Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Gros Ventre 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.
- Region
- Wyoming, USA
- Country
- United States
- Biome
- Mixed sedimentary alpine (2,000–3,600 m)
- Best season
- July – September
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Mixed sedimentary alpine (2,000–3,600 m)
- Best season: July – September
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Gros Ventre Wilderness
Topic summary
The quieter side of Jackson — badland-red canyons and alpine basins on the Continental Divide.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: July – September
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Mixed sedimentary alpine (2,000–3,600 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Gros Ventre Wilderness trip tools
How to get there
Gros Ventre Wilderness is in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Confirm the appropriate approach and current access with the national forest before departure.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Gros Ventre Wilderness
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.
Animals around Gros Ventre Wilderness
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Gros Ventre WildernessAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Gros Ventre Wilderness
Planning to fish Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wyoming? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in Wyoming are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Gros Ventre Wilderness?
- A Wyoming fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Wyoming fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
- Gros Ventre Wilderness may add its own fishing rules on top of Wyoming law — check the managing agency too.
Hunting near Gros Ventre Wilderness
Thinking about hunting Gros Ventre Wilderness, Wyoming? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Wyoming are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Gros Ventre Wilderness?
- Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Gros Ventre Wilderness land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.
What do I need to hunt in Wyoming?
- A Wyoming hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A wilderness in the Gros Ventre Range
Gros Ventre Wilderness lies in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming and contains most of the Gros Ventre Range. The name is pronounced groh-VAHNT; in French, Gros Ventre means “big belly” or “big stomach.” The defining feature for trip planning is its wilderness character: this is a mountain destination without an internal road network or built visitor facilities. Plan around travel through undeveloped country rather than a sequence of roadside stops. The range provides the geographic focus, while the national forest provides the management context. A useful starting point is to decide what kind of mountain outing is practical for the group, then confirm a specific approach and route before committing to an itinerary.
Travel suited to wilderness
Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles, are not allowed in the wilderness. That distinction matters in a region where road cycling and mountain biking are otherwise common outdoor activities: a general Rocky Mountains activity list is not a guide to what belongs inside this boundary. For a walking trip, choose an itinerary that matches the group's fitness, navigation skills, and ability to carry necessary supplies. Do not plan on driving farther into the wilderness to shorten the return journey. With no roads or buildings constructed within the wilderness, preparation should emphasize self-reliance rather than access to services. Carry navigation tools, food, water, and clothing appropriate to mountain weather, and allow enough flexibility to turn back when conditions exceed the group's ability.
Build the itinerary before setting out
A trip here needs more detail than the destination name alone supplies. Before departure, establish where the outing begins, how the route reaches the wilderness, and what the return plan requires. Confirm current access and any applicable activity requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest rather than assuming that rules elsewhere in the Rockies apply here. Regional descriptions include both summer and winter recreation, but they do not establish a reliable travel season for a particular Gros Ventre itinerary. Match timing and equipment to current conditions and the demands of the chosen route. For an overnight outing, account for shelter, meals, water, and the full journey back without relying on buildings or vehicle access inside the wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Gros Ventre Wilderness Day Hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back walk in the Gros Ventre Wilderness, which contains most of the Gros Ventre Range. Confirm a suitable trail and access point with Bridger-Teton National Forest before departure. Choose a turnaround point that matches conditions and the group's ability.
- Gros Ventre Range Overnight · 2 days
Plan a walking-and-camping trip within the wilderness. Confirm access, camping requirements, and current conditions with Bridger-Teton National Forest. Keep the route within the group's ability to carry overnight gear; there are no roads or buildings inside the wilderness.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Treat this as a mountain trip requiring current local conditions, rather than assuming trails are ready for summer travel. Confirm access and trail suitability before choosing an overnight route.
Summer
Summer
Summer is a hiking and camping season across the Rockies. For Gros Ventre Wilderness, confirm local trail conditions and carry layers appropriate for changing mountain weather.
Fall
Fall
Check mountain weather and available daylight when setting daily goals. Hunting is allowed in season in National Forest wilderness; verify whether hunting activity overlaps the planned visit.
Winter
Winter
Winter recreation is widespread across the Rockies, but that does not establish suitable winter routes here. Confirm local access and conditions, and match clothing, equipment, and travel plans to the forecast.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Treat this as a mountain trip requiring current local conditions, rather than assuming trails are ready for summer travel. Confirm access and trail suitability before choosing an overnight route. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer is a hiking and camping season across the Rockies. For Gros Ventre Wilderness, confirm local trail conditions and carry layers appropriate for changing mountain weather. |
| Fall | Fall | Check mountain weather and available daylight when setting daily goals. Hunting is allowed in season in National Forest wilderness; verify whether hunting activity overlaps the planned visit. |
| Winter | Winter | Winter recreation is widespread across the Rockies, but that does not establish suitable winter routes here. Confirm local access and conditions, and match clothing, equipment, and travel plans to the forecast. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and recreation rules with Bridger-Teton National Forest before visiting.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Mountain weather requires adaptable plans, protective layers, and a willingness to turn back.
- There are no roads or buildings within the wilderness. Do not plan around vehicle access or built shelter once inside.
- Hunting is allowed in season. Check current hunting activity and wear visible clothing when appropriate.
What to pack for Gros Ventre Wilderness
- Map and compass
- Offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layer
- Sun protection
- Visible outer clothing when hunting is active
- Drinking water
- Water treatment if refilling outdoors
- Food appropriate to the trip
- Shelter and sleeping system for overnight travel
Gros Ventre Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Gros Ventre Wilderness?
- It is in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. Most of the Gros Ventre Range lies within the wilderness.
- Can bicycles or motorized vehicles enter the wilderness?
- No. Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles, are not allowed in U.S. Wilderness Areas.
- Are there roads or buildings inside?
- No. Plan wilderness travel without roads or buildings, and confirm access outside the boundary before leaving.
- Can visitors camp or fish?
- Camping and fishing are activities associated with this wilderness. Confirm current requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest before planning either.
- Is hunting allowed?
- Hunting is allowed in season in National Forest wilderness. Check current rules and seasonal activity before visiting.
- How is Gros Ventre pronounced?
- It is pronounced groh-VAHNT. The French name means big belly or big stomach.