Reservation8/10
Highline Trail
Walk the knife-edge of the Continental Divide along Glacier's famous Garden Wall...
View Highline Trail Permit permit details and availability
ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Glacier Backcountry Permit
Advance reservation for backcountry camping in the Crown of the Continent.
“Explore the Crown of the Continent—where glacially carved peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife create America's most dramatic mountain wilderness.”
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Glacier Backcountry Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh7/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level7/10
LocationNPS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
60 miles
Elevation Gain
10,000 ft
Route Type
Varies
Duration
3-7 days depending on route
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
4,800 - 8,100 ft
Highlights
- •High-altitude hiking with significant elevation change
- •Active grizzly bear habitat requiring constant awareness
- •Dramatic weather changes
- •Designated campgrounds with food-hanging cables
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through mid-September offers the most reliable conditions.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Grizzly bears—travel in groups, make noise
- !Rapidly changing weather
- !Stream crossings dangerous during snowmelt
- !Snow on passes into late July
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers comfortable in grizzly country and variable mountain weather.
Recommended Experience
Should have multi-day backpacking experience in mountainous terrain. Bear country experience highly recommended.
Not Recommended For
Those uncomfortable around bears, hikers who can't handle high-altitude terrain.
About This Permit
Glacier National Park's backcountry permit provides access to over 700 miles of trails through one of North America's most spectacular mountain wilderness areas.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Glacier National Park preserves one of the most intact ecosystems in the temperate world, home to grizzly bears, wolves, mountain goats, and dozens of other species.
The Route
Glacier offers countless multi-day possibilities. The Highline/Granite Park traverse hugs the Continental Divide with constant exposure and mountain goat encounters. The Two Medicine Dawson-Pitamakan Loop circles through dramatic passes with fewer crowds.
The Feeling
Standing on a windswept pass, you're surrounded by peaks that look freshly hewn from rock. Glaciers that shaped this landscape are visible on distant cirques, their retreat a reminder of change.
Rules & Regulations
- •Backcountry permit required for all overnight stays
- •70% via advance lottery (March application)
- •30% walk-in permits available
- •Bear spray strongly recommended
- •Campfires prohibited in all backcountry
Gear Checklist
Required
- Bear spray
- Rope for food hangs
- Rain gear and warm layers
- Water filter
- Navigation tools
Key Landmarks
↑
10,000ft
Gain↓
10,000ft
Loss⛰️
8,100ft
High📏
11.0mi
Distance📐
10.2%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•5 landmarks
Landmarks (5)
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Glacier Backcountry.
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Glacier Backcountry FAQ
How do I get a Glacier Backcountry permit?
Glacier Backcountry permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Glacier Backcountry?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Glacier Backcountry permit?
This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Glacier Backcountry permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from any camp east of the Continental Divide illuminates the peaks dramatically.
Best Light
Morning light creates the best conditions for photographing the distinctive red argillite rock.
Beat the Crowds
Two Medicine and Cut Bank areas see far fewer visitors than Logan Pass corridor.
Classic Shots
- 📍Grinnell Glacier from Grinnell Overlook
- 📍Mountain goats on Highline Trail
- 📍Hidden Lake from Logan Pass
- 📍Bearhat Mountain reflection
Other Glacier Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list