Jedediah Smith Wilderness wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · ID

Jedediah Smith Wilderness

Jedediah Smith Wilderness in Idaho offers stunning alpine landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Area123,4514+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

123,451

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Jedediah Smith Wilderness

Jedediah Smith Wilderness in Idaho offers stunning alpine landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Jedediah Smith Wilderness, located in the state of Idaho, is a striking example of the rugged beauty found in the western United States. Named after the famed explorer Jedediah Smith, this wilderness is part of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and spans an area of dramatic elevations, lush meadows, and alpine forests. It lies adjacent to the western border of Grand Teton National Park, offering expansive views of the iconic Teton Range. The area's diverse ecology includes coniferous forests, wildflower-laden meadows, and alpine environments that support a variety of wildlife, including black bears, moose, elk, and numerous bird species. Established in 1984, it remains a haven for those seeking solitude and adventure through activities like hiking, horseback riding, and backcountry camping. Notable landmarks include the towering peaks of the Teton Range and the stunning wildflower displays in the high meadows during summer. This wilderness area appeals to visitors with its unfiltered natural beauty and opportunities for exploration.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Jedediah Smith Wilderness

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Grand Teton Views✦ Diverse Wildlife✦ Teton Crest Trail✦ Remote Alpine Lakes
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Jedediah Smith Wilderness

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Jedediah Smith Wilderness
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Jedediah Smith Wilderness
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Jedediah Smith Wilderness
Park Recreation

Backpacking

Available in Jedediah Smith Wilderness
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Jedediah Smith Wilderness
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Jedediah Smith 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 Jedediah Smith Wilderness.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no permits required for entry.

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 Jedediah Smith Wilderness

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

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Jedediah Smith Wilderness

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

Tetonia, Idaho
⌖ 3.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tetonia, Idaho

Tetonia offers outdoor lovers quiet access to the Teton Wilderness and Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing, it’s a peaceful basecamp surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes.

Summer through early Fall
Explore Town
Alta, Wyoming
⌖ 3.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alta, Wyoming

Alta is a hidden gem for adventurers, offering daring mountain pursuits against the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or fishing, Alta delivers unmatched outdoor experiences in a tranquil wilderness setting.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Driggs, Idaho
⌖ 4.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Driggs, Idaho

Driggs is your adventure gateway to the Tetons, offering epic skiing, stunning hikes, and some of the best mountain biking trails around. Whether you're scaling summits or casting a line, this bustling basecamp blends rugged outdoor escapades with charming small-town vibes.

Summer and Winter
Explore Town
Eldon, Idaho
⌖ 12.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Eldon, Idaho

Eldon, Idaho offers peaceful lake paddling, excellent trout fishing, and forest trails tucked near Henrys Lake. Perfect for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet, scenic basecamp in southeastern Idaho’s wilderness area.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Teton Village, Wyoming
⌖ 19.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Teton Village, Wyoming

Teton Village, a hub of mountain adventure, is perfect for thrill-seekers. Ski the famous Jackson Hole Resort in winter, or hike and bike stunning summer trails in the Tetons.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Moose, Wyoming
⌖ 21.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moose, Wyoming

Moose, WY provides access to breathtaking adventures in the Grand Teton National Park. Discover the pristine beauty of its trails, fish the Snake River, and watch wildlife against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Jedediah Smith Wilderness

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

Up Close with a Team: Dogs, Gear and a Cart Demo in Driggs
ADVEXPEDITION
Driggs, Idaho
DogsledADV Bookable

Up Close with a Team: Dogs, Gear and a Cart Demo in Driggs

An hour-long outdoor presentation in Driggs led by Call of the WYld Dogsled Tours that pairs hands-on sled and gear demonstrations with dog meet-and-greets and a live dog-team cart demo.

DogsledPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Dusk Safari on the Tetons: An Evening Wildlife Sweep from Teton Village
ADVEXPEDITION
Teton Village, Wyoming
WildlifeADV Bookable

Dusk Safari on the Tetons: An Evening Wildlife Sweep from Teton Village

A four-hour dusk public tour into Grand Teton National Park—using open-air safari vehicles in summer and enclosed vehicles in cooler months—covering wildlife viewing, optics-equipped photography stops, and interpretive natural-history commentary.

WildlifePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip