Things to do nearBridger-Teton National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming is one of the largest national forests in the lower 48, offering sweeping mountain terrain, pristine wilderness, and exceptional wildlife viewing.
Bridger-Teton National Forest covers roughly 3.4 million acres across western Wyoming, making it one of the most expansive national forests in the contiguous United States. The forest takes its name from two distinct historical figures: Jim Bridger, the celebrated mountain man and fur trapper who ranged across this region in the early nineteenth century, and Major General Alfred Howe Terry, though local usage has long anchored the Bridger name to the rugged character of the land itself. The forest encompasses portions of the Wind River Range, the Wyoming Range, the Gros Ventre Range, and the Snake River Plain, creating an extraordinary diversity of ecosystems within a single administrative boundary.
Visitors come to fish blue-ribbon trout streams fed by snowmelt, backpack through the Bridger Wilderness into glacially carved lake basins, and watch for wolves, elk, pronghorn, and bald eagles along river corridors. In winter, the forest transforms into a destination for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, with terrain that draws experienced riders from across the region.
The town of Jackson serves as the primary gateway, offering outfitters, guide services, and a range of dining options that reflect both the ranching heritage and the cosmopolitan energy that has grown up around the area's outdoor economy. Few landscapes in the American West offer this combination of accessible trailheads, genuine solitude in the backcountry, and consistent wildlife encounters, making Bridger-Teton National Forest a destination that holds up across every season.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Bridger-Teton National Forest
Visit during late September and early October to catch the golden aspen foliage at its peak across the Gros Ventre and Snake River drainages.
Try the hiking trails along the Granite Creek corridor for a rewarding mix of canyon scenery and access to a natural hot spring at the end of the route.
Bring bear spray and know how to use it before heading into the backcountry, as grizzly bears and black bears are regularly active throughout the forest.
Secure a camping permit well in advance if you plan to visit over a summer holiday weekend, as dispersed sites near popular trailheads fill quickly.
Stop at the Bridger-Teton National Forest Supervisor's Office in Jackson before a multi-day trip to pick up current trail conditions and any active fire or closure information.
Top tours & experiences near Bridger-Teton National Forest
Half-Day Snake River Fly Fishing Trip near Jackson
Refine your cast with guidance tailored to your skill level
8-Hour Private Wildlife Safari in Grand Teton
Private wildlife safari in Grand Teton with a guide who tailors the focus to you
Full-Day Snake River Drift Boat Fly Fishing Near Jackson
Find native cutthroat water with casting guidance tailored to your experience
Ride a Breakfast Horseback Trail in Jackson Hole
Ride through Bridger-Teton National Forest and enjoy breakfast on the trail
3-Hour Snowmobile Tour in Bridger-Teton National Forest
A relaxed guided snowmobile ride with mountain views and a cowboy-cabin stop
Private Full-Day Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour from Jackson
Discover Yellowstone’s geothermal landscapes in winter with an expert guide
Private Snowmobile Tour to Granite Hot Springs
Snowmobile to a winter-accessible hot spring for a private soak in the Gros Ventre Range
Guided Half-Day Horseback Ride in Jackson Hole
Ride Willow Creek trails with lunch included
Full-Day Snowmobile Tour in Bondurant
Ride Wyoming’s backcountry, then warm up with ranch beef in a historic cowboy cabin
Full-Day Yellowstone Snowcoach Tour from Jackson
Explore Yellowstone in winter with a guide's trained eye for wildlife
Granite Hot Springs Snowmobile Tour
Snowmobile through winter mountain scenery and soak in Granite Hot Springs
Float Over Jackson Hole on a Sunrise Balloon Ride
See the Tetons at sunrise on a group hot air balloon flight
Guided Horseback Fishing Ride in Jackson Hole
Fish Willow Creek on horseback with a guide and lunch included
3-Hour Bondurant Snowmobile Tour
Private snowmobiling through Bridger-Teton National Forest with a cowboy-cabin snack stop
Jackson Wildlife Snowmobile Tour
Ride groomed Gros Ventre trails through Wyoming’s winter wildlife range
Ride a Horseback Lunch Trail Ride in Jackson Hole
Ride to Ann’s Ridge for lunch and Grand Teton views
Full-Day Guided Horseback Ride in Jackson Hole
Ride deep into Bridger-Teton wilderness with a guided loop and lunch
Wildlife Snowmobile Tour in Gros Ventre Valley
Ride groomed winter trails while looking for wildlife in Gros Ventre Valley
Bridger-Teton National Forest Snowmobile Tour
A guided short-day snowmobile escape into Wyoming's winter backcountry
Ride a 2-Hour Horseback Loop in Jackson Hole
Ride a 2-hour loop with mountain views in Bridger-Teton National Forest
Private 4.5-Hour Jackson VIP Horseback Ride
Private 4.5-hour VIP horseback ride with lunch and a cowboy photographer
Private Full-Day Snowmobile Tour to Granite Hot Springs
Pair a private snowmobile ride with a mountain hot springs soak
Granite Hot Springs Snowmobile Tour Near Jackson
Pair a winter snowmobile ride with a warm soak in a mountain hot spring
Sunset Horseback Ride in Bridger-Teton National Forest
A private sunset trail ride with Grand Teton views