So I do want a little organization and know what to expect as different people will have different schedules with flights in an out. Re: Chuck - yes I know only 1/3 are given away by reservations, but we are a group flying in from various corners - NY, NJ, IL, WA, IN, etc. I played around with the site a few weeks ago when we really started to get serious about planning the trip, but yes it is a good idea to sign up for an account beforehand and play with it some more - this is like buying Ticketmaster tix when a show goes onsale!

Re: permits - so if say we wanted to stay at Campsite A for 1 night and Campsite B for the second night I would sign up for two permits, Joe Smith for Campsite A on August 1st and Campsite B on August 2nd? And under the Joe Smith reservation I saw I could put in a total number of people under just that 1 name and adjust at the ranger station if needed? That is very helpful knowing I can make the 4 slots and let the chips fall where they may with my friends who are interested. This is all GREAT help so thank you all very much. The backcountry rangers at JL actually hike and climb in the park where as the Moose visitor center rangers are primarily shuffling people in and out.IMO If you have the choice, use the Jenny Lake ranger station rather than the Moose visitor center. So if you don't get one in advance don't sweat it! If you don't have a bear canister, they let you borrow one for free. There are old game trails to follow out if you choose this route.Īs far as permits, I've been spending time in the backcountry of that park over the last 15+ years and never went to the park with a permit in hand. Day 3 hike out Cascade Canyon unless of course you stayed at Snowdrift in which case you would hike out. Day 2 head past Sunset Lake, over Hurricane Pass and down in to the South Fork Cascade Canyon and camp for night 2 (or head up to Avalanche Divide and camp at Snowdrift Lake). Then head down in to the Alaska Basin and camp there. While you're there run up and bag the peak. It's a steep up for a minute, but again, some will do the Static Peak trip as a day hike. Shortly after you will see a trail (Stewart's Draw) that will lead you up to Static Peak Divide. Or depending on how many in your group, there is a site up at Mica Lake.Īnother great hike and one I would prefer over the Paintbrush loop would be to start at the Death Canyon TH and hike as far as the patrol cabin. Or if you want to do it as a 3 day trip camp in North Fork Cascade Canyon (stay as high in the zone as possible). You could camp at Grizzly Bear Lake the first night, then hike out the next day. There are a ton of other options (within the same route) if you can't obtain the requested permit. The next day up and over Paintbrush and hike out. The preferred way would be to start at String Lake TH and hike in to Paintbrush Canyon and camp at either Holly Lake or Upper Paintbrush camp zone.

However I would do it as an over-nighter and nothing more. Once we secure permits, will certainly follow up with a few more questions regarding planning.īelieve it or not some do the Paintbrush loop as a day hike. So that is why I am curious, do we need names when we sign up, or just a group leader and an amount of permits? Do you get a permit for the back country in general, or do we need a permit per campsite per night (we found 2 campsites on the path). Do the 1/3 advance permits sell out ASAP? Within a few weeks or months? When you get a permit do you get it per person, or John Smith party of 4 and you do not list all 4 member's names? We have 2 people confirmed and 4-5 people up in the air, so I figure to get 3-4 permits knowing we'll fill all 4 slots among our friends. Second - any insight into the permit system? I see it opens up first Wednesday in January. Staying away from the solstice weekend, but plan on going to the Tetons in late July/early August for a 3 day hiking trip.įirst was thinking about Paintbrush Divide/Cascade Canyon loop - any thoughts? Seems do-able as a 3 day/2 night trip and gives us some nice views and experiences within the park. 20+ years of hiking and camping experience, but planning my first backpacking trip for Summer 2017.

2 night camping paintbrush divide trail