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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 30 miles.

Majestic Adventure at Squaretop Mountain★ 8.7⌖ 3 miHiking
Squaretop Mountain

Majestic Adventure at Squaretop Mountain

Explore Squaretop Mountain in the Wind River Range with incredible views of Green River Lakes. This remote and scenic area is perfect for hiking, kayaking, and camping. Enjoy wildlife sightings and solitude in a quiet, year-round setting.

Green River Lakes: Gateway to True Wilderness★ 8.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Green River Lakes

Green River Lakes: Gateway to True Wilderness

Explore Green River Lakes in Wyoming's Wind River Range. This remote area is ideal for hiking, fishing, and canoeing amidst stunning alpine scenery. Quiet year-round with abundant wildlife and breathtaking views of Squaretop Mountain.

Majesty of Gannett Peak★ 9.1⌖ 7 miClimbing
Gannett Peak

Majesty of Gannett Peak

Experience the challenge of Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest point, at 13,804 feet. Ideal for experienced climbers seeking solitude and epic wilderness adventures. Explore glaciers and rugged terrain with sweeping views. Best visited in late summer.

Titcomb Lakes: A Serene Jewel in Wyoming’s Wilderness★ 8.7⌖ 9 miHiking
Titcomb Lakes

Titcomb Lakes: A Serene Jewel in Wyoming’s Wilderness

Explore the remote Titcomb Lakes in Wyoming's Wind River Range. This challenging multi-day hike offers hiking, backpacking, and fly fishing opportunities in a pristine wilderness setting. Prepare for a hike-in access from Pinedale and enjoy unmatched solitude and natural beauty.

Discover Union Pass, Wyoming★ 7.5⌖ 21 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→
Union Pass: A Hidden Wyoming Treasure★ 7.5⌖ 21 miHiking
Union Pass

Union Pass: A Hidden Wyoming Treasure

Explore Union Pass in Wyoming, offering hiking and stunning views of the Wind River Range. Accessible via a scenic drive from Jackson, this quiet area is perfect for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. Ideal from late spring to early fall.

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
⌖ 19.53 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cora, Wyoming

A rugged gateway to untamed wilderness where solitude meets vast landscapes, offering authentic experiences in Wyoming’s high desert and forested backcountry.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Pinedale
⌖ 22.21 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pinedale, Wyoming

A welcoming gateway to the Wind River Range, offering pure adventure and breathtaking wilderness with a small-town feel.

Summer and Early FallExplore Town
Daniel
⌖ 26.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Daniel, Wyoming

A quiet gateway town offering close access to rugged mountain landscapes, pristine rivers, and wilderness adventures in western Wyoming.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Marbleton
⌖ 46.58 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marbleton, Wyoming

A gateway town offering rugged outdoor experiences amid the dramatic landscapes of the Wyoming Range and Green River Valley.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Big Piney
⌖ 47.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Piney, Wyoming

A rugged western town offering gateway access to diverse outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing in nearby public lands and mountain ranges.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Kelly
⌖ 52.13 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
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.

12 bookable experiences

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