Grand Teton Climbing (Overnight) Permit
Grand Teton National Park · Wyoming
Backcountry camping permit for overnight climbs of the Grand Teton. Day climbs do NOT require a permit. No lottery: about a third of sites are reservable in advance on Recreation.gov starting early January, and the rest are walk-up permits issued one day before your trip.
Get an alert when a night opens on your Grand Teton dates.
When it opens
- 1 day
- First come, first served from one day before your entry dateThe remaining sitesYou book on Recreation.gov.
Source: recreation.gov
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Grand Teton were gone within 10 minutes.
Grand Teton reservation dates
- Season
- June to September
- max group size
- 6people
How to get a Grand Teton permit
As of September 2026, Grand Teton in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming requires a permit issued via reservation. Grand Teton is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Grand Teton permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The permit season for Grand Teton runs June through September.
- Type
- Mountaineering
- Location
- WY
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Grand Teton pro tips
- Camp at Lower Saddle the night before your summit attempt
- The Exum Ridge is a bucket-list route for alpine climbers
- Consider hiring Exum Mountain Guides for your first Grand Teton climb
- Pick up permits at Jenny Lake Ranger Station (required June-September)
More on Grand Teton: Live availability activityWhen Grand Teton permits open upChance of an openingDo I need a Grand Teton permit?
The Grand Teton climb
Grand Teton landmarks
- 1Trailhead
Starting point for Owen-Spalding. Elevation: 6,775 ft.
- 2Lower Saddle
Primary bivy site with flat tent platforms
- 3Summit
Summit of Grand Teton at 13,775 ft.
About this permit
The Grand Teton offers world-class granite climbing just a short approach from the valley floor. The Exum Ridge is considered one of the finest alpine rock routes in North America. Guided services from Exum Mountain Guides have operated here since 1931.
Grand Teton climb highlights
- Technical rock climbing (5th class)
- Significant exposure on all routes
- High camp at Lower Saddle (11,600 ft)
- Early morning summit push
Summit information
Grand Teton
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Base Camp
Technical Gear Required
How hard the Grand Teton climb is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills5/5
- Exposure RiskSteep dropoffs and fall potential5/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity3/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Technical climbers comfortable with roped glacier travel and alpine rock.
Recommended experience: Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
Not recommended for: Hikers uncomfortable with exposure or scrambling.
When to climb Grand Teton
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
62°
35°
Wed
66°
42°
Thu
65°
42°
Fri
66°
46°
Sat
69°
45°
Sun
72°
44°
Mon
70°
52°
Grand Teton rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Day climbs do NOT require permit
- 02Overnight climbs require backcountry camping permit
- 03Bear canisters required for overnight
- 04Pick up all permits at Jenny Lake Ranger Station
Hazards & considerations
- Rockfall
- Exposure (long falls possible)
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Snow on routes early season
Mountaineering resources
Guide Services
Guides recommended for first-time climbers. Find authorized guide services.
Authorized guide services:
- The ranger station has the current list
- Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
- Climbing shoes/approach shoes
- Harness
- Rope
- Rock protection
- Helmet
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- Route status (open/closed/caution)
- Snow level elevation
- Crevasse and glacier conditions
- Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- Current danger level
- Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- Travel advice
- Links to regional avalanche centers
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Grand Teton.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Grand Teton · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Grand Teton FAQ
Do I need a permit to climb the Grand Teton?
Day climbs do NOT require a permit. Only overnight climbs (camping at Lower Saddle or elsewhere) require a backcountry camping permit.
Is there a lottery for the Grand Teton overnight permit?
No. About a third of Grand Teton backcountry sites are reservable in advance on Recreation.gov starting in early January, and the remaining two-thirds are walk-up permits issued first-come, first-served starting one day before your trip.
What is the easiest route up the Grand Teton?
The Owen-Spalding route at Class 5.4 is the easiest technical route. It requires roped climbing skills but is the most accessible for intermediate climbers.
Grand Teton route conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Grand Teton permit
Where to stay near Grand Teton
- Jenny Lake CampgroundGrand Teton National Park
- Signal Mountain CampgroundGrand Teton National Park
- Colter Bay Marina End Ties campgroundGrand Teton National Park
- All Wyoming campgrounds
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