Grand Teton National Park Backcountry Permits
- Part of Grand Teton National Park
Over 230 miles of breathtaking mountain trails, high-alpine camping zones, lakeshore and boat-in sites, and climbing bivy sites await the mountain adventurer. Some of the most impressive mountain wilderness in the world is found in Grand Teton National Park - pristine alpine meadows blanketed with wildflowers, crystal clear lakes and streams, glacially carved canyons, towering granite peaks and abundant wildlife. The area is typified by rugged peaks and dramatic canyons ranging from 6,700 feet to 13,770 feet in elevation. Planning Your Backcountry Trip prior to backountry camping is key to a successful trip.
- Backcountry Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, whether the destination is a site on lakeshore site on Jackson Lake or Leigh Lake, a multi-day Teton Crest Trail (TCT) in the Mountain Camping zone, a Technical Climbing/Garnet Canyon area site, or exploring the remote Northern Canyons.
- Most trails gain elevation quickly and many cross steep mountain passes. Snow and ice can remain on designated trails and passes well into July requiring specialized gear such as ice axes/crampons and having experience using that gear. Falls can be consequential. Have all group members watch the safety video before heading out. Backcountry Safety Video
- Be sure to research your trip itinerary thoroughly to understand the backcountry camping routes and zones before you attempt to reserve your trip. Some camping zones fill quickly. Have alternate itineraries or contingency plans if your preferred trip is not available.
- Map out your trip using point to point mileage map you can download or the new interactive map of backcountry camping zones and sites which provides details to plan your trip.
- Topographical maps and books describing the trails are available for purchase at the Grand Teton Association website.
- When planning a backcountry camping trip in Grand Teton National Park, backpackers should expect to travel no more than 2 miles per hour (3.2 km per hour). Add an additional hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Trip planning that requires going over more than one pass in a day is not recommended.
Permit & Season Information
All persons who intend to sleep overnight, camp, or bivouac in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park, or who are in possession of equipment designed for overnight use in the backcountry, must obtain a backcountry camping permit and carry it with them.
- Backcountry permits are limited to minimize damage to the resource.
- One backcountry permit allows for up to 10 consecutive nights of stay within Grand Teton Park's backcountry, and 10 nights total during the summer.
- One-third of all backcountry campsites and all of the group sites may be reserved in advance, online, beginning January 10, up until 2 days before the trip begins.
- The remaining sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis in person at park permit offices no more than one day before the trip begins.
- The permit is valid only for the number of people, dates and locations indicated.
- Campers must use all nights on a permit for the permit to remain valid.
- For more information Backcountry Camping FAQs
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| January 7, 2025 - October 31, 2025 | Advance backcountry permit reservations open 8:00 a.m. MT on January 7th, 2025 for overnight stays May 1, 2025-October 31, 2025. Advanced reservations can be made up to two days before the start of a backcountry trip. If you have any questions about permits or require trip planning assistance, please contact a ranger at Grand Teton National Park (307) 739-3309. |
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
Within Grand Teton National Park, backcountry camping is managed with quotas for designated sites and camping zones. The party size, length of stay, and the number of people or parties allowed in a camping zone per night, have been calculated and regulated to provide for resource protection and visitor enjoyment.
Individual parties consist of one to six people, and may use lakeshore campsites, designated mountain campsites and mountain camping zones. Zones are marked with a sign on each end and hikers with a valid permit have the freedom to choose where they wish to camp once arriving at the zone, although occupying previously used campsites is strongly encouraged.
Groups consist of seven to 12 people and must camp in designated group sites.
