Exploring the Backcountry in Grand Teton National Park

The Tetons are impressive enough from the roads—so just imagine how magnificent the park is once you hike into the deep wilderness. As in Yellowstone, a permit is required for camping in the backcountry; some can be reserved, but the majority are set aside for walk-in campers. You can request a permit for a designated campsite or a camping “zone,” where you’ll have a choice of sites within the zone boundaries.

Information before you go: For background information, check out the Grand Teton Backcountry Camping guide at www.nps.gov/grte/planyourvisit/back.htm. For recorded information, call 307/739-3602.

Backcountry Permits: All backcountry campers need a permit. To reserve one in advance, request a permit via www.recreation.gov. The reservation period runs from the first Wednesday in January through May 15 for the following summer, and reservations cost $35 per party. You can also try for a walk-in permit the day before you intend to set out. They cost $25 at visitor centers or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. 

Note: The reservation is just that, a reservation; upon your arrival at the park, you’ll need to secure the permit. Permits are issued at the Craig Thomas and Colter Bay Visitor Centers and at the Jenny Lake Ranger station.

When to go: Remember that this region has a short summer and virtually no spring. While the valley floor is usually clear in May, some of the high-country trails might not be free of snow or high water until early July. Check with rangers to find out when specific campsites are usually open.

Maps: Topographic maps of Grand Teton are available from the U.S. Geological Survey and National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Maps series (tel. 800/962-1643; www.natgeomaps.com). You can buy the latter, as well as maps for nearby national forests, from the Grand Teton Association (tel. 307/739-3406; www.grandtetonpark.org).