Gros Ventre Landslide - brown textile on brown textile
1 / 10

Gros Ventre Landslide

5
·1 reviews·Kelly, United States

Witness the immense power of nature at the Gros Ventre Landslide, a 1925 event that created a vast debris field and the picturesque Lower Slide Lake.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, pleasant temps

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Gros Ventre Landslide - brown textile on brown textile

Gros Ventre Landslide

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, pleasant temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the immense power of nature at the Gros Ventre Landslide, a 1925 event that created a vast debris field and the picturesque Lower Slide Lake.

5
(1 reviews)

"Beautiful drive out to Slide. Hardly anyone comes out, so you feel like you have the place to yourself."

Vertical photo
TIP

Enjoy the Solitude

You'll often have this stunning natural wonder to yourself. Take your time and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Look for Remnants

Observe the trees still standing in Lower Slide Lake, a testament to the landslide's power.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Landslide Debris Field

The Landslide Debris Field

Sheep Mountain area

Witness the immense scale of the 1925 rockslide, a vast expanse of debris spanning over a mile.

Lower Slide Lake

Lower Slide Lake

Gros Ventre River

A picturesque lake formed by the natural dam created by the landslide, with visible trees still in the water.

Scenic Drive

Scenic Drive

Access road to the landslide

Enjoy a peaceful drive through stunning Wyoming landscapes, often with very few other visitors.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Gros Ventre Landslide

The Gros Ventre Landslide is a natural wonder formed in 1925. It created Lower Slide Lake, a beautiful spot for reflection and photography. Access is via a scenic drive, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature's power.

Understanding the Landslide's Impact

This massive 1925 event reshaped the landscape, blocking the Gros Ventre River and forming Lower Slide Lake. The remnants of the dam and the resulting lake are key features to observe, showcasing geological history.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clear skies, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

The Gros Ventre slide, in Bridger-Teton National Forest, WY. In 1925, 38,000,000 cubic m of rock slid down Sheep Mountain. In the lower left, the entire 2016 KSU field camp class can be seen standing on the debris, which spans over a mile.

Enjoy the Solitude

You'll often have this stunning natural wonder to yourself. Take your time and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Look for Remnants

Observe the trees still standing in Lower Slide Lake, a testament to the landslide's power. Reddit

Scenic Drive is Key

The drive to the landslide is as beautiful as the destination itself. Enjoy the journey. Reddit

Pack for the Outdoors

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring and bring water and snacks for your visit. :athleticshoe: :waterwave:

Tips

from all over the internet

Enjoy the Solitude

You'll often have this stunning natural wonder to yourself. Take your time and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Look for Remnants

Observe the trees still standing in Lower Slide Lake, a testament to the landslide's power. Reddit

Scenic Drive is Key

The drive to the landslide is as beautiful as the destination itself. Enjoy the journey. Reddit

Pack for the Outdoors

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring and bring water and snacks for your visit. :athleticshoe: :waterwave:

What Travellers Say

5
(1 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Gros Ventre Landslide for its stunning natural beauty and the profound sense of solitude it offers. The dramatic scale of the 1925 event and the unique formation of Lower Slide Lake are highlights. While facilities are minimal, the peaceful atmosphere and scenic drive make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking a connection with geological history.

"Beautiful drive out to Slide. Hardly anyone comes out, so you feel like you have the place to yourself. This is a great viewpoint. The landslide happened in 1925. It was one of the largest fast-moving slides in generations.
There's a story of William Bierer predicting a slide and selling his ranch in 1920. The slide also backed up the Gros Ventre River and created the Gros Ventre Lower Lake. You can see trees still in the lake. The lake is beautiful along with the river. Definitely recommend taking some time and checking it out."

Andrea Sparks

What People Like

Peaceful solitude
Dramatic landscape
Unique lake formation

What People Dislike

Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Gros Ventre Landslide is accessible via a scenic drive off Highway 89 in Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Reddit

The access road is generally well-maintained, but it's advisable to check local conditions, especially after inclement weather. It's a gravel road for much of the way.

Using a GPS or a reliable map is recommended. The drive is relatively straightforward, but it's a remote area, so ensure you have your route planned.

Keep an eye out for signs indicating the Gros Ventre River and the turn-off for the landslide area. The landscape itself is a constant point of interest. Reddit

Access may be limited or impossible during winter months due to snow and road closures. It's best visited during the warmer seasons.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission fees or tickets required to visit the Gros Ventre Landslide. It is a natural geological site within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Reddit

Generally, no special permits are required for day visits. However, if you plan on camping or engaging in specific activities, check with the Bridger-Teton National Forest for regulations.

As a natural outdoor site, there are no set operating hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no specific entrance fee for the scenic drive leading to the landslide. Standard national forest access regulations apply.

While official guided tours might be limited, local outfitters may offer excursions. It's also easy to explore independently. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can witness the massive debris field from the 1925 landslide and the picturesque Lower Slide Lake, formed when the Gros Ventre River was dammed. Reddit

Allocate at least 1-2 hours to enjoy the scenic drive, explore the landslide area, and take in the views of Lower Slide Lake. Reddit

While there aren't extensive marked hiking trails directly at the landslide, you can explore the accessible areas around the debris field and the lake. Reddit

Facilities are minimal. Expect basic pull-offs for viewing and parking. There are no restrooms or visitor centers directly at the site. Reddit

Absolutely! The dramatic landscape, the lake, and the surrounding mountains offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at the Gros Ventre Landslide. You'll need to pack your own food and drinks or plan to eat in nearby towns like Jackson. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option. There are scenic spots along the drive and near the lake where you can enjoy a meal amidst nature. Remember to pack out all trash. Reddit

The closest significant town with dining options is Jackson, Wyoming, which is a considerable drive away. Plan accordingly for your meals. Reddit

Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that are easy to eat outdoors and don't require refrigeration if you're visiting during warmer months. Reddit

While there are no specific food restrictions for visitors, it's important to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Bear-resistant containers are recommended if camping.

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon for golden hour light on the mountains and debris field, and early morning for soft light and fewer shadows on Lower Slide Lake. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the landslide and the lake. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the surrounding mountains. Reddit

Pull-offs along the access road offer various perspectives. The area around Lower Slide Lake provides iconic shots with the trees in the water. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and Bridger-Teton National Forest rules. Always check current regulations before flying. Reddit

The sheer scale of the debris, the unique formation of Lower Slide Lake with its submerged trees, and the dramatic mountain backdrop are highly photogenic. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gros Ventre Landslide offers a unique educational opportunity for families. Kids can marvel at the sheer size of the landslide debris and learn about geological events. Lower Slide Lake, with its visible submerged trees, is particularly fascinating for younger visitors. The scenic drive is generally easy and offers beautiful views, making the journey enjoyable. Reddit

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, as facilities are limited. Encourage children to observe the landscape and imagine the power of nature that created this site. It's a great chance to spark curiosity about geology and the natural world in a memorable, less-crowded setting. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers from Jackson

For those visiting Jackson, Wyoming, the Gros Ventre Landslide is an excellent day trip option. The drive itself is scenic and offers a break from the busier tourist hubs. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the landslide area and Lower Slide Lake, taking photos, and enjoying the tranquility. Reddit

Plan your timing to make the most of the daylight. Since dining options are scarce, bring all necessary food and water. The relatively low visitor numbers mean you can often enjoy a peaceful experience without the crowds often found at more popular national park attractions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of the Gros Ventre Landslide

The Gros Ventre Landslide, occurring on June 4, 1925, was a colossal geological event. Approximately 38 million cubic meters of rock and earth detached from the north face of Sheep Mountain. This massive slide cascaded down, covering an area of about one square mile and creating a natural dam across the Gros Ventre River. The sheer scale of this event is a testament to the powerful forces shaping our planet. Reddit

This catastrophic event not only reshaped the immediate landscape but also had significant downstream effects. The damming of the Gros Ventre River led to the formation of Lower Slide Lake. The remnants of this natural dam and the resulting lake are still visible today, offering a unique opportunity to witness the aftermath of such a dramatic geological occurrence. The presence of trees still standing in the lake serves as a stark reminder of the rapid inundation. Reddit

Experiencing Lower Slide Lake

Lower Slide Lake is a serene and beautiful consequence of the 1925 landslide. When the debris blocked the Gros Ventre River, the water pooled, creating this picturesque lake. Visitors often remark on the peaceful atmosphere and the unique sight of submerged trees still standing in the water, a poignant visual of the landslide's impact. Reddit

The lake and the surrounding river offer a tranquil setting for reflection and photography. The drive to reach the landslide and the lake is itself a scenic journey through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, often described as uncrowded and serene. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet escape and a connection with natural history. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2