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| Backcountry Camping | Backcountry Areas | Bear Aware |
| Camping | Leave No Trace | Stock Use |
Camping
All five campgrounds of Grand Teton National Park are first come first serve. Jenny Lake campground is for tents only. All the other four campgrounds will accommodate tents, trailers and RVs. Even though they will accommodate trailers and RVs, there are no utility hookups. All campgrounds have modern comfort stations. Reservations are available for groups of ten or more by mail. Camping in the backcountry requires a permit and you may camp only in designated camp sites. The maximum stay at Jenny Lake campground is seven (7) days. The maximum stay at any National Park Service campgrounds is fourteen (14) days. The price is $ 12.00 per night.
| Campground | Open | Close | Sites | Dump Station | Laundry | Showers | Groceries | Service Station | Approx Fill Time | Colter Bay | mid May | mid Sep | 350 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12:00 pm |
| Gros Ventre | beg May | mid Oct | 360 | Yes | No | No | 2 Miles | 2 Miles | Evening |
| Jenny Lake | end May | end Sep | 49 | No | No | No | Yes | 8 Miles | 8:00 am |
| Lizard Creek | mid Jun | beg Sep | 60 | No | No | No | 8 Miles | 8 Miles | 2:00 pm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal Mtn | end May | beg Oct | 86 | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | 10:00 am |
Campgrounds at Gros Ventre, Jenny Lake (partially accessible restrooms) and Colter Bay (partially accessible restrooms)located on relatively flat terrain. Lizard Creek and Signal Mountain are hilly and access is more difficult. Inquire for most accessible sites. Eight campsites along Grassy Lake Road west of Flagg Ranch, provide easy access by vehicle and accessible vault toilets. Camping and RV sites at Flagg Ranch provide accessible facilities.
Concessioner-Operated Campgrounds
A concessioner-operated campground is available at Flagg Ranch in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, just south of Yellowstone National Park. Flagg Ranch Trailer Village has 100 trailer sites and 75 tent sites with full hook-ups, showers, and laundry. To make reservations contact:
Flagg Ranch
PO Box 187
Moran, WY 83013
Phone: 800-443-2311 or 307-543-2861
Colter Bay RV Park has 112 sites. For information on the Colter Bay RV Park & Tent Cabins contact:
Grand Teton Lodge Company
PO Box 250
Moran, WY 83013
Phone: 307-543-2811
Backcountry Camping
Henry David Thoreau said. "In the wilderness is the preservation of the world."
Planning your trip before leaving home
1. Obtain a topographic map of the park or hiking guide to choose your destination and route.
2. Consider the weakest member of your group and the distance and elevation gain to your destination.
3. There is no shuttle service in the park. If you only have one vehicle, plan a loop trip that returns to the same trailhead.
4. If solitude is important, consider avoiding the Cascade-Paintbrush loop as it is the most heavily traveled. July and August are the busiest times because there is less snow. Weekends and holidays are the busiest for boaters on Jackson Lake.
5. To minimize impacts on park resources, the number of backcountry permits are limited. Thirty percent of the backcountry campsites and all group sites may be reserved in advanced. The rest are first-come first-served at park permit offices.
6. Park backcountry is very popular and reservations are recommended. Requests are accepted by mail, fax, or in person from January to May 15th and are processed in the order received. Include your name, address, daytime phone number, the number of people, and your preferred campsites and dates. It is best to include alternate dates and campsites. Write to:
Grand Teton National Park
Permits Office
PO Drawer 170
Moose, WY 83012
Fax: 307-739-3438
Reservations can be made in person at the Moose Visitor Center, open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Permits
Permits are required for all overnight trips. A reservation may hold the permit, but does not take the place of the permit. They may be picked up in person at the Moose and Colter Bay visitor Centers or the Jenny Lake Ranger Station in the summer. During the winter, they may only be picked up at the Moose Visitor Center. You may get a permit as early as the day before your trip begins. A reserved permit must be picked up by 10:00 am the morning of your trip, or it will be made available to others. You may call the visitor center to inform them if you are going to be late. If you won't be using your permit, please cancel your reservation as soon as possible. You may be more successful in getting a walk-in permit if you have alternate destinations and dates in mind in case your first choice is full.
Your permit is a contract between you and the National Park Service stating that you agree to treat the backcountry with respect. Printed on the back of the permit are backcountry regulations. Read, understand and abide by them.
Backcountry Conditions
Snow usually melts from valley trails by mid-June but remains in 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 use until as late as July. Snow conditions vary from year to year; check with a Ranger for current information. Trails begin at about 6800 feet elevation. Expect to encounter horses and yield to them by stepping off the hillside of the trail and standing quietly until they pass Boaters should be aware of strong afternoon winds.
Group Size
Individual parties consists of 1 to 6 people. Each party is assigned to one campsite. Groups of 7 to 12 people are limited to camping in designated group sites able to withstand the impact of many people.
Stay Limits
Campers may stay in a camping zone or lakeshore site for 2 consecutive nights. On Jackson Lake the limit is 3 nights. Between 01 Jun and 15 Sep, campers may stay in the backcountry for a maximum of 10 nights. In the winter, length of stay is 5 nights in one site.
Regulations
Permits are required for all overnight stays.
Campsite "improvements" such as construction of rock walls, log benches, tree bough beds, new fire rings and trenches are prohibited.
Fires are permitted only at designated lakeshore sites. Where permitted, fires must be confined to metal fire grates. Keep fires small and do not leave unattended. Downed and dead wood maybe collected. Gas stoves are encouraged.
Pets, bicycles and other wheeled vehicles, motorized equipment, weapons, and explosives are not allowed in the backcountry. Anglers must have a valid Wyoming fishing license in possession.
Horse and llama use is limited to established trails and stock camps. Use hitching racks where provided. Carry your own feed; grazing is not allowed.
Shortcutting switchbacks is prohibited.
Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Feeding the wildlife interferes with their natural diet and is harmful to their health.
This is bear country. Be Bear Aware.
Prevent pollution by not washing dishes or bathing in or near stream or lakes.
Carry out all trash. Never bury trash or attempt to burn aluminum
Emergency gear
Waterproof matches in airtight containers, metal matches, fire starter and �tinder' are suggested. Extra food and clothing, a signal mirror, smoke flare, durable space blankets, plastic bags, and a good first aid kit are extremely valuable if you plan on being out for several days. Cord can be used to make a shelter and hang food in trees. Most hikers carry water purification filters or chemicals. Some even carry pocket strobe lights, and a few carry personal locator beacons. Plan to be self sufficient in any emergency. The land is vast and remote, and you cannot count on early help if you have difficulties.
Equipment - Try and keep your gear lightweight yet durable. Equipment should withstand rigorous use in a rough, mountainous countryside. Help could be many hours away should something go wrong with your gear.
Food and Supplies - Bring your food, equipment and other supplies with you. Avoid food such as bacon or smoked fish, soaps, and cosmetics with strong odors as they attract bears. Bottles and cans are hard to dispose of. If you take them in, you are expected to carry them out. Without some sort of bear proof storage, you should be prepared to hang your food as high as possible.
Footwear - Boots should be a sturdy hiking or mountaineering type that provides good ankle support. Some hikers prefer boots with the rubber shoe and leather upper, like the Maine Hunting Shoe. You can count on your feet getting wet regardless of your boot type, so durability and support should be a prime concern. Many pair of socks are essential. Tennis shoes are good for crossing rivers.
Insects - Insect repellent is highly recommended.
Map - The most common topographic maps are available from the Grand Teton Natural History Association, a non-profit organization.
Rain gear and clothing - Durable rain gear that covers both the upper and lower torso is a must for hikes of any length. The rain gear should keep out water in a steady down pour. Since you will probably get wet in any significant rain storm, wool or synthetic clothing that insulates when wet is highly recommended for wear under rain gear. Hypothermia is always a possibility with wet conditions and cool temperatures.
Stove - A gasoline or propane stove is essential.
Tents and sleeping bags - You should have a tent with a waterproof floor, rain-fly, and a no-see-um netting, and this tent should be designed to withstand strong winds. Bring plenty of extra stakes and strong cord to keep the tent secure. Synthetics like �Polarguard' or �Fiberfill' are better than down because synthetics will insulate when wet while down will not. A sleeping pad will provide insulation as well as comfort.
Backcountry Areas
With a permit, you may stay anywhere within a camping zone unless assigned to a designated site.
In non-designated sites, camp out of sight of trails and other campers.
Camp on previously impacted campgrounds.
Camp at least 100 feet from lake and streams.
Fires are prohibited, use a stove.
Signs mark the beginning and end of each zone. If there are designated sites inside the zones, they are marked with signs.
Bears are common. Properly hang your food using the counter-balance method. Food storage poles or boxes are available at some sites
Group campsites may only be used by parties specifically assigned to them. Group sites are marked with signs.
Berry Creek, Web Canyon & Canyons without trails - Shuttle boat service is available to these areas. Bears, including grizzlies, are frequently observed in this area. Hiking includes stream crossings without bridges that range from difficult to extremely dangerous. Safe use requires that hikers be in good physical condition and experienced with a map and compass. Users must be prepared for self-evacuation in case of problems. Horse and llama camping is permitted only at Hechtman Stock Camp.
Upper Paintbrush Canyon Zone - Extends about 0.1 mile above the lower Holly Lake Trail Junction to the Paintbrush Divide headwall, on the main canyon trail. From the lower end of the zone to the upper Holly Lake Trail Junction, camp only on the south side of the trail (the left side as you hike up the canyon). From the upper Holly Lake Trail Junction to the Paintbrush Divide headwall, you may camp on either side of the trail.
Lower Paintbrush Canyon Zone - Begins 2.6 miles from the Spring Lake Parking area, 0.25 mile below the first crossing of Paintbrush Creek. The upper camping zone boundary is 1.0 mile below the lower Holly Lake Trail Junction.
Holly Lake Designated Sites - Follow the Holly Lake Trail to the trail marked "Holly Lake Campsites" that begins at Holly Lake. This trail leads north to two designated campsites, each marked with a sign. Group and stock site is 0.25 mile below Holly Lake.
North Fork Cascade Zone - Extends from the second bridge above the fork to where the trail crosses the stream draining Mica Lake. Camping is prohibited at Lake Solitude. Group site is located 0.5 mile above the lower boundary of the zone on terraces east of the trail.
South Fork Cascade Zone - Begins 1.0 mile above the Cascade trail fork and ends 0.5 mile below Hurricane Pass. Group site is 1.75 miles above the trail fork, east of the trail.
Open Canyon Zone - Extends from where the trail crosses Open Canyon Creek to just north of Mt. Hunt Divide.
Death Canyon Zone - Starts 4.5 miles from the Death Canyon Trailhead at the bridge crossing of Death Canyon Creek. The lower boundary is 0.5 mile west of the Death Canyon Patrol Cabin (not staffed). The upper boundary is 0.5 mile below Fox Creek Pass. Group site is between the trail and creek, 2.0 miles west of the patrol cabin.
Death Canyon Shelf Zone - Extends from just above Fox Creek Pass to Mt. Meek Pass. Group site is 2.0 miles north of Fox Creek Pass. A large boulder is east of the trail.
Lower Granite Canyon - Begins 0.25 mile above the lower patrol cabin (not staffed). Upper boundary is just below the upper cabin. Group site is south of the trail 3.4 miles west of the Lower Granite patrol cabin.
North Fork Granite Canyon Zone - Lower boundary is 0.25 mile above the upper patrol cabin. The upper boundary is where the trail crosses North Fork Creek.
South-Middle Forks Zone - Lower boundary is 0.75 mile above the upper Granite Patrol Cabin on the South Fork Trail. On the north, the boundary is the ridge between the North and Middle Forks. The east boundary is 1.5 miles from the top of the tram. Group site is 4.6 miles from the top of the tram and 1.4 miles south of Marion Lake. Site is in the trees, 150 yards east of where the trail crosses the Middle Fork Creek.
Mt. Hunt Divide and extends down to 0.75 mile above the Granite Canyon Trail.
Marion Lake Designated Sites - Three sites are just east of the lake. A spur trail leads east of from the lake. Please camp on tent pads.
Lakeshore Sites and Regulations
| Area | Jackson Lake |
| Bears | Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided at each site and must be used for food storage |
| Fire | Allowed in fire grates only |
| Wind | Beware of gusty afternoon winds on the lake |
| Comments | Pets are not allowed in Jackson Lake campsites except at Spalding Bay. Pets must be physically restrained at all times and are not allowed out of boats. |
| Area | Leigh Lake |
| Bears | Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided at each site and must be used for food storage |
| Fire | Allowed in fire grates only |
| Wind | Beware of gusty afternoon winds on the lake |
| Comments | Pitch tents on tent pads, where provided |
| Area | Phelps Lake |
| Bears | Bears are common. Bear boxes are provided at each site and must be used for food storage |
| Fire | Allowed in fire grates only |
| Wind | Beware of gusty afternoon winds on the lake |
| Comments | Pitch tents on tent pads, where provided |
Horses and Llamas
Stock may be used on established trails, however some trails are closed to horses and llamas. There are special campsites and rules for overnight stock use. There is one campsite on the Death Canyon Trailhead Road. Hitchrails and a toilet are provided. A camping/fire permit is required and may be obtained at the Moose Visitor Center. The site may be used for one night only, at the beginning of the trip OR at the end of the trip into the backcountry. The site may be reserved by a written request to the Permits Office between 01 Jan and 15 May. Sites not previously reserved are available on a first-come first-served basis not more than 24 hours prior to your backcountry trip.
There are five (5) designated backcountry stock camps in the park; Berry Creek near Hechtman Creek, Death Canyon, North Fork of Granite Canyon, Paintbrush Canyon below Holly Lake, and South Fork of Cascade Canyon. Camping with stock is allowed only at these sites. Fires are not allowed and a backcountry camping permit is required. These sites maybe reserved by a written request to the Permits Office. All backcountry stock camps are signed and hitchrails are provided.
There are eight (8) camping areas in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr., Memorial Parkway along the unpaved road between Flagg Ranch and Grassy Lake. There are a total of 14 sites in these areas, all of which allow stock animals. No permit is required.
Areas Open to Stock Use
All travel with stock must be on designated trails with the following exceptions:
In the park, off-trail travel is allowed only south of the RKO Road and east of the Teton Park Road and the Moose-Wilson Road, and between Moose Basin Divide and Forellen Peak Pass.
Stock are permitted in hunt areas during the park's elk reduction program
Off-trail travel is allowed in the Rockefeller Parkway
Closed Trails
The following trails in the park are closed to stock use:
Rendezvous Mountain trail from the park boundary west of the tram to the Middle Fork cutoff of the Granite Creek Trail
The trail to Surprise and Amphitheater lakes from the Valley trail.
Hidden Falls foot trail between the Jenny Lake West Shore boat dock and the junction of the designated horse trail west of Inspiration Point.
4. The foot trail on the east shore of Jenny Lake and the junction of the designated horse trail north of Jenny Lake Overlook.
5. Holly Lake trail from the Holly Lake hitchrail past Holly Lake to the Paintbrush Canyon trail
General Regulations
No party may have more than 12 head of stock for day use. No party may have more than 6 people or 10 head of stock for overnight trips.
Grazing is prohibited. Processes feed must be packed in and used for all overnight stock trips; however, no hay may be packed in. Where allowed, all hay used in the pack must be certified as weed free in compliance with Teton County standards.
The construction of corrals, picketing, hobbling or tying stock to natural features such as trees is prohibited. If hitchrails are not available, tie a rope between two trees away from water sources.
The right of way should be given to other stock by llama trekkers. A verbal warning of the presence of llamas should be given to those on horseback as soon as they are in hearing range. Llama trekkers should leave the trail and remain stationary until horses have passed.
For safety reasons, only well-broken and properly shod (except llamas), gentle stock in good condition may be used.
Keep stock animals at a slow walk when passing near people on foot or bicycle.
Hikers are to step off the trail and remain quiet while stock animals pass as stock animals have the right-of-way.
Prohibited Actions
The following are prohibited:
The use of animals other than those designated as stock to transport equipment.
The use of stock animals outside of trails, routes or areas designated for their use.
The use of stock animals on a park road, except where travel is necessary to access designated trails, areas of private property, and no alternative trails or routes have been designated; or when the road has been closed to motor vehicles.
Free-trailing or loose-herding of stock animals.
The Six Principles of Leave No Trace
"Leave No Trace" philosophy of backcountry travel is very important in the Grand Teton backcountry experience. Without it, the wilderness itself is threatened with extinction. If you enter the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park with an informed about and committed to a minimum impact wilderness with ethic attitude, you can have an unforgettable experience and can share in the responsibility for preserving this place.
1. Plan ahead and prepare
Carefully designing your trip to match your expectations and outdoor skill level is the first step in being prepared. Adequate trip planning and preparation helps to accomplish trip goals safely, while minimizing impacts on the environment and on other users.
Know the area and what to expect, including regulations and special concerns of the area.
Travel in small groups, during seasons or days of a week when use levels are low.
Bears may be present; balance safety concerns in bear country with ecological and social impact concerns.
Select appropriate equipment to help you Leave No Trace.
Repackage food into reusable containers, creating less trash to pack out.
2. Camp and Travel on durable surfaces
Whenever you travel and camp, confine your use to surfaces that are resistant to impact.
In popular areas, concentrate use. In remote areas, spread use.
Hike on existing trails to minimize disturbance to wildlife, soil and vegetation.
Choose an established campsite, one with a slight slope so rain water can drain.
Store food so that it is unavailable and uninviting to bears and small animals.
Before departing, make sure your camp is as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.
3. Pack it in, Pack it out
Trash and garbage have no place in the backcountry. Consider the words "Leave No Trace" a challenge to take out everything that you brought into the backcountry. Pack out all of your liter.
Repackage food into reusable containers and remove any excess packaging.
Dispose of trash and garbage properly.
Store food and odorous items in bear resistant food containers or hang items 10 feet above the ground.
4. Properly dispose of what you can't pack out.
As visitors to the backcountry, we create certain kinds of waste which cannot be packed out. These include human waste, waste water from cooking and washing.
Dispose of human waste responsibility, utilize pit toilets or dig a cat hole 200 feet from the water.
Use toilet paper sparingly, pack it out in doubled plastic bags to confine odor.
Minimize soap and food residues in waste water.
Avoid contaminating water sources when washing, maintain 200 feet from a water source
5. Leave what you find
The Wilderness Act states that wilderness "... is recognized as an area... where man himself is a visitor who does not remain,...with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable..."
People come to the wildlands to enjoy them in their natural state. Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts antlers, and other objects as you find them.
Minimize site alteration when camping, do not build structures.
Avoid damaging live trees and plants.
Avoid disturbing wildlife.
Leave natural objects and cultural artifacts for others to enjoy.
It is illegal to remove any cultural objects from any National Park. Cultural artifacts are protected by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. All these "pieces of the past" contribute to our understanding of human and natural history, including the effects of disease, climate changes, and shifting animal populations on the land and her people. Removing these artifacts takes them out of context and removes a chapter from an important story. If you discover an artifact, enjoy it where it is. Leave it as you found it.
6. Minimize use and impact from fires
The use of campfires in the backcountry, once a necessity, is now steeped in history and tradition.
Stoves are now essential equipment for minimum-impact camping trips because they are fast and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection.
Use dead and down wood only.
In high use areas, build campfires in existing fire rings to concentrate impacts.
These principles and practices depend more on attitude and awareness than on rules and regulations; they must be based on a respect for and appreciation of wild places and their inhabitants.
Be Bear Aware
Avoid surprising animals at close range. Whistle, talk, sing, or otherwise make noise when hiking in areas where visibility is limited or bear sign present. Take no pets; they are prohibited in the backcountry. A dog's valor may turn into retreat bringing an infuriated bear to you.
Be alert to sign (droppings, diggings, fresh tracks, etc.), sounds, or other indications of bears. Be particularly wary when hiking wildlife trails, salmon streams, or other areas where bears concentrate.
Food and beverages should never be left unattended. Foodstuffs with strong odors such as fish, cheese, sausage, and fresh meats should be stored in a food cache, a bear resistant container, or suspended 10 feet above ground. Carry all refuse and garbage out! Buried refuse will attract bears.
Keep packs and other personal gear on your person. It is easy to become separated from belongings left lying on the ground when a bear unexpectedly approaches. Bears will investigate, often destructively.
Do not approach bears
The minimum safe distance from any bear is 50 yards; from a sow with young it is 100 yards. These are MINIMUM distances, there are many times that greater distances are required!
Regardless of precautions taken, you may come across a bear. Usually they will run away. A bear standing on hind legs may only be trying to sense you better, not preparing to attack. Even a charge is often a bluff, ending abruptly short of physical contact.
If you see a bear at a distance, turn around or make a wide detour. Keep upwind if possible so the bear will get your scent and know you're there. Talk in an assured tone to communicate your presence. Treat animals as if cubs are nearby. Assume the bear will be defensive. Do not approach closer to scare a bear away as you may be considered a threat.
Do not run. Running often elicits attacks from otherwise non-aggressive bears and they can travel over 35 miles per hour.
Avoid actions that interfere with bear movement or foraging activities.
Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lens. Many fatalities and injuries have been related to photography.
Do not corner an animal. Allow them plenty of space and an escape route.
Bears are typically solitary animals. Much of their communication at feeding aggregations serves to maintain spacing and avoid conflict. Bears appear to have only a limited repertoire for this purpose. These behavior patterns are not highly ritualized, as in some species; therefore, their meaning is largely dependent on the context of the situation. Descriptions of some behavior and a general interpretation of meaning follow to help you understand what a bear may be trying to tell you. Remember, each bear is an individual and each encounter is unique.
Postures
Standing on hind legs - A bear standing bipedally is typically not expressing aggression. Bears generally stand on their hind legs to gain more information, both olfactory and visual.
Stationary lateral body orientation - A bear may stand broadside to assert itself in some instances. In encounters with human, it has usually been interpreted as a demonstration of size.
Stationary frontal orientation - If a bear is standing and facing you, it is certainly not being submissive. This is an aggressive position and may signal a charge. It is likely waiting for you to withdraw.
Vocalizations
Huffing - When a bear is tense, it may forcibly exhale a series of several sharp, rasping huffs. A mother may also huff in order to gain the attention of her young.
Woof - A startled bear may emit a single sharp exhale that lakes the harsh quality of a huff. If her cubs woof, a mother will immediately become alert to the situation.
Jaw-Popping - Females with young often emit a throaty popping sound, apparently to beckon their cubs when danger is sensed. A mother vocalizing in this manner should be considered nervous and extremely stressed. Bears other than sows also jaw-pop.
Growl, snarl, roar - Clear indication of intolerance.
Other Indicators
Yawning - Indicates tension. This behavior may results from the close proximity of another bear or human presence.
Excessive Salivation - A clear sign of tension, salivation may appear as white foam around the bear's mouth.
Charge - The vast majority of charges are ones in which the bear stops before making contact. The intensity of the charge or associated vocalizations may vary, but it is distinct in that it is an aggressive or defensive act clearly directed at another bear or human. Bears may charge immediately, as a sow fearing for her cubs, or may emit stressed or erratic behavior before charging.
There is no guaranteed lifesaving method of reacting to an aggressive bear. Some behavior patterns have proven more successful in close encounters than others. Take a calm assured posture. A firm voice and gradual departure are better than a retreat in panic. Include the nature of your surroundings in your reaction.
As a last resort, lie face down, protect your neck with your hands and arms, and don't move. This requires considerable courage, but resistance would be futile. Numerous incidents exist where a bear has sniffed and departed without serious injury.
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