Remember when obtaining a wilderness permit for Glacier National Park was simply a matter of walking into a ranger station when an available site on a first-come, first-served basis? Oh for the good old days. In the last few years, you have to log into recreation.gov in the wee hours of March 15, pay a non-refundable fee, and pray that you are early enough to get your dream spot. Usually, you would sit in that dark office and cry softly in the blue monitor glow as you failed to be quick enough.

Now, the National Park Service has introduced more fun and games with an “early access” lottery for 3000 permits. Now your backcountry experience is a matter of gambler’s luck. The Park Service announced that there will be two lotteries, the first is for 5 permits for large groups on March 1st and the second will be held on March 15th for 3000 general permits. The lotteries are limited to one entry per person with a non-refundable $10 fee. If you’re lucky enough to obtain a permit, the fee covers your permit cost. The general sale period for wilderness permits begins May 1 when the horde descends on Recreation.gov.