Forests in Wyoming

Wyoming is home to several major national forests managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This page aggregates routes within four of them: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, Bighorn National Forest, and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. These forests cover millions of acres and offer a wide range of landscapes, from high alpine peaks to dense woodlands.

The primary activities in Wyoming's forests are human-powered outdoor sports. This includes hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. Across the four main forests featured, there are more than 275 aggregated routes available for these activities.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and offers a vast network of trails. There are over 30 hiking trails, 20 mountain bike trails, and numerous routes for road and gravel cycling. The terrain is varied, encompassing wilderness areas, rivers, and mountain landscapes.

Established in 1891, Shoshone National Forest is the first federally protected national forest in the United States. It is known for its rugged, largely undeveloped character, with landscapes ranging from sagebrush plains to snow-capped mountains. The forest provides routes for hiking and road cycling through its historic and wild terrain.

Yes, the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest has a significant number of mountain biking opportunities. There are approximately 20 designated mountain bike trails available, in addition to routes for hiking and road cycling. The forest's terrain includes the Snowy Range and Sierra Madre mountains.

The Bighorn National Forest offers a more secluded experience with over 20 documented hiking trails. These routes traverse diverse landscapes, including lush grasslands, alpine meadows, and glacially-carved valleys. The forest is located in north-central Wyoming between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park.

Yes, Wyoming's national forests contain trails suitable for various skill levels, including beginners and families. While many routes involve significant elevation gain, options for shorter, less strenuous outings exist. For more specific ideas, the Easy hikes in Wyoming guide provides a curated list of accessible trails.

The main season for hiking and biking in Wyoming's forests is typically from late spring through early fall, generally June to September. Higher elevation trails may hold snow until July and see early snowfalls in September. Always check local conditions before planning an outing, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

Wyoming's forests are large, federally managed areas that contain diverse ecosystems, including extensive woodlands, meadows, and rivers. The mountains in Wyoming, such as the Teton Range or Wind River Range, are often the prominent features within these forests. While this page focuses on the forest ecosystems, the mountains page aggregates routes specifically centered on the peaks and high-altitude terrain.

Across the four major national forests featured on this page, there are over 80 dedicated hiking trails. The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest have the largest number of aggregated hiking routes. These trails range from easy walks to challenging multi-day backpacking trips.

The terrain in Bridger-Teton National Forest is exceptionally diverse, covering 3.4 million acres. It includes pristine watersheds, vast wilderness areas like the Teton and Gros Ventre Wilderness, and thousands of miles of rivers and streams. Elevation varies significantly, from lower-lying valleys to Gannett Peak, Wyoming's highest point at 13,809 feet (4,209 meters).