Overview:
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
Plan your backcountry trip carefully — consider how many miles you want to go each day, how much elevation change, and keep in mind the skill levels of all the members of your group. Use the Backcountry Planning Map to plot each night of your trip’s point to point mileage and elevation high points are indicated on this map. For more specific information, consult a topographic map or hiking guide. These can be obtained at www.grandtetonpark.org
Once you have determined the areas you would like to visit during your backcountry trip you will need to reserve a campsite for each night. All reservable campsites are listed under Overnight permit and Campsite Zones 01-09. Each of the Campsite Zones includes sites specially grouped together. One permit can include reservations from multiple campsite zones for up to 10 consecutive nights.
Click here for details on Campsite Zones 01-09.
Click here for additional backcountry camping zone descriptions and planning information.
Getting a Permit
Permits are required for all overnight trips. To minimize the impact on park resources, backcountry permits are limited. One-third of all backcountry campsites and all of the group sites may be reserved in advance, online, beginning the first Wednesday in January through May 15. The earlier you reserve your permit, the better chance you will have of getting the permit you want. 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.
Picking Up Your Permit
A reservation holds your permit but does not replace it. You must still pick up your permit in person prior to your backcountry travel at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose, the Colter Bay Visitor Center, or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. All permits involving camping in Garnet Canyon or involving climbing or mountaineering must be picked up at Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Pick up your reserved permit before 10 a.m. the morning your trip begins or your reservation will be cancelled. You may call to inform us if you will be late to collect your permit. If you will not be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible so the space will become available for others.
Group Size
Individual parties consist of 1 to 6 people, and may use 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 of 7 to 12 people must camp in designated group sites.
Gallery
Directions
None
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 43° 39′ 11.0002″ N
Longitude 110° 43′ 9.0001″ W