Summary
Here is a summary of this wilderness, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: The Gros Ventre Wilderness offers breathtaking views of rugged mountain ranges, deep valleys, and picturesque meadows. It is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
2. Wildlife Viewing: This wilderness is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, and various bird species. Visitors have the opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
3. Outdoor Activities: The area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife photography. It is a perfect destination for those seeking adventure and outdoor experiences.
Points of Interest:
1. Gros Ventre River: The wilderness is named after the Gros Ventre River, which flows through the area. This river offers excellent fishing opportunities and stunning views along its course.
2. Granite Creek: This beautiful creek is a popular spot for trout fishing and provides a serene setting for picnics and relaxation.
3. Craggs Campground: Located within the wilderness, this campground offers a peaceful atmosphere for camping, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Interesting Facts:
1. The Gros Ventre Wilderness covers an area of approximately 317,874 acres within the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
2. The name "Gros Ventre" is derived from the French word for "big belly," which refers to the physical appearance of the Gros Ventre people, a Native American tribe that once inhabited the area.
3. The wilderness area is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including subalpine forests, alpine meadows, and glacially sculpted peaks.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the Gros Ventre Wilderness is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers pleasant weather with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Spring and fall can also be beautiful seasons to visit, but weather conditions may be more unpredictable and colder.
Please note that while efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to verify this information across multiple independent sources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Whiskey Grove
Whiskey Grove Campground
Green River Access Site 12 Campsite 1
Green River Access Site 11 Campsite 1
Green River Access Site 11 Campsite 2
Green River Access Site 10 Campsite 1