Trail Overview

This is a 32-mile trek through the foothills of the Big Horn mountains. This is a National Back Country Byway that crosses mostly BLM land, parallels private land and crosses private land several times but this is a dedicated road. The road is dirt and recommends a high clearance vehicle. 4wd is recommended if there has been recent rain in the area. the road can have ruts and washed-out areas. This is a scenic drive and can take as little as 1 hour or 3 depending on the amount of time you stop to sightsee. 5 miles into the trail from the north you will find the Red Gulch Dinosaur Track site.

Photos of Red Gulch-Alkali Byway

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Difficulty

A dirt road may become slimy if it has rained recently, ruts may contain mud, and washouts are possible.

History

The trail was first established by Native Americans and later used by white fur trappers and ranchers. The ranchers used the trails to move supplies and get timber from the forests. The trails were used to develop the first mail service to the Big Horn Basin.

Technical Rating

Don Larson

Apr 19, 2026

Open

Headed north from Medicine Lodge to the Dinosaur Tracks the road was clear and dry with occasional washboard but not bad. Views were great. No sheep spotted this time.

Nathan Erickson

Jul 06, 2025

Open

Very scenic with Dino tracks near North end. Watch for flocks of sheep and remember sheep dogs view anything they don't know as a possible threat. Do not approach.