Wyoming’s wilderness areas are some of the most remote, isolated animal habitats in the United States. One hidden sanctuary is a mountain habitat cut off from most of the state, way up in the Bridger Teton National Forest. The Gros Ventre Wilderness is home to one of the largest wolf packs in all of America — the Lava Mountain Wolves.

The Gros Ventre Wilderness is a large, remote wilderness area tucked up into Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Flickr / Anish Mittal
More than 300,000 acres of pristine wildlife habitat, with minimal impact from human life, exist in this diverse ecosystem.
Within the Gros Ventre wilderness is the Lava Mountain Wolf Pack. With upwards of 24 members, this wolf pack is the largest in the United States.
Facebook / National Museum of Wildlife Art
While wolf pack numbers can shift significantly in just one or two years, the Lava Mountain pack has remained strong, while other packs struggle with disease and food security.
The gorgeous Gros Ventre Wilderness is a backpacker's dream, with boulder fields to scramble, mountains to climb, and thousands of moose and elk that are sure to cross your path.
Flickr / Khasut
If you're comfortable with backcountry camping, it's hard to top the experience of hiking back here. It is, truly, remote, isolated, and breathtakingly beautiful.

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While you're hiking, keep an eye out for signs that the pack is nearby!
Google Local / Bryant Olsen
While wolves are excellent at avoiding human contact, if you look around, you might spot some large paw prints.
Those who are exceptionally lucky may spot the pack hunting in the distance.
Flickr / Genthar
Please, give them space and let them live. Over the past few years, the once-rising number of wolves has begun to shrink, and the more isolated they can remain, the safer they will be.
So, plan a trip to the Gros Ventre Wilderness without fear of running into the wolves, but while you're there, take the time to appreciate the wild lands that we get to experience in Wyoming.
Flickr / Bryant Brabson
There's no other place in the world quite like our slice of heaven.

You’ll find the Gros Ventre Wilderness outside of Jackson. For camping information and backcountry permits, visit the Forest Service website, here.

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Gros Ventre Wilderness, Kelly, WY 83011, USA