Hike along the Gros Ventre River
Jackson, Wyoming
Description
Added by Chase Dekker
The Gros Ventre provides easy-access for a river walk with no elevation gain. You'll be exposed to prime wildlife watching (moose, elk, bison, owls, and more) and have fantastic fishing and camping opportunities.
The Gros Ventre (pronounced gro-vant) lies on the southern boundary of Grand Teton National Park, and is home to a great deal of wildlife. As the seasons change, so do the wildlife that frequent this area, but no matter what time of year you hike along the river, you're bound to see something spectacular.
In autumn, the Gros Ventre comes alive, even as it fades into winter. The cottonwood trees that line the river ignite with a beautiful golden color that sets the backdrop for the moose rut. In winter, thousands of wild elk and bison migrate along the Gros Ventre River as they head south in Jackson Hole to avoid greater snowfalls up north. In spring and summer, this area sees a great deal of newborns, including coyotes, fox, owls, moose, deer, and bears.
To reach the Gros Ventre, drive about 7 miles north out of Jackson, after crossing the bridge over the river, you will see a sign along the road. Pull into the Gros Ventre campground, about 5 miles down the road, heading east, after you turn off the main highway. Park anywhere in the campground and make your way to the river, about 100 feet away.
Wander as you please along the river, taking the trail (created by the footsteps of both wildlife and humans) in either direction. As you walk through the cottonwood trees and willows, you will see a variety of wildlife and amazing views of the river. There are two separate beaver lodges just beyond the campground, which are an important basis of this river ecosystem.
Camping here is also phenomenal, and wildlife can be seen roaming through the campground on any given day. The campground runs first come, first serve: for more information visit the Grand Teton National Park website.
For an easy, solitary hike with great wildlife viewing and photography opportunities, this area is not to be missed when visiting Grand Teton National Park!
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Hike along the Gros Ventre River Reviews
This is a great place to see wildlife. There are plenty of moose in the area so seeing on is very likely. Be careful while hiking because moose can be very agressive when aproached.
5.0
If you're a wildlife photographer, you know how special the Gros Ventre area is. It is full of life in all seasons, with winter being my favorite. Make sure to bring a telephoto lens! Please note that due to the record snow and runoff this year, erosion washed part of the road away, and traffic will be restricted to one lane for the foreseeable future. Plan accordingly.
5.0
We had a lot of fun poking around Gros Ventre. There was not a specific trail, so we followed some animal trails and did a lot of leaping over creeks, crossing logs and generally just poking around like we did in the woods as little kids. The Snake was very high and dramatic which added to the experience.
4.0
Explored this area during fall while the colors were popping and the wildlife was roaming! Excellent experience and there's even some really great camping spots nearby in the Teton National Forest.
5.0
Not as scenic as the snake river in front of the Tetons but a great place to relax and find wildlife.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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