Bridger Wilderness wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · WY

Bridger Wilderness

Bridger Wilderness offers a pristine escape into the rugged beauty of the Wind River Range with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Wilderness Area428,1694+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

428,169

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bridger Wilderness

Bridger Wilderness offers a pristine escape into the rugged beauty of the Wind River Range with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bridger Wilderness is located within the Wind River Range in western Wyoming and is named after the famous mountain man Jim Bridger. Encompassing over 428,000 acres, the wilderness is renowned for its dramatic landscapes filled with glacial lakes, granite peaks, expansive meadows, and dense forests. The area's ecology supports a diverse range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, and golden trout in its clear streams and lakes. Human history in the Bridger Wilderness is rich with stories of Native American tribes, early European explorers, and fur trappers who navigated these rugged terrains. Today, the wilderness area is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and fishing, with iconic landmarks such as Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, and Green River Lakes. Its remote and breathtaking scenery, coupled with opportunities for solitude and adventure, makes it a standout destination for those seeking a wild retreat.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bridger Wilderness

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, offering challenging climbs.✦ The picturesque Green River Lakes, perfect for fishing and photography.✦ Black Powder Pass, featuring stunning views of surrounding peaks.✦ The Cirque of the Towers, known for classic alpine climbing routes.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bridger Wilderness

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Bridger Wilderness
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Bridger Wilderness
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Bridger Wilderness
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Bridger Wilderness
Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Bridger Wilderness
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Bridger Wilderness
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Bridger Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no permits required unless camping in designated areas.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Bridger Wilderness

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Green River Lakes Campground

Located near the headwaters of the Green River, offering easy access to trails and the lakes.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bridger Wilderness

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cora, Wyoming
⌖ 19.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cora, Wyoming

Cora, Wyoming offers rugged backpacking, serene hiking, and abundant wildlife viewing within Bridger-Teton National Forest. A remote high desert and mountain gateway, Cora is perfect for travelers seeking quiet wilderness and authentic outdoor adventure.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Pinedale, Wyoming
⌖ 19.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pinedale, Wyoming

Pinedale, WY is an adventure lover's paradise with access to the stunning Wind River Range. Perfect for hiking, fishing, and camping, it offers vast wilderness, clear lakes, and dramatic mountains.

Summer and Early Fall
Explore Town
Daniel, Wyoming
⌖ 26.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Daniel, Wyoming

Daniel, Wyoming is a peaceful mountain town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, and winter ski touring. Located near the Gros Ventre Wilderness and Snake River, it’s an ideal base for wildlife viewing and starry nights off the beaten path.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Marbleton, Wyoming
⌖ 44.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marbleton, Wyoming

Marbleton is a small Wyoming town ideal for outdoors lovers seeking hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling amid dramatic mountain scenery and pristine rivers. It serves as a quiet basecamp to explore the Wyoming Range and Green River.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Big Piney, Wyoming
⌖ 45.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Piney, Wyoming

Big Piney, Wyoming, is a quiet western town that offers easy access to hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and snowmobiling. Surrounded by Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Green River, it’s perfect for travelers seeking rugged outdoor adventures with fewer crowds.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Kelly, Wyoming
⌖ 59.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kelly, Wyoming

Kelly, Wyoming offers a quiet alpine escape near the Tetons with hiking, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. This small town is a perfect base to connect with wild landscapes and abundant wildlife away from the crowds.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for Cross-Country Skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bridger Wilderness

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Three Days, Two Parks: A Private Yellowstone Loop From Jackson
ADVEXPEDITION
Pinedale, Wyoming
HikingADV Bookable

Three Days, Two Parks: A Private Yellowstone Loop From Jackson

A 3-day, 2-night private tour that runs from Jackson, WY through Grand Teton National Park and the Upper Loop of Yellowstone — this guide lays out the route, inclusions, and practical details.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Six Days of Snow: Guided Rentals Out of Togwotee Mountain Lodge
ADVEXPEDITION
Moran, Wyoming
SnowmobileADV Bookable

Six Days of Snow: Guided Rentals Out of Togwotee Mountain Lodge

Six-day guided snowmobile rentals based at Togwotee Mountain Lodge, with expert staff to help you choose from a fleet built for everything from comfortable trail touring to deep‑snow backcountry riding.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip