Bridger-Teton National Forest Guide
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Spread across 3.4 million acres and nestled between Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, Bridger-Teton National Forest offers plenty of outdoor adventure. Activities at the forest include backpacking, camping, fishing, boating, hiking, and biking set among the stunning backdrop of mountains and vast meadows. The forest is open for activities like cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice fishing in the winter months. From the adventure seeker to the casual hiker, Bridger-Teton National Forest is a premier outdoor destination for every traveler.
RV Rentals Near Bridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest Hiking Trails
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Josie's Ridge
This challenging trail leads hikers from an elevation of 6,157 to 7,700 feet. The climb is steep, but those who tackle the challenge are rewarded with stunning views of the Teton Range. In addition to forested sections and spectacular views, the trail also winds through more open landscapes dotted with sagebrush and wildflowers.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Cottonwood Creek Trail
The Cottonwood Creek Trail winds through wooded hills, following the path of the sparkling creek. Hikers will be treated to diverse landscapes as they make their way along the forest path that sometimes traverses the creek bottoms before venturing further up into the forested hills. The trail crosses the creek at several locations along the way, so hikers should bring appropriate footwear for crossing the creek and exercise caution during the spring runoffs.
Length: 10.62 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Arrow Trail
Follow the Arrow Trail as it winds through a mixture of open meadows filled with wildflowers and thick forests filled with aspen and towering pine trees. Along the way, visitors will enjoy stunning vistas of nearby ridges and distant mountain ranges. Because this trail is designated for hikers and mountain bikers, the path is generally smooth, and creek crossings feature small log-constructed bridges.
Length: 4.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Black Canyon Trail
This trail leads hikers from the Teton Pass to the Black Canyon Overlook. The hike features moderate climbs through open meadows and along ridgelines. Hikers can glimpse views of Jackson Hole and the Gros Ventre Mountain Range from the path along the ridge to the Black Canyon Overlook. The overlook itself is the summit of Mount Elly; from there, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking vistas encompassing the Black Canyon and the Snake River Range.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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History Trail
Take a hike along an old wagon road that once led settlers and pioneers through Wyoming. The History path crosses through forests and open meadows, guiding visitors along a scenic path dotted with historic artifacts along the way. Look for the old tractor, the Reed Hotel Rock, and the remains of the old sawmill that once stood along the trail.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Shoal Falls Trail
Follow this trail through a mixture of forests and wide-open meadows teeming with wildflower and sagebrush. As you hike toward the ridgeline, you'll enjoy views of the Open Door and Corner Peak. Following the ridgeline, the trail comes to the Shoal Falls overlook. You can see the falls and the upper drainage area from the overlook before descending through a path of wildflowers on your way to the creek crossing.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Bridger-Teton National Forest
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Identifying Flora and Fauna
The Bridger-Teton National Forest features diverse landscapes and habitats that support abundant plant and animal life. The forest is home to large swaths of pine and aspen trees while the meadows burst with wildflowers and sagebrush. Wildlife is abundant among the forest's lush landscapes. Some of the more frequently spotted animals in the forest include bison, black bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and eagles.
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Fishing
With thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams, Bridger-Teton National Forest offers world-class fishing opportunities. Trout is abundant in the rivers and streams of the forest. Avid fly fishers should visit the Snake River and try their hand at catching one of the native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat Trout. For those visitors who prefer fishing in colder weather, Bridger-Teton National Forest offers several options for ice fishing.
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Geocaching
Geocaching at Bridger-Teton National Forest is allowed outside the boundaries of designated wilderness, national scenic, and historic areas. Geocaches must not disturb any of the natural landscape or any other natural resource within the forest. Geocache hunters should, instead, look for and leave their caches behind natural formations like trees or rocks.
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Nature and Bird Watching
The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers breathtaking scenery and is home to a diverse population of wildlife. Walk the ridgelines and take in stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Bird lovers will want to spend some time at one of the many waterways to watch over 355 species of birds at home in the forest. Hikers often spot bighorn sheep, bison, black bears, and even moose in the backcountry. Keen-eyed visitors might even be lucky enough to spot the rare and protected trumpeter swans that call the forest home.
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Stargazing
The Bridger-Teton National Forest offers incredible stargazing opportunities. For a clear view of the galaxy spreading out overhead, hike into the backcountry and camp under the open sky. With little light pollution from nearby communities, the sky is dark enough to showcase the breathtaking wonders of the Milky Way.
How to get to Bridger-Teton National Forest
Address: Hwy 26/287 Moran, WY 83013
Fee: Entry fee $0
With over 3 million acres of wilderness, an RV trip offers travelers a convenient and comfortable way to explore everything the Bridger-Teton National Forest has to offer. Regardless of whether you prefer active adventures like rock climbing or quiet days spent nestled in a bed of wildflowers alongside a clear mountain stream, the Bridger-Teton National Forest is the place to recharge and revitalize yourself.