The Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Office is the central hub for planning and obtaining permits for overnight and day trips into the park’s vast and breathtaking backcountry. Whether you’re an experienced wilderness adventurer or a first-time explorer, understanding the requirements and processes for securing a backcountry permit is essential for a successful and safe journey through Yellowstone’s untamed landscapes.
Requirements for Obtaining a Backcountry Permit
To access the Yellowstone National Park backcountry, visitors must obtain a permit from the Backcountry Office. Here are the key requirements you need to know:
Permit Types
- Day Ride Permits: Required for day trips with stock (horses, mules, llamas).
- Overnight Permits: Required for all overnight stays in the backcountry.
Permit Fees
- Recreation Fee: $5 per person, per night, plus a $10 reservation fee. This fee applies year-round.
- Stock Parties: $5 per person, per night, with no cap on the group fee.
- Annual Backcountry Pass: Available for individuals taking multiple or extended trips.
Reservations
- Advance Reservations: Available for approximately three-quarters of backcountry campsites. Reservations must be made at least three days in advance of the trip start date and can be booked online or in person.
- Walk-up Permits: Available on a first-come, first-served basis at a Yellowstone Backcountry Office.
- Early Access Lottery: An optional lottery for peak season permits, which requires a $10 non-refundable application fee.
Backcountry Office Locations and Hours
- Mammoth Backcountry Office: Open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, located in the Albright Visitor Center.
- Tower Backcountry Office: Open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- Other Offices: Located at Bridge Bay Ranger Station, Grant Village Visitor Center, Snake River Ranger Station, Bechler Ranger Station, and West Yellowstone Visitor Information Center.
Campsite Information
- Designated Campsites: 293 campsites with maximum limits for people and stock per night. The maximum stay per campsite varies from 1 to 3 nights per trip.
- Food Storage: Food storage poles or boxes are provided at each campsite to secure food and attractants from bears.
Checking Availability of Backcountry Campsites
Securing a backcountry campsite in Yellowstone National Park can be a competitive process, especially during peak visitation seasons. Here are the primary ways to check availability and book your reservation:
- Online Reservations: Visit Recreation.gov to check availability and make reservations for backcountry campsites.
- Backcountry Office: Contact the Central Backcountry Office at 307-344-2160 or visit in person to inquire about campsite availability.
- Backcountry Trip Planner: Use the Yellowstone National Park’s online trip planner to map out your route and check the availability of campsites along your desired itinerary.
Additional Tips for Backcountry Trips
To ensure a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience in Yellowstone, consider the following additional tips:
- Trail Conditions: Check the Backcountry Conditions page on the Yellowstone National Park website for up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, and potential hazards.
- Weather and Safety: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Yellowstone backcountry. Carry appropriate gear and familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols.
- Permit Conversion: If you have a reservation, be sure to convert it to a permit in person at a backcountry office no more than two days before your trip start date.
By understanding the requirements and processes for obtaining a backcountry permit in Yellowstone National Park, you can ensure a safe, memorable, and awe-inspiring adventure through one of America’s most iconic wilderness areas.
References:
– https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/situationreport.htm
– https://www.yellowstone.co/backcountry.htm
– https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/backcountryhiking.htm
– https://www.nps.gov/places/west-yellowstone-vic-backcountry-office.htm
– https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675323