Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming

Designated in 1891 as the nation’s first forest reserve, the Shoshone National Forest spans the dramatic Absaroka Mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Its 1.5 million acres rise from river valleys at 4,600 feet to alpine peaks above 13,000 feet, creating a patchwork of warm lowlands, snow‑capped summits, and vibrant wildlife habitats. The terrain is marked by steep canyons, open meadows, and striking rock formations that have long attracted explorers and hikers. Listeners will hear vivid descriptions that bring this varied landscape to life.

The forest is also a model of early conservation management, overseen by the U.S. Forest Service through four ranger districts that balance timber harvest, grazing, recreation, and wildlife protection. The book explains how rangers coordinate fire prevention, road maintenance, and visitor services while aiming for sustainable use of the land. It also introduces the mysterious “Sheepeaters,” the earliest known inhabitants whose legacy adds a human dimension to the forest’s story.