Jedediah Smith Wilderness

Jedediah Smith Wilderness is a protected area spanning roughly 123,000 acres along the western slopes of the Teton Range. A network of established trails connects it to nearby Grand Teton National Park and creates a continuous backcountry experience for hikers.

Congress designated the area as a protected wilderness in 1984, formally establishing protection for these forested slopes. This designation marked a major step in preserving the original landscape and its natural resources for the future.

The area carries the name of Jedediah Smith, an early trapper and explorer whose legacy reflects this region's connection to American wilderness exploration. Visitors walking the established routes encounter place names and trail markers that echo the journeys of these first adventurers.

Visitors must carry all their own gear since motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited throughout. Plan ahead to locate parking and trailhead access points at the perimeter, as this requires a self-sufficient approach.

The terrain contains karst limestone formations and underground caves that stand in sharp contrast to the granite bedrock found throughout the rest of the Teton Range. This geological oddity makes it a surprising feature within what visitors normally expect from the region's mountains.

Location: Teton County

Inception: October 30, 1984

GPS coordinates: 44.06670,-110.88400

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04