

• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

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Central Region

Specimen Ridge/Agate Creek/Yellowstone Picnic Area trailhead

• The Specimen Ridge trail cannot be hiked in its entirety. The Lamar River on the east end of the trail is not crosssable. Visitors should start and end at the Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trailhead, or the Specimen Ridge trailhead. Don't be caught on the wrong side of the river as it is a 14 mile backtrack to get to the trailhead. Trail is snowy. (5/8/23)
• The Specimen Ridge Trail is closed East of the junction with Agate Creek trail due to carcass. Strong Bear Warning for the Specimen Ridge and Agate Creek Trails (5/30/23)
• Yellowstone Picnic Area Trail is open. Snowy. (5/1/23)
• Specimen Ridge, Yellowstone River Picnic Area, have been initially cleared of downfall.(5/30/23)
• Stock Use: Specimen Ridge Trail is open. The Lamar River near the Lamar River Trailhead is running high and fast and can't be crossed. (5/26/23)

Lamar River Trail - Soda Butte to Mist Creek Pass

• The Lamar River, Miller, and Frost Lake trails will have a delayed opening this year of July 20th for continued trail work and assesment due to the flooding events of 2022. (5/1/23)
• Lamar River Trail: Campsite 3L1 is the only campsite that is accessible until July 20th. See note above. (5/1/23)
• Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4 due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Cache Creek/Thunderer

• Expect snow with increasing elevation. (5/1/23)
• Republic Pass is completely snow covered and inaccessible. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Miller Creek

• Snowy. (5/1/23)
• Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed until July 4 due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Frost Lake

• Snow conditions, trail maintenace, and the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area make this area currently inaccessible. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Avalanche Peak

• Snow packed. (5/5/23)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Wapiti Lake trail/ Wrangler Lake/ Broad Creek/ Howard Eaton Trail

• Conditions unknown. Expect patchy to deep snow. (5/26/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Pelican Valley/Turbid Lake

• Pelican Valley Trailhead is closed due to the Pelican Valley Bear Management Area. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

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Canyon Region

South Rim and North Rim

• Snow melting quickly. Expect patchy snow. (5/24/23)
• South Rim Trail free of snow, and cleared of trees (5/29/23)
• Red Rock Trail free of snow, and cleared of trees ( 5/29/23)
• Artist Point: Expect patchy snow. (5/24/23)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Mount Washburn

• Snow covered. (5/5/23)
• The barricade to the parking area for Chittenden Road is currently closed.(5/31/23)

Wrangler Lake/Ribbon Lake

• Snow melting. Expect patchy snow. (5/24/23)

7-Mile Hole

• Patchy snow on top, snow free lower. (5/22/23)
• There are steep areas along the trail. Visitors should bring hiking poles. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Not suitable for stock (year round)

Cascade, Grebe, Wolf & Ice Lake

• Grebe Lake is 70% snow covered; expect more snow in the Ice Lake and Wolf Lake area. (5/26/23)
• Grebe Lake was initially cleared of downfall.(5/26/23)
• Campsites 4G5 Grebe Lake and 4G6 & 7 Wolf Lake are closed. Nesting birds in area.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Mary Mountain/Hayden Valley & Cygnet Lakes

• East half of the Mary Mountain trail is open to Mary Lake. The Mary Mountain trail west of Mary Lake is closed until June 15. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Solfatara

• Solfatara Trail has melting snow conditions. (5/24/23)
• Hikers wishing to access to the Solfatara Creek Trailhead at Norris Campground must park at the nearby pullout along the Grand Loop Rd and walk through the campground 1/2 mile to the trailhead.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

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Old Faithful Region

Fairy Falls/Mystic Falls/Fountain Flats

• Mystic Falls, Fairy Falls, Fairy Creek, Imperial Geyser, and Sentinel Meadow are open and free of snow. (6/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Mallard Lake

• Conditions unknown. Expect patchy to deep snow. (5/26/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Mary Mountain

• The Mary Mountain Trail from the Nez Perce Trailhead to Mary Lake (western half) is closed until June 15. Bear Management Areas. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Summit Lake

• Summit Lake Trail: Unknown conditions. Expect patchy to deep snow. (5/27/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

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Southeastern Region

Elephant Back, Natural Bridge, Storm Point, Pelican Valley Nature Trail

• Elephant Back snow free at lower elevation, snow on top. (5/22/23)
• Storm Point, Pelican Nature Trail: mostly snow free(5/25/23)
• Natural Bridge Trail is closed (5/22/23)
• Lake Overlook Trail, Clear of snow with a few wet spots(5/25/23)

Stock Use: Closed to stock (5/1/23)

Duck Lake

• Mostly snow free, with a few wet spots. (5/27/23)

Nine Mile Trailhead: Thorofare Trail / Mountain Creek

• Snow melting. Expect patchy to deep snow. (5/24/23)
• Rivers and creeks running high and fast. Likely not crossable. (5/24/23)
• Review Bear Management Area J1 and J2 for travel restrictions currently in effect in the area. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock (5/1/23)

Yellowstone Lake

• Yellowstone Lake is ice free. (5/26/23)
• Boating Season is open. Bouys and docks are being installed. Be alert and aware of possible hazards. Reminder: all watercraft require AIS inspection and registration, available at Grant Marina and Bridge Bay Ranger Station. (5/27/23)
• Review Bear Management Area J1 and J2, and lake spawn restrictions. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock (5/1/23)

Heart Lake

• Closed until June 30. Bear Management (5/1/23)

South Boundary Area/Snake River/Two Ocean Plateau

• Snow conditions. (5/12/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock (5/1/23)

Riddle Lake

• Area closed April 30 - July 14 due to Bear Management Area. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock (5/1/23)

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Southwest

Shoshone Lake/Lewis Lake

• Shoshone and Lewis Lake are currently frozen. (5/25/23)
• Lewis Lake is closed, due to inaccessible boat ramp due to snow.(5/25/23)
• Boating season opens May 27th. Due to inaccessible boat launch on Lewis Lake boat inspectors will not be available at this location until a later date. (5/25/23)

Lone Star Trail & Howard Eaton Trail

• Lone Star and Howard Eaton Trails: Melting snow. Expect patchy to deep snow. (5/1/23)
• The parking areas at Lone Star Trailhead and Kepler Cascade are under construction, being paved, and are closed for approximately two weeks, as is the Lone Star Trailhead. (5/17/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bechler Area

• Grassy Lake Road is closed to motorized traffic until June 1.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bechler Meadows and Falls River area

• Unknown condition of the road to Cave Falls. Likely the road is not accessible. (5/1/23)
• Snow covered. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Bechler Canyon/Bechler River trail

• Snow covered. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Boundary Creek/Dunanda Falls

• Snow covered. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Robinson Creek

• Snow covered. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Union Falls/Mountain Ash Creek

• Union Falls is inaccessible. Grassy Lake Road is closed to motorized traffic until June 1.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Pitchstone Plateau

• Completely snow covered. (5/1/23)
• Inaccessible due to seasonal road closure. (5/1/23)
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

Beula Lake/South Boundary Trail west

• Inaccessible. Grassy Lake Road is closed to motorized traffic until June 1.
• Stock Use: Closed to stock. (5/1/23)

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Contact Us

Please email the Central Backcountry Office if you have any questions about specific areas.

 

More Information

• 

  Backcountry Safety

  Best practices for exploring the backcountry.

• 

  Bear Safety

  Best practices for traveling safely in bear country.

• 

  Permits & Reservations

  I need a permit for that? Review this list and avoid surprises.