Glacier National Park Backcountry Permits: How to Get One
Glacier National Park backcountry permits are advance reservations on Recreation.gov, allocated by two early access draws in March and then sold to everyone from May 1. NPS holds about 30% of sites parkwide for walk-ups, so there is still a way into the Crown of the Continent after the draw is over.
Glacier sells this as one parkwide permit. Recreation.gov lists it as the Glacier National Park Wilderness Permit (permit 4675321) — same permit, same March lottery, same walk-up share described on this page.
Glacier National Park Wilderness permit alertsThis guide covers the Glacier National Park Wilderness permit.
Glacier backcountry permits at a glance
How the agency describes it
“Glacier National Park will implement two early access lotteries for wilderness camping using the Recreation.gov wilderness camping permits online platform. … There is a $10 non-refundable lottery application fee. … Approximately 30% of all sites parkwide are set aside for walk-up campers.”
National Park Service, Glacier backcountry reservations, read on September 4, 2026. Open the official permit page, which carries this season’s exact dates.
70%
Sites Reservable
30%
Held for Walk-ups
$7/nt
Per Person
Jun-Oct
Season
Yes
Grizzly Country
This Is Grizzly Country
Glacier has one of the highest grizzly bear densities in the Lower 48. Bear encounters are common. Carry bear spray on your hip (not in your pack), make noise, travel in groups of 3+, and store food properly. This isn't optional — it's essential for your safety and the bears' wellbeing.
Two Ways to Get a Permit
Advance Lottery
Best odds • March
of capacity distributed through this lottery
Opens mid-March (around March 15)
Results announced mid-April
Apply via Recreation.gov for June-October
Walk-Up Permits
Day-before option • In person
of capacity held for walk-up distribution
Available starting at 8am the day before
Apgar, St. Mary, Two Medicine, Polebridge stations
Arrive by 7am for popular zones on summer weekends
Key Dates
Lottery Timeline
Season Info
Popular Backcountry Zones
Many Glacier
Most Competitive
The crown jewel. Dramatic peaks, glacier views, abundant wildlife.
- • Granite Park Chalet area
- • Ptarmigan Tunnel
- • Grinnell Glacier Overlook
Two Medicine
Moderate Competition
Less crowded but equally beautiful. Great for solitude seekers.
- • Dawson-Pitamakan Loop
- • Cobalt Lake
- • Upper Two Medicine Lake
North Fork
Lower Competition
Remote and wild. Fewer amenities but true wilderness.
- • Bowman Lake
- • Kintla Lake
- • Boulder Pass
Get Glacier Backcountry Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
5 Strategies to Increase Your Odds
Apply for Less Popular Zones
Many Glacier and the Highline corridor are most competitive. Two Medicine, North Fork, and eastern areas have better odds.
Target Weekdays
Friday and Saturday night permits are most competitive. Tuesday-Thursday starts have significantly better availability.
Consider Shoulder Season
Early June (snow may remain) and late September-October (cold but beautiful) have lower demand than peak summer.
Try Walk-Up Permits
30% of all sites parkwide are held for walk-ups. Arrive at permit stations by 7am with flexible dates and itineraries.
Monitor Cancellations
Cancelled permits return to Recreation.gov. Weather forecasts create openings throughout the season. PermitSnag monitors 24/7.
Classic Backpacking Routes
Highline Trail to Granite Park
The signature Glacier hike. Can be done as a strenuous day hike or overnight.
11.8 mi
One-way
800 ft ↑
2,400 ft ↓
Garden Wall
Dramatic traverse
Glacier views
Grinnell overlook
Dawson-Pitamakan Loop
Two Medicine area circuit with stunning mountain scenery and fewer crowds.
18.8 mi
Loop
2,900 ft
Elevation gain
2 passes
Above 7,500 ft
2-3 days
Recommended
Northern Circle
Multi-day traverse combining Highline and Northern Highline.
52+ mi
Total
5-7 days
Recommended
Multi-zone
Permit each camp
Epic
Experience level
Bear Safety Essentials
Carry bear spray
On your hip or chest, not in pack. Know how to use it.
Make noise
Talk, clap, use bells. Surprise encounters are most dangerous.
Travel in groups
Groups of 3+ have significantly fewer bear incidents.
Store food properly
Use food lockers at camps or approved bear canisters.
Never approach bears
Keep 100 yards distance. Use binoculars or telephoto.
Know what to do
Stand your ground, speak calmly, don't run. Use spray at 30 ft.
Pro Tips from Glacier Veterans
Rain gear is mandatory
Mountain weather changes fast. Hypothermia is possible even in July.
Check trail status
Many trails have snow into July. Rangers have current conditions.
Start early
Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Get your miles in before noon.
Don't skip the Highline
Even if you can't overnight, the day hike is world-class.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Access
Many Glacier and Logan Pass trailheads require driving Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR):
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Glacier backcountry permit lottery open?
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The Glacier National Park advance permit lottery typically opens in mid-March for the summer season. Applications are accepted through late March/early April. Results are announced in April.
What are the odds of getting a Glacier backcountry permit?
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Glacier does not publish a success rate for its advance lottery, so any percentage you see quoted for it is somebody's estimate. What the park does publish is the split: approximately 30% of all sites parkwide are set aside for walk-up campers, leaving the rest for advance reservations. Walk-up permits are available starting at 8am the day before your trip, and popular zones like Many Glacier go first.
Is bear spray required in Glacier National Park?
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Bear spray is not legally required but is strongly recommended and considered essential by rangers and experienced hikers. Glacier is home to both grizzly and black bears. Carry bear spray accessible on your hip or chest, not in your pack.
When is the best time to backpack in Glacier?
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Mid-July through mid-September offers the best conditions. Earlier dates may have snow on high passes. Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens late June to mid-October. Late September brings beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds.
Do I need a timed entry reservation for Glacier National Park?
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Glacier requires timed entry reservations for the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor from late May through early September. Backcountry permit holders are exempt from this requirement. Check the park website for current year policies.
Don't Miss Your Glacier Backcountry Permit
Cancellations happen throughout the season. PermitSnag monitors Glacier backcountry availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
