Trail Overview
The road leaves US-16 between Buffalo and Ten Sleep and rolls through a beautiful open meadow, passing a handful of wide-open, quiet dispersed campsites before reaching a green pipe gate. The gate marks the start of the seasonal closure, so be sure to check closure dates before heading out.
Past the gate, the two-track climbs gently across open grassland with light bumps, occasional ruts, and some washboard. After roughly half a mile, the surface becomes slightly rockier, with embedded rocks, but nothing most vehicles won’t clear at a low speed. Four-wheel drive and high clearance make the trail super fun and easy, but they aren’t necessary during dry summertime conditions.
The road then climbs a hill and opens onto a high meadow with wide views over the Bighorn foothills and timbered ridges. It’s breathtaking. The trail ends abruptly at a private-property boundary, but the payoff is a huge view down into the canyon and across its limestone cliffs. This is an out-and-back trail, not a loop. Only 20 minutes one way, but the views are well worth an overnight stay or longer trip. There are also hiking trails off the trail!
Difficulty
This is an easy, scenic trail under dry summertime conditions. Expect light bumps, occasional shallow ruts, some washboard, and a slightly rocky section with embedded rocks but no major obstacles. Most vehicles should be able to complete it at a slow, careful pace. Four-wheel drive and high clearance make the drive easier and more comfortable but are not necessary when the road is dry. Conditions may become more difficult when wet, muddy, or snowy.
