Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Wilderness Areas

In October 1984 the Wyoming Wilderness Bill was signed into law creating the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (123,451 acres) and the Winegar Hole Wilderness (10,721 acres) on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The Wilderness Act allows hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, and grazing in these areas. Campfires are allowed in most areas, but some areas are closed to open fires to protect resources. Motorized or mechanical equipment is prohibited year round and some additional regulations apply to protect the wilderness character. Horses can be used in both Wilderness areas; however, overnight camping with stock is not allowed in specified locations.

The Jedediah Smith Wilderness was designated because of the unique karst limestone geology. It lies on the west slope of the Teton Range, adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. The towns of Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, and Ashton, Idaho are 10 to 30 miles west of the Wilderness.

The Winegar Hole Wilderness was designated to provide high quality habitat for grizzly bears. It is located 25 miles east of Ashton, Idaho and adjacent to the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park.

All visitors are asked to practice Leave No Trace techniques to minimizes human impact on the land and preserves the wilderness characteristics for present and future generations. Leave No Trace information is available at all Caribou-Targhee Forest offices and on the web at www.lnt.org. For more information about wilderness visit www.wilderness.net.

Video on Leave No Trace:

Click here for a short video on Leave No Trace.

USDA Forest Service - Caribou-Targhee National Forest
Last Modified: Wednesday, 05 November 2008 at 12:09:30 EST