The Big Piney Ranger District hosts a wide variety of cultural and natural history, recreational opportunities, timber, range, mineral reserves, and wildlife. It contains 449,000 acres of snow-capped mountain peaks, lush vegetation and clear mountain lakes and streams. The district maintains 300 miles of system trails, 25 permitted summer and fall outfitters, 11 summer homes and one developed campground.
10418 South US Highway 189
P.O. Box 218
Big Piney, WY 83113
307-276-5800
Fax 307-276-5203
Office hours:8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday
The Blackrock Ranger District is comprised mostly of the Teton Wilderness. It borders Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It is home to the headwaters of the Yellowstone River and the Continental Divide.
Please note: The Bridger-Teton National Forest has seen a significant increase in campers during the summer season. Campgrounds and dispersed campsites are often filling by late morning or mid-day. People planning to camp will need to be flexible with their choice of locations. More information can be found on this interactive StoryMap: Successful Camping in Jackson and Blackrock Districts, Bridger-Teton National Forest(hyperlink to http://arcg.is/1LuC95)
The Teton Wilderness borders the south end of Yellowstone National Park providing a huge area of land to explore to the adventurous of spirit. While the Teton Wilderness provides critical habitat to many wildlife species, it also offers 450 miles of trails which allow access to a large variety of hunting and fishing opportunities. Home to the famous Two Ocean Creek which splits along the Continental Divide and flows to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Wilderness hosts the headwaters of several Wild and Scenic Rivers.
For information on specific activities such as hiking and horseback riding, see the list of "Activities" below, which provides links to detailed trail information. The Teton Wilderness has some specific requirements in regards to group size and permits may be required. Make sure to check our permits section for this information. In addition, bear food storage is required throughout the north zone of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which includes the Teton Wilderness.
For all things Wilderness including broader information about the Teton Wilderness, check out www.wilderness.net.
The Greys River Corridor encompasses the area surrounding the Greys River itself and the Greys River Road, and offers numerous opportunities for fishing, kayaking, camping, hiking, OHV riding and horseback riding. The Greys River Road is one of the most popular forest roads on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, running for almost 60 miles from Alpine south to Tri Basin Divide. The Greys River Corridor provides access to several trails in the Wyoming and Salt River Ranges. All campgrounds in the Greys River Corridor have a 16 day stay limit, and those with water and toilets are $10 per night (those without services are free of charge). No reservations are accepted for any of the campgrounds. The main season of use is between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
The Smith Fork Area of the Greys River Ranger District offers 27 miles of scenic driving and recreation opportunities. A multitude of dispersed camping is available throughout the area with a stay limit of 16 days. Take a drive along Tri Basin Divide, a point between the headwaters of La Barge Creek and the Greys River where a drop of water may flow into one of three watershed basins: The Colorado River basin, the Columbia River Basin, or the Great Basin.
The Star Valley Front includes nearly 60 miles along Hwy 89 from Salt Pass to the town of Alpine. This area provides several access points to thousands of acres of the forest, including hiking trails, and dispersed camping opportunities.
The Jackson Ranger District offers an incredible abundance of recreation areas and activities to choose from for all visitors. From internationally recognized skiing to world-famous fishing to wildlife watching, the variety is endless. The District contains the Gros Ventre Wilderness, hundreds of miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers including the famous Snake River, and many more areas that are all amazing. Because of the large variety and expanse of options, we have tried to make it easier for you to find and choose a place to recreate by breaking the Jackson Ranger District down into ten different areas, each providing more detailed information about specific trailheads, river access, camping and more. Click on any of these ten general areas listed below and then search through the activities listed on the Area's webpage to learn more. For a map of these ten recreation areas on the Jackson Ranger District click here.
Please note: The Bridger-Teton National Forest has seen a significant increase in campers during the summer season. Campgrounds and dispersed campsites are often filling by late morning or mid-day. People planning to camp will need to be flexible with their choice of locations. More information can be found on this interactive StoryMap: Successful Camping in Jackson and Blackrock Districts, Bridger-Teton National Forest(hyperlink to http://arcg.is/1LuC95)
Jackson Ranger District
25 Rosencrans Lane
P.O. Box 1689
Jackson, WY 83001
307-739-5400
Fax: 307-739-5450
The Cache Creek and Greater Snow King area encompasses miles and miles of trails for visitors to access minutes from their doorstep year-round. This area includes Game Creek Trailhead as well as Curtis Canyon and Flat Creek. Need to take your dog for a run? Want to get out for a quick afternoon ride on the horses? Or just need to sit and think by a quiet stream? This area offers all of this and more. Winter recreation in this area includes alpine and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing to name just a few of the winter activities available in this location. Be prepared to share the trails with a multitude of visitors as this area is incredibly popular among our local residents. Whether it be winter or summer or somewhere inbetween, there is always something you can get out and do in this area. Even with the heavy use this area receives, wildlife is abundant and includes moose, bear, mountain lion, deer and many bird species. Make sure to pay attention to your surroundings and be prepared to encounter wildlife on the trail.
The Gros Ventre Wilderness is a gem in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Wilderness provides critical habitat for many species of wildlife, hosts the headwaters of multiple Wild and Scenic Rivers and offers miles and miles of trails to wander for years via horseback or foot. In addition, the Gros Ventre Wilderness is famous for it's incredible geological features, from alpine peaks to red, purple and yellow rocky slopes, the area is home to the well-known Gros Ventre Slide National Geological Site as well as the more recently formed Crystal Slide and many others.
For information on specific activities such as hiking and horseback riding, see the list of "Activities" below, which provides links to detailed trail information. The Gros Ventre Wilderness has some specific requirements in regards to group size and permits may be required. Make sure to check our permits section for this information. In addition, bear food storage is required throughout the north zone of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which includes the Gros Ventre Wilderness.
For all things Wilderness including broader information about the Gros Ventre Wilderness, check out www.wilderness.net.
Shadow Mountain road network- the following designated FS roads are open for motorized use between May 1 through November 31 annually. These roads are lightly maintained gravel and dirt roads which during wet conditions that can be difficult to travel on (caution advised). 30340, 30340B, 30340C, 30340D, 30344, 30350 (exception June 1 - Nov 30), 30352
North Shadow Mountain OHV Trail System-
This area offers over 11 miles open to Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) less than or equal to 50 inches width between June 1st through November 30th. This area is characterized by heavily timbered routes interspersed with small meadows and narrow gorges, as well as high ridgelines with spectacular views of the Gros Ventre Mountains and the Teton Range in nearby Grand Teton National Park. This trail system can be accessed by two trailheads along the north side of Shadow Mountain off of the Shadow Mountain Road- Rd #30340. Riders with a valid drivers license can access an additional 8 miles of roads open to all vehicles in the Shadow Mountain Area. (Caution: Unlicensed OHV's are not allowed on roads in Grand Teton National Park.)
Upper North Shadow Mountain Trailhead- Located 25 miles northeast of the town of Jackson, Wyoming along the Gros Ventre Road (Rd#34100)
Lower North Shadow Mountain Trailhead- Located 24 miles northeast of the town of Jackson, Wyoming along the Gros Ventre Road (Rd#34100). Note: Accesses OHV trail system via 1 mile of Shadow Mountain Road (Rd #30340) and best for parking large trailers.
Ditch Cr Road Area- Roads #30350 and #30352 can be ridden by licensed OHV riders between the dates of June 1st and November 30th. No motorized trails are located in the Ditch Cr Area. (Caution: OHV's are not allowed on the western part of the Ditch Cr Road--#30350 which begins within Grand Teton National Park.
Teton Pass offers many miles of biking and hiking as well as excellent backcountry skiing and snowmobiling. With new trails built in the last few years there may be a trail in the Teton Pass area that you haven't visited yet. The area is also great for checking out the local wildflowers and wildlife. Teton Pass is a premier destination for winter recreation. It is also home for wildlife, notably moose. An attitude of respect and responsibility is essential. Your actions can help ensure future access and protect this special place.
The Willow Creek Area offers some great backcountry exploring for hiking, horse-back riding, hunting and biking. Willow Creek itself is a Wild and Scenic River, having protection for it's water quality, flows and historic and scenic values far into the future.
Highlighting the Green River Lakes and Squaretop Mountain
Description: The Green River Lakes are nestled behind a natural terminal-moraine dam scoured out by glacial action and surrounded by the stark, cold, steep topography of the Wind River Range. Mostly composed of granite uplifts from deep within the earth over 1 billion years ago, these granite monoliths were uplifted and carved by glaciers 500,000 years ago to form circular valley cirques. The Wind River Range is not only one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America, but has the most extensive glacial network in the lower 48 states. Elevations range from 8,000 feet at Green River Lakes to 13,804 feet at Gannett Peak, the tallest mountain in the middle Rocky Mountains.
The Green River Lakes are considered the headwaters of the Green River; the chief tributary to the Colorado River. The Green River runs 730 miles through Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and eventually terminates in northern Mexico.They are also the starting point for many backpacking trails including the northern entrance to the frequently used Highline Trail, which extends along most of the Wind River Range and follows the spine of the Continental Divide south to Big Sandy Opening.
Hiking the Highline Trail:
Visitors have a view of the much-photographed large-granite monolith, Squaretop Mountain (11,695 feet) from the Green River Lakes. The mountain looms over pristine blue-green lakes. You can expect to view glimpses of large game animals such as moose, elk, deer, and pronghorn. Other remarkable and more common animals observed in the area include several hawks, both bald and brown eagles, fox, coyote, wolverines, yellow-bellied marmots (rock-chucks), and the golden-mantled squirrel. Occasionally a black bear or grizzly bear are spotted.
The Wind River Range and the Upper Green River Valley were home to both Shoshone and Arapaho Native Americans, and provided sustenance and marketable goods for their daily livelihood as well as to early trappers and settlers. The road to Green River Lakes, which roughly parallels the river, passes the remains of the earliest dude ranch in Sublette County, the first in a long line of successful ranching businesses. For several weeks each June, the Green River Drift, one of the longest-running cattle drives in the nation takes place as wranglers push livestock from adjacent valleys to higher grounds with rich mountain pastures, a distance of about 70 miles.
It is also a naturalist and angler’s paradise being home to the Mackinaw (lake trout), golden, brook, rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and grayling trout.
It can snow any day of the year in the Wind River Range. Visitors should come prepared for cold weather. Afternoon thunderstorms and rain showers are common in the summer and can build quickly.
Early in the season, hikers should be prepared to encounter high water crossings, muddy trail conditions, and tree downfall. Note that this is designated grizzly bear habitat and food storage regulations apply for both the campground and backcountry users.
29 East Fremont Lake Rd.
P.O. Box 220
Pinedale, WY 82941
307-367-4326
Fax: 307-367-5750
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm
July & August also open on Saturday 9am - 4pm District Ranger: Rob Hoelscher
