- Region
- WY, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current Teton Wilderness permit, r…
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service, Bridger-Teton National Forest
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Teton Wilderness trip tools
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Photos of Teton Wilderness
How to get there
Teton Wilderness lies within Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwestern Wyoming. Access is limited along its southern and western boundaries. Confirm a specific trailhead and its approach with the Forest Service before setting out; nearby park boundaries do not by themselves establish an access route.
- Southern boundary access
A limited access sector along the southern edge of the wilderness, toward the Mt Leidy Highlands and the remainder of Bridger-Teton National Forest. This identifies a planning area, not a specific trailhead; confirm the exact entry point with the Forest Service.
- Western boundary access
A limited access sector on the side adjoining Grand Teton National Park and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Select and verify an actual trailhead before planning the drive or walking approach.
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
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
A large wilderness across the Continental Divide
Teton Wilderness occupies a large part of Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwestern Wyoming, with Yellowstone National Park to the north, Grand Teton National Park to the west, and Washakie Wilderness to the east. The Continental Divide separates two distinct landscapes. To the west, timbered ridges, grassy slopes, and broad willow-and-sedge meadows rise from roughly 7,000 to 9,675 feet. East of the divide, alpine plateaus, ridges, and extensive mountain meadows reach 12,165 feet at Younts Peak. Approximately 450 miles of trails cross the wilderness, but that network should not be mistaken for easy access. Some areas see few visitors, and access is limited along the southern and western boundaries. Plan around the terrain and the distance from roads, rather than treating the wilderness as an extension of nearby park sightseeing.
Headwaters, Two Ocean Pass, and the remote interior
Water gives this wilderness much of its character. The Yellowstone and Snake rivers have headwaters here, among alpine meadows of willow and sedge. At Two Ocean Pass, a broad, marshy crossing of the Continental Divide, North Two Ocean Creek divides at Parting of the Waters. One branch feeds Pacific Creek and ultimately the Pacific Ocean through the Snake and Columbia rivers; the other feeds Atlantic Creek and reaches the Atlantic through the Yellowstone, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers. Farther into the interior, the country near Bridger Lake and the confluence of the Thorofare and Yellowstone rivers is exceptionally remote from roads. These are objectives for carefully planned backcountry travel, not roadside stops. Choose an approach using detailed maps, establish realistic turnaround points, and leave a trip plan with someone who can raise the alarm if needed.
Wildlife, weather, and trip preparation
The entire trail network passes through grizzly bear habitat, and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions also live in Teton Wilderness. Carry accessible bear spray, understand its use, and confirm current food-storage requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest before departure. Give wildlife space, including moose and elk in the meadows, and keep food and scented items secured. Spring and early summer can bring infrequent but severe thunderstorms; exposed alpine terrain calls for flexible plans and weather protection. Evidence of the 1988 fires remains part of the landscape, while country near Enos Lake was affected by the 1987 high-elevation tornado. Pack for self-reliant travel, treat drinking water, and carry navigation backups. Confirm applicable permits and current conditions with the Forest Service before committing to an itinerary.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Teton 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
- 44.0431, -110.1923
- Latitude (DMS)
- 44° 2′ 35.2″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 11′ 32.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Teton 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 state's second largest Wilderness area straddles the Continental Divide deep in the heart of Wyoming's Yellowstone Ecosystem. It is bordered on the north by Yellowstone National Park, on the east by...
Key takeaways
- Region: WY, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 44.043, -110.192
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Teton 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.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Animals around Teton Wilderness
A large wilderness across the Continental Divide
Teton Wilderness occupies a large part of Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwestern Wyoming, with Yellowstone National Park to the north, Grand Teton National Park to the west, and Washakie Wilderness to the east. The Continental Divide separates two distinct landscapes. To the west, timbered ridges, grassy slopes, and broad willow-and-sedge meadows rise from roughly 7,000 to 9,675 feet. East of the divide, alpine plateaus, ridges, and extensive mountain meadows reach 12,165 feet at Younts Peak. Approximately 450 miles of trails cross the wilderness, but that network should not be mistaken for easy access. Some areas see few visitors, and access is limited along the southern and western boundaries. Plan around the terrain and the distance from roads, rather than treating the wilderness as an extension of nearby park sightseeing.
Headwaters, Two Ocean Pass, and the remote interior
Water gives this wilderness much of its character. The Yellowstone and Snake rivers have headwaters here, among alpine meadows of willow and sedge. At Two Ocean Pass, a broad, marshy crossing of the Continental Divide, North Two Ocean Creek divides at Parting of the Waters. One branch feeds Pacific Creek and ultimately the Pacific Ocean through the Snake and Columbia rivers; the other feeds Atlantic Creek and reaches the Atlantic through the Yellowstone, Missouri, and Mississippi rivers. Farther into the interior, the country near Bridger Lake and the confluence of the Thorofare and Yellowstone rivers is exceptionally remote from roads. These are objectives for carefully planned backcountry travel, not roadside stops. Choose an approach using detailed maps, establish realistic turnaround points, and leave a trip plan with someone who can raise the alarm if needed.
Wildlife, weather, and trip preparation
The entire trail network passes through grizzly bear habitat, and black bears, wolves, and mountain lions also live in Teton Wilderness. Carry accessible bear spray, understand its use, and confirm current food-storage requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest before departure. Give wildlife space, including moose and elk in the meadows, and keep food and scented items secured. Spring and early summer can bring infrequent but severe thunderstorms; exposed alpine terrain calls for flexible plans and weather protection. Evidence of the 1988 fires remains part of the landscape, while country near Enos Lake was affected by the 1987 high-elevation tornado. Pack for self-reliant travel, treat drinking water, and carry navigation backups. Confirm applicable permits and current conditions with the Forest Service before committing to an itinerary.
Route options
- Two Ocean Pass and Parting of the Waters
A backcountry objective centered on the marshy Continental Divide pass where North Two Ocean Creek splits into Atlantic- and Pacific-bound drainages. Establish the approach and itinerary with detailed trail maps; this is not a specified trailhead-to-destination route.
- Bridger Lake and the Thorofare–Yellowstone confluence
An interior trip-planning objective near the USFS Hawk's Rest Ranger Station, in country exceptionally far from roads. Plan for self-reliance and verify the full approach rather than assuming the ranger station provides visitor services.
- Yellowstone River headwaters
An alpine-country objective in the east-southeastern wilderness, where the Yellowstone's North and South Forks drain terrain around Younts Peak near Thorofare Mountain. A specific hiking approach or summit route is not established here; verify a suitable itinerary before travel.
Sample itineraries
- Western Meadows Overnight · 2 days
Use this as a planning template for a short backpacking trip among the timbered ridges and willow-and-sedge meadows west of the Continental Divide. Have Bridger-Teton National Forest help identify suitable access and a manageable turnaround. This is not a verified route or campsite schedule.
- Continental Divide Exploration · 5 days
Build a multiday backpacking plan around the Continental Divide landscape, with Two Ocean Pass as a possible objective only after checking access, mileage and conditions. Its marshy terrain and divided drainage reward careful map study. Five days is a planning allowance, not a verified completion time.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; conditions vary with elevation
Infrequent but severe thunderstorms can occur. Terrain ranges from timbered country around 7,000 feet to high alpine plateaus. Confirm snow and trail conditions before committing to a route, and keep plans flexible around exposed terrain.
Summer
Summer, with storm caution in early summer
Severe thunderstorms remain a concern in early summer. Summer birdlife includes trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, ducks and geese. High plateaus and remote river headwaters require weather protection and self-sufficient travel.
Fall
Fall; check current mountain conditions
High elevations warrant cold-weather layers and conservative travel plans. Hunting is an important use of this wilderness; confirm current hunting seasons before departure and consider visible clothing. Do not assume summer trail conditions persist.
Winter
Winter; access requires advance confirmation
Treat this high-elevation, remote landscape as a serious cold-weather undertaking. Confirm access and snow conditions with the forest before departure. Limited access and long distances from roads leave little room for equipment failures or an overly ambitious schedule.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; conditions vary with elevation | Infrequent but severe thunderstorms can occur. Terrain ranges from timbered country around 7,000 feet to high alpine plateaus. Confirm snow and trail conditions before committing to a route, and keep plans flexible around exposed terrain. |
| Summer | Summer, with storm caution in early summer | Severe thunderstorms remain a concern in early summer. Summer birdlife includes trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, ducks and geese. High plateaus and remote river headwaters require weather protection and self-sufficient travel. |
| Fall | Fall; check current mountain conditions | High elevations warrant cold-weather layers and conservative travel plans. Hunting is an important use of this wilderness; confirm current hunting seasons before departure and consider visible clothing. Do not assume summer trail conditions persist. |
| Winter | Winter; access requires advance confirmation | Treat this high-elevation, remote landscape as a serious cold-weather undertaking. Confirm access and snow conditions with the forest before departure. Limited access and long distances from roads leave little room for equipment failures or an overly ambitious schedule. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current Teton Wilderness permit, reservation and food-storage requirements with Bridger-Teton National Forest before departure.
Official source: Bridger-Teton Implements Fee Program & Large Group ... · Verified November 4, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Grizzly and black bears inhabit the wilderness, including its hiking-trail country. Carry accessible bear spray, know its use and confirm current food-storage requirements.
- Infrequent but severe thunderstorms occur in spring and early summer. Avoid exposed ridges and alpine plateaus when storms threaten.
- Some areas are exceptionally far from roads, with limited access along the southern and western boundaries. Plan for delayed assistance and independent navigation.
- Elevations reach 12,165 feet at Younts Peak. Allow for slower travel and monitor how the group responds to altitude.
- Two Ocean Pass is marshy, and willow-and-sedge meadows surround headwater streams. Expect wet footing and protect essential gear from moisture.
What to pack for Teton Wilderness
- Topographic map and compass
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Satellite communicator
- First-aid kit and emergency shelter
- Accessible bear spray
- Food-storage equipment meeting current forest requirements
- Secure storage for scented items and rubbish
- Waterproof shell and insulating layers
- Sturdy footwear and spare dry socks
- Waterproof bags for sleeping gear
- Water-treatment supplies
Teton Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Teton Wilderness?
- It lies in Wyoming's Bridger-Teton National Forest, within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Yellowstone National Park borders it to the north, Grand Teton National Park to the west and Washakie Wilderness to the east. The Continental Divide runs through it.
- What makes Two Ocean Pass distinctive?
- At Parting of the Waters, North Two Ocean Creek divides between Pacific Creek and Atlantic Creek. These drain toward the Pacific and Atlantic oceans respectively. The pass is broad, gentle and marshy, rather than a narrow rocky notch.
- How remote is the wilderness?
- Country near Bridger Lake and the confluence of the Thorofare and Yellowstone rivers includes the location farthest from a road in the contiguous United States. Southern and western access points are limited. A substantial trail network does not mean quick evacuation or easy access.
- Are bicycles or motorized vehicles allowed?
- Motorized and mechanized vehicles, including bicycles and ATVs, are prohibited in the wilderness. Plan a nonmotorized trip and confirm any activity-specific restrictions with Bridger-Teton National Forest.
- What terrain should hikers expect?
- West of the Divide, expect timbered ridges, grassy slopes and broad meadows. East of it, high alpine plateaus are broken by ridges and mountain meadows. Younts Peak reaches 12,165 feet. Roughly 450 miles of trails cross the wilderness.
- Why are there burned and disturbed forest areas?
- The Yellowstone fires of 1988 affected extensive forest here. A rare high-altitude tornado also cut through country near Enos Lake in 1987. Fire helped lodgepole pine regenerate and improved grazing opportunities for elk and mule deer.