Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
The North Absaroka Wilderness, located within the Shoshone National Forest, encompasses over 350,000 acres of rugged terrain where the Absaroka Range extends east of Yellowstone National Park. It provides a dramatic backdrop of peaks that soar above 12,000 feet, carved by glaciers into majestic cirques and deep valleys. Ecologically rich, the area supports dense forests of lodgepole pine, spruce, and fir, interspersed with alpine meadows home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. The wilderness teems with wildlife, including elk, mule deer, black and grizzly bears, and the elusive mountain lion. Established as a wilderness area in 1964, it stands as a bastion of natural solitude and beauty, drawing hikers, anglers, and wildlife watchers alike. Key recreation opportunities include backcountry hiking and camping, horseback riding, and fishing in pristine streams. Visitors are attracted by the scenic vistas, the potential for adventure along its expansive trail system, and the chance to explore an area that maintains a spirit of wilderness with minimal human impact.
