Grand Teton National Park - Backcountry Permits
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Portions of the Moose-Wilson road between Moose and Teton Village will be closed for construction during the 2023 summer season. This will affect some trailhead access and car shuttles for parties on Teton Crest Trail trips. The Granite Canyon trailhead will be closed for the 2023 summer season. Access to the Granite Canyon area is available at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort at Teton Village. Backcountry campers should consider that vehicle shuttles may require going through the town of Jackson.
Permit & Season Information
A permit is required for all backcountry camping trips in Grand Teton National Park. All persons who intend to sleep overnight, camp, or bivouac in the backcountry, or who are in possession of equipment designed for overnight use in the backcountry, must obtain a backcountry permit and carry it with them.
- To minimize the impact on park resources, backcountry permits are limited.
- One backcountry permit allows for up to 10 consecutive nights of stay within Grand Teton National Park's backcountry.
- One-third of all backcountry campsites and all of the group sites may be reserved in advance, online, beginning January 10 through May 15.
- 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.
Need to Know
Change for Summer 2022: Granite Canyon Trailhead will be closed for parking.
Alternate parking to access the Granite Canyon Area will be available at Teton Village. This will add one mile of hiking to access the canyon.
One permit can include up to 10 consecutive nights of stay in multiple campsite zones. 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.
Early Season Snow Conditions
Snow usually melts from valley trails, approximately 6,700 feet by mid-June but remains in parts of the high country through much of the summer. Safe travel over Paintbrush, Static Peak and Moose Basin Divides, and Hurricane, Mt. Meek and Fox Creek Passes requires an ice axe and knowledge of its use as late as August. Snow conditions vary from year to year. If you are planning to cross any divides before late July, and do not have the skills for safe use of an ice axe on steep snowfields, consider an alternate route. Crossing a divide or pass is essential when traveling on the Teton Crest Trail and for loop trips. However, there are still opportunities for a rewarding "in and out" trip utilizing any of the major canyons.
Mountaineering
Permits are not required for mountaineering, but climbers on overnight trips must have a backcountry permit to camp or bivouac. Weather can be extreme and change rapidly, impacting climbing trips to the Teton Range. It's important to check current local weather and mountain conditions prior to your visit. We encourage climbers to pack out what they pack in including packing out human waste from this fragile alpine environment. Bags are made available to those who are camping at the Lower Saddle and the Caves campsites.
Bear Country
All backcountry campers are required to carry Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved bear canisters unless a bear proof metal box is installed at the campsite. Canisters can be checked out at all permit issuing stations free of charge with a backcountry permit. Learn more about Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved portable bear resistant food canisters.
Planning
Watch this video to help prepare for backcountry travel in Grand Teton National Park.
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 (PDF) to plot each night of your trip's point to point mileage. Elevation high points are indicated on this map. For more specific information, consult a topographic map or hiking guide. Review the Backcountry Camping Areas for a description of camping zones and sites.
Large groups may not split into smaller groups and camp in the same zone together. Permits are subject to review and violations may result in the permit being revoked.
Fee Policy
Permit Fee
A $45 non-refundable fee is required for each permit reserved.
A $35 non-refundable fee is required for each walk-up permit obtained.
Cancellation Policy
Change Policy
Once a reservation has been made no changes can be made by the customer. Contact the Grand Teton National Park Permits Office at (307) 739-3309 for assistance.
Cancellation Policy
Once a permit reservation is completed, it is non-refundable. As a courtesy to others, please notify the park as soon as possible if you decide not to use your reservation.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 170 Moose WY 83012
Phone Number
307-739-3309
