Bighorn National Forest-established in 1897, contains 1.1 million
acres within an area roughly 80 miles long and 30 miles wide. The 195,000-acre
Cloud Peak Wilderness pays tribute to the Highest peak in the Bighorn Mountains.
This rugged wilderness resulted from glacial action that formed U-shaped
valleys, leaving vertical walls up to 1,500 feet in height.
For more information try this
page.
Black Hills National Forest-contains 175,000 acres in Wyoming
and another 1 million acres in neighboring South Dakota. The Lakota Sioux
called these hills "Paha Sapa," or "hills that are black,"
because the ponderosa pine slopes are dark when seen from the plains. The
pine, spruce, aspen and oak forests provide habitat for various wildlife
including elk, white-tailed deer and turkey.
For more information try this
page.
Bridger-Teton National Forest-is the second largest national forest
outside Alaska, encompassing more than 3.4 million acres. High elevations,
varied topography, interesting geological formations an incredible array
of wildlife and the famous Jackson Hole elk herd combine to make this an
exciting place to visit. The Teton Wilderness lies immediately south of
Yellowstone National Park and is home to grizzly bears and great hunting
and fishing. The Bridger Wilderness, on the west slope of the Wind River
Range north and east of Pinedale, is widely used by backpackers throughout
the summer and fall. The Gros Ventre Wilderness is a mountainous area located
east of Jackson and is a mecca for those seeking a less crowded experience.
For more information try this
page.
Medicine Bow National Forest-spreads through five southeastern
counties and consists of more than 1 million acres, as well as the Thunder
Basin National Grassland in northeast Wyoming. The origin of "Medicine
Bow" is legendary and relates to the Indian tribes who inhabited southeastern
Wyoming and made their hunting bows of mountain mahogany found there. Medicine
Bow National Forest includes the Snowy Range, which owes its name to the
snowfields that remain there throughout the summer, and is home to four
wilderness areas: Platte River, Huston Park, Encampment River and Savage
Run.
For more information try this
page.
Shoshone National Forest-contains more than 2.4 million acres
of outstanding lakes, streams, scenery, wildlife and many resorts and dude
ranches and is a major recreational attraction. Five spectacular wildernesses
are found here: Washakie Wilderness, Absaroka-Beartooth and North Absaroka
Wilderness, Popo Agie Wilderness and Fitzpatrick Wilderness.
For more information try this
page.
Targhee National Forest-based in Idaho, has two wildernesses within Wyoming's borders. The Jedediah Smith Wilderness is located on the west slope of the Teton Range and named for the famous mountain man, explorer and trapper of the early 1800s. Glacially carved subalpine lake basins, limestone cave systems, outstanding view of the Tetons and abundant wildlife highlight this area. The smaller Winegar Hole Wilderness lies adjacent to the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.