Backcountry Permits
Wyoming Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in Wyoming. Wyoming wilderness includes the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Yellowstone/Grand Teton NPS backcountry. Yellowstone requires advance backcountry permits for all overnight use. The Bridger Wilderness has a lottery for popular Wind River Range corridors.
USFS / NPS (multiple agencies)
Lottery System Active
Bear Canister Required
Fire Permit Required
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
$15
per person
Lottery?
Yes
January–March (Bridger Wilderness popular corridors)
Self-Issue?
Yes
35% of areas
Wilderness Acres
3.1M
15 designated areas
Permit System
Wyoming Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in Wyoming, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USFS / NPS (multiple agencies)
- Official Site
Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Book online →
Reservation Window
Up to 180 days in advance (approximately 6 months)
Lottery System
Lottery Active
Application window: January–March (Bridger Wilderness popular corridors)
Daily Quota
Varies by trailhead and area - check permit system for current quotas
Self-Issue Permits
Available
Available at approximately 35% of areas - fill out permit at trailhead kiosk; no advance reservation needed
Popular Areas
Wind River Range (Bridger Wilderness), Yellowstone Backcountry, Grand Teton Wilderness, Cloud Peak Wilderness, Teton Wilderness
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
Wyoming Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
$15.00
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
180d
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Required - hard-sided bear canister (or bear box) mandatory for food, scented items, and trash. Approved canisters include BearVault, Garcia, Counter Assault, and others. Check specific area for approved list.
Fire Permit
Required - obtain a free fire permit before any open flame on federal land outside developed campgrounds.
Check notes below for seasonal restrictions.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
Wyoming Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in Wyoming
Total Wilderness Acres
3,100,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in Wyoming.
Designated Areas
15
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in Wyoming.
Important Notes
Wyoming-Specific Wilderness Rules
Bear canisters required in all Yellowstone backcountry zones. Campfire restrictions apply throughout Yellowstone year-round — wood fires prohibited in most backcountry zones. Yellowstone permits must be reserved on recreation.gov — same-day walk-up permits available at permit offices when not sold out.
Source: USFS / NPS (multiple agencies) (www.fs.usda.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently - always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.