Fishing
A Wyoming state fishing license is required to fish in the park. There are established creel limits. For specific fishing rules and regulations ask for the Fishing brochure. Fishing licenses are available at the Colter Bay, Moose, Flagg Ranch and Signal Mountain camp stores.

Click here to view Fishing Map

Boating
All vessels must be registered with the park annually. A fee is required. Permits may be purchased at the Moose or Colter Bay Visitor Centers. Lakeshore campsites are located on Jackson Lake and Leigh Lake. Camping is not permitted on the Snake river. For specific information regarding the use of watercraft in the park ask for the Boating brochure.

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. Ask for the Stock Use brochure.

Stay Limits
Campers may stay in a camping zone or designated sites for two consecutive nights. On Jackson Lake the limit is 3 nights. Between June 1 and September 15 campers may stay in the backcountry a maximum of 10 nights. In winter, the length of stay is 5 nights in one site.

Maps and Books
Maps and guidebooks are available from the Grand Teton Natural History Association, a non-profit organization that supports the interpretive, educational, and scientific programs in the park. Call 307- 739-3403 for details. This table characterizes the lower elevation areas of the park. Most of the park is at higher elevations and temperatures will average at least 5 degrees colder. Precipitation will be much greater; the precipitation on the high windward slopes can be expected to be twice that shown here. Be aware that mountain weather changes quickly. Check the weather forecast before starting your trip in the backcountry.

Managing Backcountry Use
The permit system helps ensure protection of park resources while providing a quality backcountry experience. In popular areas, designated campsites are selected for their durability and are spread apart to minimize disturbance to other campers. Canyons that receive less use are divided into camping zones. A limited number of people are allowed to camp in each zone.

Leave No Trace

• No trace means not leaving litter, scraps of food, fire rings, buried trash, or toilet paper.
• Camp in designated sites where required. In camping zones, where improved sites are not provided use an existing bare ground site at least 200 feet from water and out of sight and sound of others if possible.
• In pristine areas camp on a durable surface such as rock, snow, or bare ground. Dry grass or bare duff can stand a little use, but wildflowers and shrubs are fragile. In any camp, pick bare rock or ground for social gathering and cooking.
• One foot leaves little trace, but many feet combined degrade resources quickly. Stay on existing trails. Feet trample plants and compact soil, leading to erosion. Be sure not to trample new areas. One misplaced step can destroy a tiny 100-year-old plant.
• Shortcutting switchbacks causes erosion and is prohibited.
• Where no trail exists, walk abreast, not single file. It’s better to trample many plants a little than a few plants a lot. Walk on rock, snow, or non-vegetated surfaces when possible.
• Be aware that loud voices and radios disturb those who are seeking solitude.
• Your camping impact, added to everyone else’s, can remove vegetation from an area.
• Removing flowers, plants, rocks and other natural or cultural objects is prohibited. Please leave them for others to enjoy.
• Strive to avoid resource damage, and be aware that past damage must be remedied. You may see trails rerouted or campsites closed so scars from overuse may heal. Please respect these efforts by staying out of closed areas and by using existing trails. Please help keep Grand Teton’s backcountry looking “grand.” The scenery that you came here to experience needs to be preserved for your next visit and for generations to come.

Water
Giardia, campylobacter and other harmful organisms that cause intestinal disorders with severe diarrhea can be transmitted through untreated water. To be certain that your water is safe, treat backcountry water by boiling or filtering with a portable water filter.

Sanitation
Prevent contaminated waterways. Urinate at least 200 feet away from any water source in rocky places that won’t be damaged by animals digging for the salts and minerals found in human urine. Bury feces in soil 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, and wetlands. Pack out toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag or use natural options such as rocks, snow, or vegetation. Store used tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers in sealed plastic bags.

<-- Previous | Next -->