- Region
- WY, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit, pass, food-storage…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Bridger-Teton National Forest
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Gros Ventre Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Gros Ventre Wilderness
How to get there
Gros Ventre Wilderness is east of Jackson in western Wyoming, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Obtain a current Forest Service visitor map and confirm a named trailhead and its road conditions before driving; the boundary landmarks below are orientation points, not verified vehicle access locations.
- Gros Ventre River
Roughly defines the northern wilderness boundary. Use it for regional orientation only; confirm a specific trailhead and approach with Bridger-Teton National Forest.
- Hoback River
Roughly defines the southern wilderness boundary. This is a geographic reference, not a confirmed trailhead or parking location.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WY, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Camping
- Canoeing
The landscape east of Jackson
Gros Ventre Wilderness lies just east of Jackson in western Wyoming, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Most of the Gros Ventre Range falls inside its boundary, with the Gros Ventre River roughly marking the north, the Green River the east, and the Hoback River the south. The National Elk Refuge and Snake River lie along its western side. Inside are lush meadows, forested canyons, plateaus, and steep limestone pinnacles rather than a single uniform mountain landscape. Doubletop is the highest peak at 11,682 feet, and high points offer broad views toward the Teton Range. Approximately 250 miles of trails provide scope for backpacking, but that network calls for a proper trail map and a defined itinerary, not navigation by prominent summits alone.
Geology, watersheds, and signs of earlier use
The Gros Ventre Range exposes folded and faulted rock shaped by an uplift that began 50 million years ago. Colorful strata and abundant landslide evidence make geology a central part of the landscape. In 1925, a slide carried 50 million cubic yards of debris down Sheep Mountain, damming water to form Lower Slide Lake. Two years later, a flood breached part of that natural dam and destroyed Kelly. The wilderness also protects headwaters of the Gros Ventre River and Granite Creek, a major Hoback River tributary. Human history reaches back 10,000 years, with evidence including vision sites and wickiups. Later cabins, drift fences, and other structures reflect trapping, hunting, outfitting, and livestock grazing. Leave these traces undisturbed rather than treating them as objects to collect or rearrange.
Wildlife and backcountry preparation
This wilderness is part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and provides connections between surrounding wildlands. Its habitat supports bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and bison. Olaus Murie identified the area as essential calving ground for the Jackson Hole elk herd. Give wildlife room, avoid approaching young animals, and plan food storage before leaving for the trail. Check current Bridger-Teton National Forest food-storage requirements, alerts, and conditions, and confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the Forest Service. Meadows, aspen and conifer forests, and alpine tundra create varied travel conditions; pack layers and weather protection appropriate to mountain travel. Choose a turnaround plan suited to the group, and carry navigation tools for a large wilderness where a broad geographic description is not an access guide.
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.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 43.4498, -110.4241
- Latitude (DMS)
- 43° 26′ 59.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 25′ 26.6″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Gros Ventre Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Gros Ventre Wilderness lies just east of Jackson in western Wyoming. The name "Gros Ventre" is French, meaning "big belly". It is roughly bounded by the Gros Ventre River to the north, the Green River...
Key takeaways
- Region: WY, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 43.450, -110.424
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Gros Ventre 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.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Gros Ventre Wilderness
The landscape east of Jackson
Gros Ventre Wilderness lies just east of Jackson in western Wyoming, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Most of the Gros Ventre Range falls inside its boundary, with the Gros Ventre River roughly marking the north, the Green River the east, and the Hoback River the south. The National Elk Refuge and Snake River lie along its western side. Inside are lush meadows, forested canyons, plateaus, and steep limestone pinnacles rather than a single uniform mountain landscape. Doubletop is the highest peak at 11,682 feet, and high points offer broad views toward the Teton Range. Approximately 250 miles of trails provide scope for backpacking, but that network calls for a proper trail map and a defined itinerary, not navigation by prominent summits alone.
Geology, watersheds, and signs of earlier use
The Gros Ventre Range exposes folded and faulted rock shaped by an uplift that began 50 million years ago. Colorful strata and abundant landslide evidence make geology a central part of the landscape. In 1925, a slide carried 50 million cubic yards of debris down Sheep Mountain, damming water to form Lower Slide Lake. Two years later, a flood breached part of that natural dam and destroyed Kelly. The wilderness also protects headwaters of the Gros Ventre River and Granite Creek, a major Hoback River tributary. Human history reaches back 10,000 years, with evidence including vision sites and wickiups. Later cabins, drift fences, and other structures reflect trapping, hunting, outfitting, and livestock grazing. Leave these traces undisturbed rather than treating them as objects to collect or rearrange.
Wildlife and backcountry preparation
This wilderness is part of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and provides connections between surrounding wildlands. Its habitat supports bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bears, grizzly bears, wolves, mountain lions, and bison. Olaus Murie identified the area as essential calving ground for the Jackson Hole elk herd. Give wildlife room, avoid approaching young animals, and plan food storage before leaving for the trail. Check current Bridger-Teton National Forest food-storage requirements, alerts, and conditions, and confirm activity-specific permit requirements with the Forest Service. Meadows, aspen and conifer forests, and alpine tundra create varied travel conditions; pack layers and weather protection appropriate to mountain travel. Choose a turnaround plan suited to the group, and carry navigation tools for a large wilderness where a broad geographic description is not an access guide.
Route options
- Gros Ventre Wilderness trail-network backpacking
Approximately 250 miles of trails support backpacking through the wilderness. Select a mapped itinerary with the Forest Service; no specific trail sequence, loop, or trip length is established here.
- Gros Ventre high-country trip planning
High points offer views of the Teton Range, while upper elevations include alpine tundra and limestone pinnacles. Treat this as a trip objective rather than a verified summit route, and confirm the trail approach and terrain before committing.
Sample itineraries
- Meadows and Forest Day Hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back on an established trail through the Gros Ventre's meadow and forest country. Choose the access point and turnaround with Bridger-Teton National Forest staff. Keep the day focused on plant communities, colorful rock layers, and wildlife viewed from a distance.
- Canyons and Plateaus Backpack · 3 days
Use the wilderness's approximately 250 miles of trails to plan a backpack through forested canyons and open plateaus. Allow a day in, a day exploring from camp, and a day out. Confirm trail connections, water availability, campsite suitability, and current conditions before choosing the route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; elevation-dependent
Treat high-country access as condition-dependent rather than assuming trails are ready. Ask about snow and wet trail conditions before departure. The Gros Ventre provides essential elk calving habitat; give animals space and avoid disturbing meadow groups.
Summer
Summer; check high-country conditions
Plan for differences between forested canyons, lush meadows, and exposed alpine tundra. Carry weather protection even on a short hike, and check the forecast before committing to high points or a multiday route.
Fall
Fall; check weather and hunting information
Prepare for cold conditions in the upper elevations and adjust plans to the forecast. Hunting and outfitting are established uses here; check current hunting information and wear conspicuous clothing when sharing trails with hunters.
Winter
Winter; confirm access and snow conditions
Do not assume summer hiking plans remain practical. The wilderness includes steep draws, gullies, and high alpine terrain. Seek current access and snow information, carry cold-weather emergency equipment, and choose terrain within the group's winter skills.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; elevation-dependent | Treat high-country access as condition-dependent rather than assuming trails are ready. Ask about snow and wet trail conditions before departure. The Gros Ventre provides essential elk calving habitat; give animals space and avoid disturbing meadow groups. |
| Summer | Summer; check high-country conditions | Plan for differences between forested canyons, lush meadows, and exposed alpine tundra. Carry weather protection even on a short hike, and check the forecast before committing to high points or a multiday route. |
| Fall | Fall; check weather and hunting information | Prepare for cold conditions in the upper elevations and adjust plans to the forecast. Hunting and outfitting are established uses here; check current hunting information and wear conspicuous clothing when sharing trails with hunters. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm access and snow conditions | Do not assume summer hiking plans remain practical. The wilderness includes steep draws, gullies, and high alpine terrain. Seek current access and snow information, carry cold-weather emergency equipment, and choose terrain within the group's winter skills. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, pass, food-storage, and trip requirements for Gros Ventre Wilderness with Bridger-Teton National Forest before departure.
Official source: Permits - Bridger-Teton National Forest · Verified October 30, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Grizzly bears and black bears live here. Confirm current food-storage requirements and keep food and scented items secured.
- Landslide evidence is widespread. Sheep Mountain's historic slide illustrates the area's unstable terrain; avoid lingering below visibly unstable slopes.
- Steep limestone pinnacles, draws, and gullies demand careful route selection. A high point with a view is not necessarily an easy hiking objective.
- Alpine tundra and high peaks offer little shelter. Carry insulation and weather protection, and turn back when conditions exceed the group's abilities.
- Elk, bison, and other large wildlife need space. Never approach animals for photographs or interfere with their movement.
What to pack for Gros Ventre Wilderness
- Topographic map covering the chosen trails
- Compass and offline navigation
- Trip plan left with a reliable contact
- Current agency conditions and food-storage guidance
- Rain shell and insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear for uneven terrain
- Sun protection for open meadows and alpine tundra
- Headlamp and emergency shelter
- Water containers and water-treatment equipment
- Food-storage equipment meeting current agency requirements
- Bear spray carried where readily accessible
- Binoculars for distant wildlife viewing
Gros Ventre Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Gros Ventre Wilderness?
- It lies east of Jackson in western Wyoming, within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Its rough boundaries are the Gros Ventre River to the north, Green River to the east, Hoback River to the south, and National Elk Refuge and Snake River to the west.
- What is the terrain like?
- Expect lush meadows, forested canyons, open plateaus, limestone pinnacles, and alpine tundra. Doubletop is the highest peak at 11,682 feet. Many high points offer views toward the Teton Range.
- How should a backpacking route be chosen?
- Start with the approximately 250-mile trail network, then confirm access, trail connections, elevation changes, and current conditions with the forest. Choose daily objectives that match the group's experience rather than treating the entire wilderness as uniformly easy terrain.
- Can bicycles or motor vehicles enter the wilderness?
- Motorized and mechanized transport, including bicycles, is generally prohibited in designated wilderness. Plan a nonmotorized visit and confirm any activity-specific rules with Bridger-Teton National Forest.
- Why is the geology notable?
- Folds, faults, exposed rock layers, and abundant landslide evidence distinguish the range. In 1925, a slide from Sheep Mountain dammed water to create Lower Slide Lake. Part of that natural dam failed two years later, causing a flood that destroyed Kelly.
- What makes this important wildlife country?
- The wilderness belongs to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and connects habitat between surrounding ranges, parks, and the National Elk Refuge. Its meadows and forests support large mammals, and its elk calving grounds deserve particular care.