Trail Overview
Telephone Extension is an engaging connector trail designed for offroaders seeking a scenic, slightly challenging shortcut through the Pole Mountain area of Medicine Bow National Forest. Connecting Happy Jack Road and Eagle Rock Road between Laramie and Cheyenne, this route features rolling terrain with scenic vistas of Wyoming's high country. While it serves as a functional bypass, the undulating topography provides a fun driving experience with a few short, steep climbs and descents that keep drivers engaged. The path is characterized by a narrow two-track that winds through open meadows and scattered pine stands, offering a classic backcountry feel.
Navigating this route requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle or a capable SxS, as the surface consists primarily of dirt and decomposed granite mixed with occasional bump rocks. Earthen water diversions, steep grades, and eroded sections contribute to its moderate difficulty rating. Drivers can access the trail directly from Happy Jack Road, or for a longer experience, turn off at Caretakers and immediately take a left onto the parallel narrow two-track. This route is typically best enjoyed from late spring through fall, depending on seasonal snowmelt and forest service closures.
Difficulty
This is an undulating road consisting of mostly dirt and decomposed granite with a few bump rocks. Steep grades, earthen water diversions, and some eroded sections contribute to it's rating.
