- Region
- WY, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Permits are required for group use and ove…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service — Bridger-Teton National Forest
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Photos of Bridger Wilderness
How to get there
Bridger Wilderness is in WY, USA, United States. Its center point is 42.9919, -109.5769. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WY, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
Landscape and trip character
Bridger Wilderness occupies the western side of the Continental Divide in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Its terrain combines jagged granite peaks, alpine forest, open meadows, and glacier-carved valleys. Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain, stands on the boundary with Fitzpatrick Wilderness. The wilderness forms headwaters of the Green River and holds more than 2,300 lakes and ponds, along with seven of the ten largest glaciers in the Lower 48. More than 600 miles of trails reach into this country, but trail mileage does not mean easy travel: steep terrain is common, and many trails primarily provide approaches to climbing routes. Plan around the terrain and elevation of a particular itinerary rather than treating the wilderness as one uniform hiking destination.
Season, elevation, and preparation
Elevation shapes nearly every trip here, with terrain ranging from about 8,000 feet to above 13,000 feet. Lower trails are normally open by late June, while snow commonly remains on high trails and passes until mid or late July. Those are general seasonal patterns, not assurances of clear travel; check current conditions before committing to a high crossing. Freezing temperatures can occur on any night of the year, even after a warm summer day, so carry insulation and a sleep system suited to cold nights. Allow time to acclimatize and take altitude illness seriously rather than pushing through symptoms. Mosquitoes and biting flies are troublesome in July and August. A tent with effective insect protection and repellent belong in a summer kit.
Wildlife, low-impact travel, and permits
Bridger Wilderness is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep among its wildlife. Plan food and attractant storage before leaving, and confirm current food-storage requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest. Give wildlife room and keep food away from animals. Above timberline, alpine plants are especially vulnerable to trampling, and damaged vegetation can take decades or longer to recover; stay on trails to limit that impact. Motorized and mechanized travel, including bicycles, is generally prohibited in wilderness. Permits are required for group use and overnight stock use in Bridger Wilderness. Confirm the requirements for the planned activity with the Forest Service, along with current conditions and applicable restrictions, before setting an itinerary.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Bridger Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 42.9919, -109.5769
- Latitude (DMS)
- 42° 59′ 30.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 109° 34′ 36.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Bridger Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Jim Bridger, certainly one of the most famous mountain men in American history, is memorialized by this popular Wilderness in the Wind River Range of western Wyoming. This rugged piece of the Rocky Mountains...
Key takeaways
- Region: WY, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 42.992, -109.577
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Bridger Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Animals around Bridger Wilderness
Landscape and trip character
Bridger Wilderness occupies the western side of the Continental Divide in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Its terrain combines jagged granite peaks, alpine forest, open meadows, and glacier-carved valleys. Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain, stands on the boundary with Fitzpatrick Wilderness. The wilderness forms headwaters of the Green River and holds more than 2,300 lakes and ponds, along with seven of the ten largest glaciers in the Lower 48. More than 600 miles of trails reach into this country, but trail mileage does not mean easy travel: steep terrain is common, and many trails primarily provide approaches to climbing routes. Plan around the terrain and elevation of a particular itinerary rather than treating the wilderness as one uniform hiking destination.
Season, elevation, and preparation
Elevation shapes nearly every trip here, with terrain ranging from about 8,000 feet to above 13,000 feet. Lower trails are normally open by late June, while snow commonly remains on high trails and passes until mid or late July. Those are general seasonal patterns, not assurances of clear travel; check current conditions before committing to a high crossing. Freezing temperatures can occur on any night of the year, even after a warm summer day, so carry insulation and a sleep system suited to cold nights. Allow time to acclimatize and take altitude illness seriously rather than pushing through symptoms. Mosquitoes and biting flies are troublesome in July and August. A tent with effective insect protection and repellent belong in a summer kit.
Wildlife, low-impact travel, and permits
Bridger Wilderness is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, with black and grizzly bears, moose, elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep among its wildlife. Plan food and attractant storage before leaving, and confirm current food-storage requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest. Give wildlife room and keep food away from animals. Above timberline, alpine plants are especially vulnerable to trampling, and damaged vegetation can take decades or longer to recover; stay on trails to limit that impact. Motorized and mechanized travel, including bicycles, is generally prohibited in wilderness. Permits are required for group use and overnight stock use in Bridger Wilderness. Confirm the requirements for the planned activity with the Forest Service, along with current conditions and applicable restrictions, before setting an itinerary.
Route options
- Lower-elevation trail hiking
Choose a lower-elevation itinerary within the wilderness trail network rather than a high-pass crossing when planning around earlier snow clearance. Lower trails are normally open by late June, though current conditions still need checking. This is a trip category, not a specified trail or mapped itinerary.
- High-trail and pass travel
Higher trails reach alpine terrain where steep ground, lingering snow, freezing nights, and altitude require more preparation. Snow commonly remains on high trails and passes until mid or late July. Select a mapped itinerary that matches the party’s skills; some trails primarily serve climbing approaches.
Sample itineraries
- Lower-elevation forest hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back on a confirmed open lower trail in Bridger Wilderness. Explore the forested slopes of the western Wind River Range without committing to a high pass. Lower trails normally open by late June; choose the turnaround around snow conditions, daylight, and adjustment to altitude.
- Alpine lakes backpack · 3 days
Use a confirmed trail to explore Bridger Wilderness's lake country. Spend the first day approaching camp, the second exploring nearby lakes and alpine meadows, and the third returning. Select the route with the Forest Service; high trails and passes usually retain snow until mid or late July.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Before the usual summer trail opening
Do not assume hiking access is snow-free. Lower trails normally open only by late June, while high trails retain snow longer. Confirm conditions before choosing a route and prepare for freezing temperatures.
Summer
Late June through August
Lower trails normally open by late June; snow usually lingers on high trails and passes until mid or late July. July and August bring mosquitoes and biting flies. Warm, sunny days can still end in freezing nights.
Fall
After summer
Freezing nights remain a planning concern throughout this high-elevation wilderness. Carry insulation and a suitable sleep system, and confirm trail and pass conditions rather than assuming summer access continues.
Winter
Winter
Treat this rugged, high-elevation terrain as a cold-weather undertaking rather than an extension of summer hiking. Confirm snow and access conditions with the Forest Service before planning travel; ordinary hiking access should not be assumed.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Before the usual summer trail opening | Do not assume hiking access is snow-free. Lower trails normally open only by late June, while high trails retain snow longer. Confirm conditions before choosing a route and prepare for freezing temperatures. |
| Summer | Late June through August | Lower trails normally open by late June; snow usually lingers on high trails and passes until mid or late July. July and August bring mosquitoes and biting flies. Warm, sunny days can still end in freezing nights. |
| Fall | After summer | Freezing nights remain a planning concern throughout this high-elevation wilderness. Carry insulation and a suitable sleep system, and confirm trail and pass conditions rather than assuming summer access continues. |
| Winter | Winter | Treat this rugged, high-elevation terrain as a cold-weather undertaking rather than an extension of summer hiking. Confirm snow and access conditions with the Forest Service before planning travel; ordinary hiking access should not be assumed. |
Permits, fees & closures
Permits are required for group use and overnight stock use in Bridger Wilderness. Confirm the requirements for your party and activity with Bridger-Teton National Forest before entering.
Official source: Permits - Bridger-Teton National Forest · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High-altitude sickness can be life-threatening. Elevations range from roughly 8,000 feet to above 13,000 feet; allow time to acclimatize and descend if symptoms develop.
- Freezing temperatures can occur any night of the year, including after warm summer days. Carry insulation and overnight equipment suited to cold conditions.
- Lingering snow affects high trails and passes until mid or late July in a typical year. Confirm conditions and turn back when terrain exceeds your equipment or skills.
- Black and grizzly bears inhabit the wilderness. Store food and attractants securely and confirm current Forest Service food-storage requirements.
- Mosquitoes and biting flies can be persistent in July and August. Carry repellent and an insect-proof shelter.
- Steep terrain and climbing-access trails can make route selection demanding. Do not assume every mapped trail is an appropriate backpacking route.
What to pack for Bridger Wilderness
- Insulating layers, warm hat, and gloves
- Weatherproof outer layers
- Sleeping bag and insulated sleeping pad suited to freezing nights
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Current trail and snow-condition information
- Insect-proof tent
- Food and attractant storage meeting current Forest Service requirements
- Water treatment and carrying capacity
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection for open alpine terrain
- First-aid kit
Bridger Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Bridger Wilderness?
- It lies in Bridger-Teton National Forest on the western side of the Continental Divide in Wyoming's Wind River Range. Its terrain includes granite peaks, alpine forests, open meadows, glaciers, and more than 2,300 lakes and ponds.
- When are hiking trails usually accessible?
- Lower trails normally open by late June. Snow usually remains on high trails and passes until mid or late July. These are typical conditions, not guaranteed opening dates; confirm the route's current status before departure.
- Are permits required?
- Permits are required for group use and overnight stock use. Ask Bridger-Teton National Forest which requirements apply to your party and planned activity.
- Can bicycles or motor vehicles enter?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. Plan for nonmechanized travel and confirm any activity-specific questions with the Forest Service.
- Is this a suitable place for a first backpacking trip?
- Choose cautiously. High elevation, freezing nights, lingering snow, and steep terrain add difficulty. A confirmed open lower-trail itinerary with conservative daily goals is a better starting point than a high-pass route.
- How can visitors protect the alpine terrain?
- Stay on established trails through delicate vegetation above timberline. Damage can take decades or longer to recover. Keep wildlife wild by securing food and attractants and observing animals without approaching or feeding them.