Shoshone National Forest
Shoshone National Forest, established in 1891, sits along the Absaroka and Beartooth Ranges. It offers remote alpine landscapes, historic trails, and authentic Wyoming wilderness.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Rocky Mountains |
| Subregion | Great Basin |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| County | Park County |
| District | Shoshone |
| City | Cooke City |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 44.75 |
| Longitude | -109.5 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEShoshone National Forest is a vast, rugged landscape that traces the backbone of the northern Rockies along the border of northwest Wyoming and southern Montana. It was established as the nation’s first national park-adjacent protected area in 1891, predating Yellowstone by a decade. The forestland is characterized by high alpine peaks (>4000m), carved river corridors (such as the Yellowstone and Clark Fork), and subalpine valleys. Key access points include the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City and the South Fork of the Clark Fork; from these bases, visitors can explore iconic sites like Canyon Junction, Sylvia Lake, and the Beartooth Pass (seasonally). Activities span looping hikes, multi-day backpacking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with species such as ptarmigan, elk, and mtbaker. Weather can be volatile—prepare for sudden changes, especially at higher elevations. The landscape is home to a mix of national park landmarks, historic fire scars, and remote backcountry—ideal for travelers seeking untamed wilderness and fewer crowds.
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