Wilderness Trip Planning

Backpackers make a split decision.

NPS

 

 

Campsite Maps and Trail Information

 

Wilderness Map & Site Codes

Look through Glacier's Wilderness Map to find site codes, site opening dates, and special considerations for each wilderness camping location.

KMZ, GPX, and GPS Data

Import the KMZ or GPX files for wilderness campgrounds, trailheads, and trails into your preferred mapping programs (Google Earth, Cal Topo, etc.) to aid in planning your trip.

• Wilderness Campgrounds
  KMZ file
  GPX file
• Trailheads
  KMZ file
  GPX file
• Trails
  KMZ file

GPS data points are also available.

Trail and Campsite Conditions and Closures

Trail and site conditions change frequently, but our Trail Status Reports page offers both seasonal generalizations as well as specific trail and campsite condition and closure updates throughout the summer season. It is always good practice to check this page when planning your itinerary as well as throughout the week leading up to your trip start date.

Trail status reports offer specific details about a given trail on a given date. However, Glacier's wilderness is vast and some trail status reports may not be updated for several weeks, or even months for lesser used trails. For this reason, trail status reports only offer a snapshot of trail conditions and should be used in conjunction with other tools such as weather reports, prior backpacking experience in Glacier, and assessment of your own backpacking skill level.

Hazardous or emergency conditions may make it necessary to close a trail segment. These closures may effect your planned itinerary. Should you already be on trail at the time of a closure on your itinerary, wilderness rangers will make an effort to contact you to let you know your options and assist with route changes. It may take a while for everyone to be contacted. Never enter a closed trail, even if it was part of your planned itinerary.

 

Suggested Gear Lists

 

Items to Carry on Every Trip Into Glacier's Wilderness

• Bear Spray
• Topographic map
• Compass and/or GPS device
• First Aid Kit
• High-calorie food
• Shelter
• Sleeping bag and pad
• Appropriate footwear
• Wool or synthetic clothing to layer (dry clothes to sleep in)
• Rain jacket and pants
• Lightweight camp shoe
• Footwear for stream crossings
• A weatherproof food and garbage hanging bag
• 25 feet of rope for hanging food and garbage
• Water container and water filter
• Campstove and fuel
• Emergency signaling device
• Insect repellent

Additional Gear Recommended for a Winter Trip

• Clothing appropriate for below zero temperatures as well as up to 50° F.
• Cross-country skis or snowshoes for travel over deep snowpack, and emergency repair parts for such gear.
• For uphill travel, skis with ski skins.
• Avalanche transceivers, probe poles, and shovels if traveling on steeper terrain or in higher elevations.
• Self-contained campstove not requiring dead, downed wood for fuel
• Four-season sleeping bag and insulated pad.

See our Winter Wilderness Camping page for more detail on winter camping in Glacier.

 

Staying Safe in the Wilderness

There are many potential hazards facing backpackers in Glacier's wilderness. Learn more about each of them on our Safety page.

 

Transportation and Trip Support Options

 

Glacier's Shuttle System

From early July to Labor Day, free park shuttles run along Going-to-the-Sun Road between Apgar Visitor Center and St. Mary Visitor Center, stopping at many trailheads along the way. Check out the Going-to-the-Sun Road Shuttle Service page for details on shuttle stops and current services.

Trip Support

Glacier Guides offers an array of trip-support services, such as:

• Guided group half-day, full-day, overnight hikes and chalet hikes.
• Guided private, custom departure trips.
• Porter services to deliver your gear to backcountry campsites or chalets.
• Equipment rental in West Glacier.

Swan Mountain Outfitters offers drop-camp service using stock to pack your gear into certain sites. A backcountry permit is required.


Contact information for both companies can be found on our Guided Hiking page.
Information regarding the use of stock in wilderness can be found on our Private Stock Use page.

 

Additional Resources

• 

  How to Get a Wilderness Permit

  Learn how to get a wilderness camping permit.

• 

  Wilderness Camping Advance Reservations

  Learn the steps to secure an advance reservation wilderness camping permit, from start to finish.

• 

  Leave No Trace

  Learn how practicing Leave No Trace ethics protects Glacier's beauty for all.