Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · WY

Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest

The Bridger Wilderness offers rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness experiences, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking, fishing, and breathtaking mountain views.

Wilderness Area428,1694+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

428,169

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest

The Bridger Wilderness offers rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness experiences, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for hiking, fishing, and breathtaking mountain views.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bridger Wilderness, located within Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, is a prime destination for outdoor lovers seeking expansive natural beauty and tranquil solitude. Covering over 428,000 acres, it boasts more than 600 miles of trails, which meander through a diverse topography of jagged peaks, thick forests, and serene alpine lakes. Established in 1964 under the Wilderness Act, this area is named after Jim Bridger, a famous mountain man and explorer. Recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and backpacking are popular, with notable destinations like the stunning Cirque of the Towers drawing visitors for its impressive panoramic vistas. The wilderness is home to an array of wildlife, including moose, elk, and the elusive grizzly bear. Its ecological diversity, from dense coniferous forests to alpine tundra, alongside the dramatic Wind River Range, makes it a captivating area for scientists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Cirque of the Towers, a dramatic and iconic mountainous area perfect for climbers and photographers.✦ Fremont Lake, ideal for fishing and enjoying various water activities.✦ Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, presenting a challenging climb for experienced mountaineers.✦ The Green River, offering beautiful fishing spots and serene views for relaxation.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest

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

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, Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees or permits required for general entry, but groups may need to register.

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, Bridger-Teton National Forest

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

Big Sandy Campground

Located near the Cirque of the Towers trailhead, ideal for starting long hikes into the wilderness.

Elkhart Park Trailhead

Provides access to popular trails and is a good staging area for multi-day hiking trips.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bridger Wilderness, Bridger-Teton National Forest

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

Cora, Wyoming
⌖ 19.53 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
⌖ 22.21 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
⌖ 26.42 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
⌖ 46.58 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
⌖ 47.51 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
⌖ 52.13 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, Bridger-Teton National Forest

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