CUA: Overnight Hiking/ Camping- Backcountry

Park Specific Stipulations: Overnight Hiking/ Camping- Backcountry

Permitted Activities

Guided backpacking and basecamping are authorized by this permit.

• Guided backpacking is defined as hiking and camping in a different location each night.
• Basecamping is defined as setting up a camp in one location, day hiking from the location, and returning to the camp for overnight stay(s).

Authorized Areas

1980 Park and Preserve Additions which includes Backcountry Units 40-43, and 61-85.

Group Size

Total group size is 12, inclusive of CUA holder and employees (guides).

Guide Certification

• Basic first-aid, CPR, and Leave No Trace certifications are required for Denali CUA holders.
• At least one guide on each trip must have a current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.

Safety and Resource Protection

• An electric bear fence in proper working order must be placed around a basecamp. The fence must be tested twice daily.
• All tents, tarps, and campsites in the Backside Lake area must be located at least 100 yards from and out of sight from the lake.
• Participants are required to use Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee approved Bear Resistant Food Containers (BRFC).
• Tents must be removed from the backcountry when not in use overnight.

Leave No Trace:

• Hiking activity near Backside Lake (in the recent moraine areas with gravely soil and pioneer vegetation) shall take place on routes designated with existing unobtrusive small rock cairns. These routes must be minimized and not expanded.
• Hiking activity away from Backside Lake (the older alpine meadow vegetation) shall be dispersed to the greatest degree possible to prevent the formation of newly created social trails and minimize resource damage at camping areas.
• If the NPS detects visitor-created social trails or resource damage at camping areas away from the lake, the NPS will seek to apply measures to limit the impacts to the area.
• Camping and hiking must be done on durable surfaces whenever possible.
• If a non-durable surface is used for camping it must not be used more than twice per season.

Additional Regulations and Considerations

For 2025, Backside Lake Basecamping will be restricted to the following dates:

• June 23rd– June 29th
• July 7th – July 13th
• July 21st – July 27th
• August 4th – August 10th
• August 18th – August 24th
• September 1st – September 4th

Unauthorized Activities

Tents must not be left unattended between trips.

Download or print these stipulations. CUA holders and their employees are responsible for knowing and following all rules.