Overview
The Jedediah Smith Wilderness encompasses more than 123,000 acres of the Idaho side of the Teton Range, protecting the rugged west slope of one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in North America. The wilderness loop described here circles through high meadow and open forest terrain below the Teton crest, offering a full-day circuit that combines elevation, views, and genuine backcountry character without the crowds or regulatory overhead of the national park side.
Named for mountain man Jedediah Smith, who traveled extensively through the Teton region in the 1820s, the wilderness has been protected in its current form since 1984. The Teton crest is visible throughout much of the loop, providing a constant reference point and the kind of dramatic skyline backdrop that makes the Tetons famous worldwide.
This route is part of Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho's gateway to west Teton hiking. The lack of permit requirements, the dispersed camping freedom, and the significantly lower visitor numbers compared to Grand Teton National Park make this one of the better-kept secrets in Teton country.
Grizzly bears inhabit this wilderness. Carry bear spray, travel with others, and check current bear activity advisories through Idaho Fish and Game before your visit.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2.0: Forest Entry and Initial Climb
The trail begins at the Moose Creek Trailhead (approximately 6,800 feet elevation) and climbs east through lodgepole pine forest toward the wilderness boundary. The lower section is moderately steep, gaining altitude through a series of switchbacks that emerge from dense forest into more open spruce and fir stands.
Moose Creek is audible below the trail for the first mile, and a wooden sign marks the wilderness boundary at approximately mile 1. Above the boundary, the landscape becomes noticeably more open and the first views of the upper Teton ridgeline appear to the east.
Miles 2.0 to 4.5: High Meadow Traverse
The heart of the loop traverses across high meadow terrain between 8,000 and 9,000 feet elevation. This is the most scenic section, where the full west face of the Teton crest is visible and the landscape consists of flower-filled meadows, scattered whitebark pine, and rocky openings. The trail contours along the west side of a prominent ridge, maintaining elevation while offering continuous views.
Late July wildflowers in these meadows are exceptional: Indian paintbrush, columbine, fleabane, and lupine color the open ground between the tree islands. Moose tracks are common in the wet areas, and the marshy pockets provide habitat for numerous songbirds.
Miles 4.5 to 8.0: Return Through Forest
The loop descends from the high terrain through spruce-fir forest on a gentler gradient than the ascent. Several stream crossings occur in this section, all straightforward in normal summer conditions but potentially knee-deep during snowmelt in early July. The trail returns to the trailhead from a different direction than the ascent route.
When to Visit
July through September. Snow lingers on the high meadow section into late June or early July. August offers the best weather and fully clear terrain. September is excellent for solitude and crisp conditions.
What to Bring
Many hikers on this loop carry:
- Bear spray; this is strongly recommended in grizzly bear country
- 2-3 liters of water capacity; creek sources are available on the lower sections, but the high traverse can be dry
- A water filter for the creek crossings
- Wind and rain layers; afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August
- Trekking poles for the steep lower terrain
- Sun protection for the open meadow sections
Individual needs vary. Leave No Trace principles are essential in this wilderness.
Practical Details
No permit is required as of 2026. No trailhead facilities. Cell service absent throughout. Camping is dispersed throughout the wilderness with no reservation required. Review bear canister guidelines for overnight trips in grizzly country.
Getting There
From Driggs, drive east on Moose Creek Road approximately 8 miles to the trailhead. The road is dirt and benefits from moderate ground clearance. Driggs is reached from Jackson, Wyoming via Teton Pass (Highway 22), approximately 1 hour. From Idaho Falls, drive east on Highway 26 to Ririe, then north through Swan Valley and Driggs, approximately 1.5 hours.