Library image #3947
: Grand Tetons National Park with light coming from Jedidiah Smith Wilderness Area, Wyoming
The United States Congress designated the Jedediah Smith Wilderness (map
) in 1984 and it now has a total of 123,924 acres
All of this wilderness is located in Wyoming
and is managed by the Forest Service.
The Jedediah Smith Wilderness was designated because of the unique karst limestone features, including numerous caves and outstanding scenery. It was named after Jedediah Strong Smith, a well-educated and energetic mountain man from New York who explored the West in the early 1800's. Long and narrow, the Wilderness lies on the west slope of the Teton Range in western Wyoming and stretches from Yellowstone National Park south to Teton Pass. The Jedediah Smith Wilderness is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and home to a variety of wildlife including black and grizzly bear, big horn sheep, wolverine, moose and elk. The Forest Service and Park Service are working together to return fire to the ecosystem. Some lightning-ignited fires may be burning for Wildland Fire Use. The Teton Range receives heavy snowfall in the winter and heavy recreation use in the summer. Approximately 175 miles of trail provide access including some trails that cross into Grand Teton National Park. Dogs are not allowed and permits are required to camp overnight in Grand Teton National Park.