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Shoshone National Forest wilderness guide
National Forest · WY

Shoshone National Forest

Shoshone National Forest, nestled in Wyoming, is a vast expanse offering adventurous outdoor activities among its rugged mountains and pristine wilderness.

National Forest2,466,5864+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

2,466,586

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Shoshone National Forest

Shoshone National Forest, nestled in Wyoming, is a vast expanse offering adventurous outdoor activities among its rugged mountains and pristine wilderness.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Shoshone National Forest, located in northwestern Wyoming, is America's first national forest, established in 1891. Spanning over 2.4 million acres, it shares boundaries with Yellowstone National Park, providing an uninterrupted landscape of natural beauty. The forest encompasses some of the rugged peaks of the Absaroka and Wind River ranges, lush valleys, and myriad ecosystems supporting diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk. It boasts about 1,330 miles of trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. With a rich history of Native American exploration and the legacy of early settlers, the forest offers both natural and historical enchantment. Visitors flock for its world-class trout streams, expansive backcountry, and an abundance of campgrounds and picnic areas. Highlighted by landmarks such as the fascinating Absaroka volcanic formations and the serene Wind River Range, Shoshone National Forest offers nature enthusiasts a quintessential wilderness experience.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Shoshone National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Wild Beauty of Shoshone National Forest★ 8.4⌖ 12 miHiking
Shoshone National Forest

Discover the Wild Beauty of Shoshone National Forest

Explore Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, the first designated national forest in the USA. Enjoy diverse landscapes with hiking, fishing, and camping. Quiet year-round with best access from late spring to early fall.

Majestic Peaks of Absaroka Range★ 8.5⌖ 14 miHiking
Absaroka Range

Majestic Peaks of Absaroka Range

Explore the Absaroka Range's majestic peaks in Wyoming. This remote area offers hiking through rugged landscapes, trout fishing in the Yellowstone River, and camping in Shoshone National Forest. Ideal for adventure seekers, it's best experienced in spring and fall with minimal crowds.

Tranquil Beauty of Brooks Lake Road★ 8.2⌖ 25 miWildlife Viewing
Brooks Lake Road

Tranquil Beauty of Brooks Lake Road

Explore Brooks Lake Road in Wyoming's Shoshone National Forest, offering scenic hiking, fishing, and camping. This remote area is delightful for wildlife viewing, particularly elk and moose. Ideal to visit in spring and fall for a peaceful and serene adventure.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Discover Lava Mountain, Wyoming★ 7.8⌖ 27 miHiking
Lava Mountain

Discover Lava Mountain, Wyoming

Explore Lava Mountain in Wyoming's Wind River Range for challenging hikes and wildlife observation. Enjoy panoramic views from the flat-topped summit. Ideal for adventure seekers, this quiet area offers solitude year-round.

Discover Togwotee Pass: A Gateway to Adventure★ 8.2⌖ 28 miSnowmobiling
Togwotee Pass

Discover Togwotee Pass: A Gateway to Adventure

Explore Togwotee Pass, located in Wyoming, offering snowmobiling and hiking with stunning scenic viewpoints. Enjoy wildlife watching with sightings of elk and moose. Open year-round, it's ideal for adventure seekers.

SnowmobilingView Details→
Discover Union Pass, Wyoming★ 7.5⌖ 29 miWildlife Viewing
Union Pass

Discover Union Pass, Wyoming

Explore Union Pass in Wyoming with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and camping. This remote area offers stunning scenery and solitude. Best visited from late spring to early fall.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Beartooth Scenic Byway views and overlooks✦ Rich biodiversity including grizzlies and grey wolves✦ Historic Sunlight Basin, offering exceptional geologic features✦ Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, accessible via the forest
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Shoshone 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 Shoshone National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees required for general access.

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 Shoshone National Forest

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

Wapiti Campground

Located along the North Fork of the Shoshone River and easily accessibe from the Cody area.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Shoshone National Forest

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

Meeteetse
⌖ 40.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Meeteetse, Wyoming

A gateway town offering rugged Western charm and access to abundant wildlife, scenic river adventures, and vast forested landscapes ideal for outdoor exploration.

Late spring through early fallExplore Town
Wapiti
⌖ 45.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wapiti, Wyoming

A gateway community to vast wilderness and rugged outdoor adventures near Yellowstone, offering year-round access to hiking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry activities.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and wildlife; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Moran
⌖ 49.04 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moran, Wyoming

A remote gateway to Wyoming's rugged wilderness, offering unparalleled access to outdoor adventures within the majestic Teton and Yellowstone landscapes.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Cody
⌖ 54.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cody, Wyoming

A gateway to the Wild West where rugged landscapes and adventure sports converge amid rich Western history.

Kelly
⌖ 56.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kelly, Wyoming

A rugged gateway to the wild Tetons, offering intimate wilderness access and authentic mountain adventure off the beaten path.

Late Spring through Early Fall; Winter for Cross-Country SkiingExplore Town
Moose
⌖ 60.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Moose, Wyoming

A small, rustic town offering incredible access to the wilderness of Grand Teton National Park and an array of outdoor adventures.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Shoshone National Forest

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

12 bookable experiences

Sunset Wildlife & Iconic Sights: Private Grand Teton Sunset Tour from Jackson HoleJackson, Wyoming · 51.81 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Yellowstone Day Tours

Sunset Wildlife & Iconic Sights: Private Grand Teton Sunset Tour from Jackson Hole

Drive into the low light of the Tetons and trade city noise for the hush of lake reflections and distant elk calls. This private sunset tour from Jackson Hole stitches Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, Jenny and Jackson Lakes into a wildlife-focused evening designed for photographers and first-time visitors.

4–5 hours

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Yellowstone Walking Safari by Yellowstone Safari Company in CodyCody, Wyoming · 54.05 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Yellowstone Safari Company

Yellowstone Walking Safari by Yellowstone Safari Company in Cody

Discover the hidden depths of Yellowstone on a private walking safari with Yellowstone Safari Company. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the park’s geothermal wonders, waterfalls, and pristine valleys through guided hikes tailored to your interests. Experience Yellowstone’s wilderness in a truly personal way that leaves lasting memories.

2–4 hours

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Yellowstone Wildlife Safari with Yellowstone Safari Company in CodyCody, Wyoming · 54.09 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Yellowstone Safari Company

Yellowstone Wildlife Safari with Yellowstone Safari Company in Cody

Join the Yellowstone Wildlife Safari in Cody for an up-close look at Yellowstone’s iconic animals in their natural habitat. Led by expert naturalists, this tour offers a rich mix of scenery and wildlife encounters that will leave you inspired and informed. Discover why this guided experience is a top choice for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

4–6 hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.