Togwotee Pass
Togwotee Pass is a high mountain pass in the western United States, at an elevation of above sea level. On the Continental Divide in the Absaroka Range of northwestern Wyoming in Teton County, it is between Dubois and Moran [Junction, Wyoming|Moran Junction] in the Jackson Hole valley.
U.S. [Route 287#Wyoming|U.S. Highways 287] and 26 traverse the pass, which is approximately east of Moran Junction. The pass provides the most direct access to Grand Teton National Park from eastern Wyoming. Located between Two Ocean Mountain and Breccia Peak, sweeping vistas of the Teton Range are visible from the western slopes of the pass. A ski run at the Jackson Hole ski resort is also named Togwotee Pass.
Located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and adjacent to Shoshone National Forest, the pass receives heavy winter snowfall and is a top destination for snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and cross-country skiing. Annual snowfall at the pass often exceeds in any given winter and the road can be shut down for days at a time during blizzards. The Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail passes through the immediate area.
History
The pass is named for Togwotee, a subchief under Chief Washakie of the Sheepeater tribe, a branch of the Shoshones. Togwotee led The Jones Expedition over this pass in 1873.Before the expedition, the pass was reported to be an important trade route for native tribes.