America’s first national forest holds a distinction that goes beyond its 1891 establishment date. Spanning 2.4 million acres of northwestern Wyoming, Shoshone National Forest serves as the eastern gateway to Yellowstone National Park and encompasses some of the most dramatic wilderness in the Rocky Mountains.
The Absaroka and Beartooth mountain ranges dominate the landscape here, with peaks exceeding 13,000 feet and glacially carved valleys that have drawn human visitors for over 10,000 years. The forest contains five designated wilderness areas, including portions of the North Absaroka and Washakie wildernesses, offering backcountry experiences largely unchanged from centuries past.
Cody, Wyoming—just east of the forest boundary—provides the primary access point and services for visitors. From there, the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway climbs through the Wapiti Valley into the heart of the forest, passing dramatic rock formations and prime wildlife habitat along the way.
Summer and early fall bring hikers, backpackers, and anglers to hundreds of miles of trails and pristine mountain streams. Horseback riding remains a popular way to explore the backcountry, continuing a tradition that predates the forest’s protected status. When snow arrives, the terrain transforms into a destination for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, with groomed trails accessible throughout winter months.
Hunters pursuing elk, deer, and other game find extensive opportunities across multiple management units. Two visitor centers offer maps, permits, and current conditions—essential stops before venturing into this vast and rugged terrain.
Explore Nearby
- Owl Creek WSA — Public Land in Wyoming
- National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center and Whiskey Mount — Public Land in Wyoming
- Buffalo Bill State Park — State Park in Wyoming
- Legend Rock State Archaeological Site — State Park in Wyoming
- Beartooth Highway — Scenic Byway in Montana