A few years ago when we were visiting Yosemite National Park, we spoke with a Park Ranger who told us something that has stuck with us ever since…
He told us that 90% of visitors to National Parks never get further than a hundred feet from their cars. This means that as crowded as the National Parks can get, there are lots of trails and land that rarely get explored.
This has absolutely changed the way we visit National Parks. We still like to visit the classic viewpoints and get “that shot” everybody gets. I mean, you gotta, right?! But now, we always try to get a backcountry permit too and get off the path most traveled… err, hiked.
If you’ve got the time (and the know how!), we’d highly recommend putting backcountry camping on your Grand Teton itinerary.
First, know that you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit, and you’ll need to carry a bear canister to keep all of your food and toiletries. You can bring your own (this is the one we have), or you can rent one free of charge at the same place you get your permit.
It is possible to reserve your backcountry permit online, but there are limited permits available and you must know your exact dates. The fee for this is $45, and permits for the summer season are typically on sale between January and May.
Alternatively, you can get your permit in person on a first-come, first-served basis. During the height of summer (July and August), there is stiff competition for these permits, so come early.
For reference, we arrived at 7 a.m. and there were 12 parties ahead of us in line. The visitors center opened at 9 a.m.
You can get your backcountry permits at the following places:
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Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center
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Colter Bay Visitor Center
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Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Wilderness permits cost $35, whether you’re doing one night or five.
Important: You’ll also want to carry bear spray if you go into the backcountry.
Below are some of the best places for backcountry hiking and camping:
Paintbrush Canyon
Pass by sandy beaches and incredible views of Lake Solitude and String Lake. This well-maintained loop trail, located near Moose, Wyoming, offers plenty of activity options and can be completed in one very long day or stretched out over multiple days.
Death Canyon Shelf
Not quite as popular as some of the other trails, Death Canyon is somewhat of a hidden gem offering classic Tetons scenery in a lake-dotted basin. This hike is best when completed in 3 days.
Teton Crest Trail
You’ll have to take the gondola from Teton Village to start this trail which begins by following the Cirque Trail and links up with the Rendezvous Trail and ultimately runs into the Teton Crest Trail. This moderately-trafficked hike is a great way to peep wildflowers in bloom and there is no shortage of stunning views. Most people complete this trail in 4-6 days.
Marian Lake
If you’re looking for a 2-day/1-night backcountry trip, this trail may be one of your only options, as most of the permits for other trails will be already reserved by those on longer backcountry trips.
We were disappointed when all the other trails we’d researched had already been reserved (even though we arrived at dawn to wait in line for permits). This ended up being our only option, and we were pleasantly surprised. We didn’t cross paths with a single other hiker, and the area was filled with wildflower blooms.
Go for a ride… a bike ride that is
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