Grand Teton National Park entices you to explore the Teton Mountain Range and surrounding wilderness in the park's backcountry. Backpacking offers you a heart-healthy activity and the chance to get away from the park crowds along the main road and experience Grand Teton's scenery and wildlife up close and personal.
Wilderness Permit
Overnight camping trips in Grand Teton National Park's backcountry require a wilderness permit. One-third of these permits are available for advanced reservation for a small fee. The remaining two-thirds are available on a first-come, first-served basis for free at park ranger stations. These free permits are available as early as 24 hours before your trip into the backcountry is expected to begin. Both reserved and first-come, first-served permits can be picked up at Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, Colter Bay Visitor Center or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station during the summer season. During the winter, you can pick them up at Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Each trailhead has a quota, so if you have a certain trail in mind, you may want to get a wilderness permit in advance, especially if your trip will occur during the busy summer season.
Trails
Trails popular with backpackers include the routes over Paintbrush Divide, Cascade Canyon and Garnet Canyon. However, they are often crowded with backpackers and day hikers during the summer months. For a more isolated wilderness experience, head to Elk Ridge and Moose Basin Divide, both of which are located in the less-crowded remote north side of the park.
Camping Zones and Regulations
Your wilderness permit grants you permission to camp in designated camping zones along the trail. Be mindful of signs that point out former camping sites that are closed for restoration. Look for previously impacted sites at which to camp and set up at least 200 feet from any stream or other body of water. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry, so be prepared to use a backpacker stove.
Seasonality
Grand Teton's high country can be inaccessible due to snow late into the summer season. Some passes, such as Paintbrush Divide, may be covered in parts by snow as late as mid-September. Extra care should be taken when hiking across snow-covered patches of trail, particularly due to potential icy conditions. Inquire about current trail conditions when you pick up your wilderness permit.
Bear Safety
Grand Teton National Park's backcountry is referred to as "bear country." Grizzly bears are quite active in the backcountry and there is a chance you may encounter one during your trip. To help avoid this, make your presence known by talking or singing while hiking, particularly when traveling through dense brush. Carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible on the outside of your pack. If you're camping below 10,000 feet, you're required to carry a bear-proof canister to store your food, trash and other items that have a smell, such as toiletries. If you don't have a canister, you can borrow one for the duration of your trip from one of the park visitor centers.
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