Glacier National Park Wilderness Permits

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park will implement two early access lotteries for Wilderness Camping advance reservations in 2024 using the Recreation.gov Wilderness Camping Permits online platform. Please visit the Wilderness Camping Advance Reservations webpage for details.

With its towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, over 700 miles of trails, and 65 wilderness campgrounds, Glacier is a backpacking paradise. A permit is required for backpacking in the park. For complete details on securing wilderness camping advance reservations, visit the Glacier National Park Wilderness Camping Advance Reservations page.

Due to individual differences in fitness, backpacking experience, and personal preference, we don’t offer specific trip recommendations. What we can tell you is that in the broadest sense, Glacier's wilderness comes in two flavors—east and west roughly split along the Continental Divide. Each trail on a respective side offers a similar "feel." West side trails start at around 3,200 feet in elevation, are more heavily forested, and offer the greatest solitude. East of the divide, trails start at around 5,000 feet and the terrain is more sparsely vegetated, creating more open vistas. 

Glacier was recommended for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1974. National Park Service policy requires that the park’s character not be degraded and remain unimpaired for future use and enjoyment. Recommended wilderness lands are managed differently than front-country or backcountry areas, with minimal human manipulation of a diverse, intact, natural ecosystem. Remaining undeveloped, with minimal mechanization and modern influence, wilderness lands provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive, unconfined recreation. As such, Glacier National Park is managed in a way to preserve its wilderness character for future generations.

Notifications and Alerts

Permit & Season Information

In order to preserve the extraordinary wilderness character of Glacier National Park, a Wilderness Permit is required year-round for all overnight trips in the backcountry. A Wilderness Permit allows the permit holder and their group (up to 8 people for advance reservations) to camp in wilderness campsites and is valid only for the dates, locations, and party size indicated. Your permit must be in your possession while in the wilderness.

Need to Know

When planning your trip, please keep the following in mind:

Leave No Trace

Please follow all principles of Leave No Trace including: Plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.  

Fee Policy

Advance Reservation Lotery Fee:

Wilderness Permit Fee:

Camping Fees:

Only debit or credit cards will be accepted, no cash.

Park entry requires a separate fee or pass.

Your wilderness permit will serve as your timed-entry permit for the duration of your trip.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy:

Change Policy:

Contact Information

Mailing Address

PO Box 128 West Glacier Montana 59936

Phone Number

406-888-7800

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