Backcountry


Backcountry Regulations
Regulations are needed to protect resources and ensure a high quality backcountry experience. Your cooperation is needed in understanding and abiding by all park rules. Help eliminate the need for more restrictions by hiking and camping responsibly.

The following key regulations are strictly enforced.
Permits are required for all overnight stays. The permit is valid only for the location and dates indicated.

Campsite “improvements” such as the 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 them unattended. Downed and dead wood may be collected. Gas stoves are encouraged.

Pets, bicycles, wheeled vehicles, motorized equipment, weapons, and explosives including fireworks are not allowed in the backcountry.

Anglers must have a Wyoming State fishing license in possession.

Horse, mule and llama use is limited to established trails and stock camps. Use hitch rails where provided. Carry stock feed; grazing is not allowed.

Shortcutting trail switchbacks is prohibited.

Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Feeding wildlife interferes with their natural diet and is harmful to their health. Please don’t feed the animals.

This is bear country. Follow the food storage guidelines in the Bear Safety section.

Prevent pollution by not washing dishes or bathing in or near streams or lakes.

Carry out all trash and food scraps. When possible, carry out trash left by others. Never bury trash or attempt to burn aluminum.

Black bears and grizzly bears live in the park and parkway. Follow these guidelines to make your hike and camp safer. They are for your protection and for the preservation of the bears, one of the true signs of wild country.

Camping Zones
With a permit, you may stay within the indicated camping zone, unless assigned to a designated site.

  • Signs mark the beginning and end of each zone. If there are groupsites or improved campsites inside the zone, they are marked with signs.
  • In non-designated sites, camp out of sight of trails and other campers. Camp on previously impacted campsites.
  • Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams, where possible.
  • Group campsites may only be used by groups specifically assigned to them. Groupsites are marked with signs.
  • Fires are prohibited, use a stove.
  • Bears are common. Properly hang your food using the counter-balance method. Food storage poles or boxes are available at some sites.

Berry Creek, Webb Canyon & Canyons Without Trails
Bears, including grizzlies, are frequently observed in this area. Hiking includes difficult and dangerous stream crossings without bridges. Safe travel requires good physical condition and experience with map and compass. Hikers must be prepared for selfevacuation in case of problems. Horse and llama camping is permitted only at Hechtman Stock Camp.

Lower Paintbrush Canyon Zone
Begins 3 miles from the String Lake Parking Area below the first crossing of Paintbrush Creek. The upper camping zone boundary is 1.5 miles below the lower Holly Lake Trail Junction. The “Outlier” campsite is 1 mile below Holly Lake and is a designated site.

Upper Paintbrush Canyon Zone
Extends from 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.

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 Lake Solitude. Groupsite is 0.5 mile above the lower boundary of the zone on terraces east of the trail.

South Fork Cascade Zone
Begins 1 mile above the Cascade Canyon trail fork and ends 0.5 mile below Hurricane Pass. Groupsite is 1.75 miles above the trail fork, east of the trail.

Death Canyon Zone
Starts 4.5 miles from the Death Canyon Trailhead 1/4-mile above the bridge crossing of Death Canyon Creek. The lower zone 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. Groupsite is between the trail and creek, 2 miles west of the patrol cabin.

Death Canyon Shelf Zone
Extends from just above Fox Creek Pass to Mt. Meek Pass. Groupsite is 2 miles north of Fox Creek Pass.

Marion Lake Designated Sites
Three sites are just east of the lake. A spur trail leads east from the lake. Please camp on tent pads.

North Fork Granite Canyon Zone
Lower boundary is 0.25 mile above the Middle/North Fork trail junction. The upper boundary is where the trail crosses the North Fork Creek.

South-Middle Forks Zone
Lower boundary is 0.75 mile above the upper Middle/North Fork trail junction. 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. Groupsite is 4.6 miles from the top of the tram and 1.4 miles south of Marion Lake. Site is in trees 150 yards east of where the trail crosses the Middle Fork Creek.

Lower Granite Canyon
Upper boundary is just below the Middle/North Fork trail junction. Groupsite is south of the trail, 3.4 miles west of the Granite Canyon trail junction with the Valley Trail.

Mt. Hunt Divide Zone
Upper boundary is just south of Mt. Hunt Divide and extends down to 0.75 mile above the Granite Canyon trail.

Open Canyon Zone
Extends from where the trail crosses Open Canyon Creek to just north of Mt. Hunt Divide.

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