- Region
- WY, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit, camping, and reser…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Plan with verified data
Jedediah Smith Wilderness trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Jedediah Smith Wilderness
How to get there
The wilderness lies on the western slopes of the Teton Range in Wyoming, within Caribou-Targhee National Forest and bordering Grand Teton National Park. Access is by trail; confirm the appropriate trailhead and road approach with the Forest Service for your chosen route.
- Darby Canyon
A canyon hiking area associated with limestone wind caves. Confirm the trailhead and approach with Caribou-Targhee National Forest before traveling.
- Alaska Basin
A trekking destination to use when selecting an approach into the wilderness, not a roadside access point. Confirm the starting trailhead and route before departure.
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
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
The west side of the Tetons
Jedediah Smith Wilderness protects 123,451 acres on the western slope of Wyoming’s Teton Range, within Caribou-Targhee National Forest and beside Grand Teton National Park. Jagged limestone peaks, deep canyons, old-growth forests, and unusual karst features give this long, narrow wilderness its character. Caves and natural rock tunnels are part of the landscape, rather than just the high summits associated with the Tetons. Designated in 1984, the wilderness is also part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Travel here is on foot rather than by road or bicycle, with hiking and camping central to a visit. Table Mountain offers views of the Tetons, while Darby Canyon provides a different focus: limestone terrain and wind caves. Choose an outing around the landscape you want to explore, not simply a destination name.
Choosing a hike or backpacking trip
Approximately 175 miles of trails provide access to the wilderness, and some continue into Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Crest Trail is an option for a multi-day trip, while Alaska Basin offers a shorter trekking objective. Table Mountain and Darby Canyon add summit-view and canyon-focused alternatives. Trails across the wilderness range from moderate to tough; a named destination alone is not enough to judge the demands of a particular approach. Before setting out, establish the trailhead, route, turnaround plan, and any park-boundary crossings on a map. Winter brings heavy snowfall to the Teton Range, and summer brings heavy recreation use. Check current trail and snow conditions rather than assuming a route is ready because the calendar says summer. For overnight plans that cross administrative boundaries, confirm current requirements with each managing agency.
Weather, wildlife, and low-impact travel
Black bears and grizzly bears share this landscape with elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and wolverines. Give wildlife space, make noise to avoid surprising bears, and keep food secured in bear-resistant storage that meets current agency guidance. Mountain weather can change quickly, so carry layers and be prepared to turn back when conditions deteriorate. Bring a map or GPS and do not depend on cell service, which can fade quickly here. Stay on trails to limit damage to plants and soil, pack out all trash, and check current fire restrictions before planning to cook or camp with a fire. Ask the Forest Service about current access conditions and wildlife-related restrictions before departure. The combination of rugged terrain, snow, and unreliable communications makes conservative route planning more useful than an ambitious itinerary.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Jedediah Smith 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
- 43.8127, -110.9118
- Latitude (DMS)
- 43° 48′ 45.8″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 54′ 42.6″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Jedediah Smith 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 Jedediah Smith Wilderness was designated because of the unique karst limestone features, including numerous caves and outstanding scenery. It was named after Jedediah Strong Smith, a well-educated...
Key takeaways
- Region: WY, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 43.813, -110.912
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Jedediah Smith Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- 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.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
Animals around Jedediah Smith Wilderness
The west side of the Tetons
Jedediah Smith Wilderness protects 123,451 acres on the western slope of Wyoming’s Teton Range, within Caribou-Targhee National Forest and beside Grand Teton National Park. Jagged limestone peaks, deep canyons, old-growth forests, and unusual karst features give this long, narrow wilderness its character. Caves and natural rock tunnels are part of the landscape, rather than just the high summits associated with the Tetons. Designated in 1984, the wilderness is also part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Travel here is on foot rather than by road or bicycle, with hiking and camping central to a visit. Table Mountain offers views of the Tetons, while Darby Canyon provides a different focus: limestone terrain and wind caves. Choose an outing around the landscape you want to explore, not simply a destination name.
Choosing a hike or backpacking trip
Approximately 175 miles of trails provide access to the wilderness, and some continue into Grand Teton National Park. The Teton Crest Trail is an option for a multi-day trip, while Alaska Basin offers a shorter trekking objective. Table Mountain and Darby Canyon add summit-view and canyon-focused alternatives. Trails across the wilderness range from moderate to tough; a named destination alone is not enough to judge the demands of a particular approach. Before setting out, establish the trailhead, route, turnaround plan, and any park-boundary crossings on a map. Winter brings heavy snowfall to the Teton Range, and summer brings heavy recreation use. Check current trail and snow conditions rather than assuming a route is ready because the calendar says summer. For overnight plans that cross administrative boundaries, confirm current requirements with each managing agency.
Weather, wildlife, and low-impact travel
Black bears and grizzly bears share this landscape with elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and wolverines. Give wildlife space, make noise to avoid surprising bears, and keep food secured in bear-resistant storage that meets current agency guidance. Mountain weather can change quickly, so carry layers and be prepared to turn back when conditions deteriorate. Bring a map or GPS and do not depend on cell service, which can fade quickly here. Stay on trails to limit damage to plants and soil, pack out all trash, and check current fire restrictions before planning to cook or camp with a fire. Ask the Forest Service about current access conditions and wildlife-related restrictions before departure. The combination of rugged terrain, snow, and unreliable communications makes conservative route planning more useful than an ambitious itinerary.
Route options
- Table Mountain
A hiking objective for views of the Tetons. Select and check the specific approach before committing to an itinerary.
- Darby Canyon wind caves
A canyon-focused outing featuring natural tunnels in limestone. Plan the hike separately from any decision to enter a cave.
- Teton Crest Trail
An option for a multi-day trek. Map the intended section and check whether the itinerary crosses into Grand Teton National Park.
- Alaska Basin
A shorter trekking alternative to a multi-day Teton Crest Trail itinerary. The selected approach determines the actual scope of the trip.
Sample itineraries
- Table Mountain day hike · 1 day
Plan a hiking day focused on Table Mountain and views of the Tetons. Choose an approach suited to your fitness after checking current trail conditions. Carry navigation and weather layers; rugged terrain and changing weather should guide turnaround decisions.
- Darby Canyon day hike · 1 day
Explore Darby Canyon for a closer look at the wilderness’s limestone landscape and wind caves. Keep the outing focused on the established trail and cave surroundings rather than assuming underground travel is part of a standard hike. Pack out all trash.
- Teton Crest Trail backpacking plan · 3 days
Use three days as a planning framework for a selected section of the Teton Crest Trail, not a promised end-to-end schedule. Verify access, daily stages, camping rules, and any Grand Teton National Park crossings before committing. Carry overnight gear and bear-resistant food storage.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring transition
Heavy winter snowfall makes current snow conditions important to spring planning. Do not assume high-country trails are ready for hiking. Ask the Forest Service about access and trail conditions before choosing a route.
Summer
Summer hiking season
Summer brings heavy recreation use. Trails range from moderate to tough, and mountain weather changes quickly. Carry layers and navigation, and choose daily objectives that leave room for delays or a turnaround.
Fall
Fall transition
Check current weather and trail conditions rather than relying on summer expectations. Pack insulating layers and keep plans flexible in this rugged mountain setting. Confirm any seasonal restrictions with the Forest Service.
Winter
Winter snow season
The Teton Range receives heavy snowfall. Treat winter travel as a separate undertaking from summer hiking, with snow-appropriate equipment and skills. Confirm access and conditions before attempting a wilderness outing.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring transition | Heavy winter snowfall makes current snow conditions important to spring planning. Do not assume high-country trails are ready for hiking. Ask the Forest Service about access and trail conditions before choosing a route. |
| Summer | Summer hiking season | Summer brings heavy recreation use. Trails range from moderate to tough, and mountain weather changes quickly. Carry layers and navigation, and choose daily objectives that leave room for delays or a turnaround. |
| Fall | Fall transition | Check current weather and trail conditions rather than relying on summer expectations. Pack insulating layers and keep plans flexible in this rugged mountain setting. Confirm any seasonal restrictions with the Forest Service. |
| Winter | Winter snow season | The Teton Range receives heavy snowfall. Treat winter travel as a separate undertaking from summer hiking, with snow-appropriate equipment and skills. Confirm access and conditions before attempting a wilderness outing. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, camping, and reservation requirements with Caribou-Targhee National Forest. For routes entering Grand Teton National Park, check separately with the National Park Service.
Official source: Wilderness - Caribou-Targhee National Forest · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Black and grizzly bears inhabit the wilderness. Avoid startling wildlife, make noise while traveling, and secure food in bear-resistant storage.
- Mountain weather changes quickly. Carry layers and turn back when conditions exceed your equipment or experience.
- Cell signals fade quickly. Carry a map or GPS and know how to navigate without phone service.
- Jagged peaks, deep canyons, and moderate-to-tough trails demand realistic route choices and careful footing.
- Heavy winter snowfall affects travel planning. Check current snow conditions before selecting a high-country route.
- Lightning-ignited fires may be managed within the ecosystem. Check current fire information and restrictions before departure.
What to pack for Jedediah Smith Wilderness
- Topographic map
- GPS with offline mapping
- Spare navigation power
- Route plan showing wilderness and national park boundaries
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layer
- Sturdy hiking footwear
- Snow-appropriate equipment when conditions require it
- Bear-resistant food container
- Tent and season-appropriate sleeping gear
- Drinking water and water treatment
- Trash bags for packing everything out
Jedediah Smith Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Jedediah Smith Wilderness?
- It lies on the western slopes of Wyoming’s Teton Range within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, bordering Grand Teton National Park. It is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- What distinguishes the landscape?
- Karst limestone features, numerous caves, jagged peaks, deep canyons, and old-growth forests define the area. Darby Canyon’s wind caves offer a named destination for seeing its limestone features.
- Which areas suit different trip styles?
- Table Mountain offers Teton views, while Darby Canyon highlights limestone caves. Alaska Basin is an option for a shorter trek, and the Teton Crest Trail supports multi-day planning. Check route difficulty and current conditions before choosing.
- Can trails cross into Grand Teton National Park?
- Yes. Some trails cross the park boundary. Identify those crossings while planning and confirm the applicable rules with each managing agency, especially for overnight trips.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed?
- No. Wilderness protection excludes motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles. Plan to explore on foot rather than expecting roads or vehicle access within the wilderness.
- What should campers check before departure?
- Confirm camping requirements, current fire restrictions, and any seasonal closures, particularly near bear areas. Carry secure food storage, stay on trails, and pack out all trash.