Glacier is a backpacking paradise. The park consistently ranks as one of the most popular backpacking parks in the NPS. Famous for its towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and its 700+ miles of trails, this amazing place is growing in popularity each year.

Many resources are available online for backcountry users to plan their trips. The most important is the Backcountry Guide that is available as a PDF file. In addition to the Backcountry Guide we also have Trail Status Reports, Advance Reservation Availability Calendars, a Walk-in Availability Chart, Backcountry Campground GPS Data, and a Backcountry Blog.

Follow the steps below to start planning your next adventure.

Glacier National Park's current Backcountry Camping Guide is now available online as a PDF document. Please read through the entire Guide. Changes may effect your planned route. Incorrectly completed applications will be returned unprocessed, decreasing your chances of obtaining your planned trip.

Backcountry Camping Guide 2009 PDF file - 1.3Mb

• Advance Reservation Availability
  Wouldn't it be nice to know if the sites you want were available to reserve in advance? This link will take you to a map of the park. Click on any campground to see a calendar with green squares indicating how many of the sites are still available.

  The calendar will be accurate by the middle of May once the advance reservation lottery has been processed. Check the date at the top to make sure the calendar is current.

• Trail Status Reports
  As backcountry rangers and trail crews return from patrols and maintenance activities they update our Trail Status Database. That information is posted to the website every morning, supplying the most up-to-date information possible on trails.
  Updated May through November

• Walk-in Availability
  What's available tonight? This link will take you to the Daily Backcountry Availability Chart to see what's available for trips starting less than 24 hours in advance. The dates are listed in green at the top of the chart. The numbers below indicate how many sites are available for a "walk-in" permit. Check the date at the top to make sure the chart is current.

• Backcountry Campground GPS Data
  A PDF file of coordinates to all the backcountry campgrounds.

• Backcountry Blog
  Read reports and backcountry news from some of our Backcountry Rangers

David Restivo and Bill Hayden, NPS

Glacier's Backcountry

Summer Backcountry Camping
This 14 minute video is an essential tool to plan a successful overnight experience in the park. Day-hikers and the casual visitor to Glacier will also enjoy this introduction to the wilds of one of the most spectacular and wild areas in the world.

• QuickTime files
  Small version - 160 x 120 pixels - 10.7Mb
  Medium version - 320 x 240 pixels - 16.1Mb

Winter Backcountry Camping Video
This video will aid in planning a successful winter overnight experience in the park. Park visitors not planning on this level of extreme winter recreation will appreciate the challenges highlighted in this short vignette into Glacier's winter.

• QuickTime files
  Small version - 160 x 120 pixels - 7.5Mb
  Medium version - 320 x 240 pixels - 11.7Mb

Bear Safety in Glacier National Park
Park Wildlife Biologist John Waller explains about bear behavior and how to hike and travel safer on the trails in Glacier National Park. Learn why it's not a good idea to walk quietly and how best to react to a surprise encounter with one of the parks largest and most magnificent residents.

• QuickTime files
  Small version - 160 x 120 pixels - 5.4Mb
  Medium version - 320 x 240 pixels - 8.2Mb

Step 4 - Apply for a backcountry permit

The application may be filled out online and printed or printed and filled out by hand. In either case mail or FAX the completed application to:
Backcountry Reservations
Glacier National Park
West Glacier, MT 59936

406-888-5819

Backcountry Camping Permit Application