Trail Overview
The Woodchuck is an approachable yet scenic three-mile trail in the Bighorn National Forest that serves as a key connector between Big Goose Road (Forest System Road 26) and Antelope Valley. Best suited for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs, this point-to-point route offers an easy technical rating of 2 but features engaging seasonal elements that keep the drive interesting. The terrain consists primarily of unpaved dirt that transitions into sections of small, sharp, and broken rock once drivers branch off the main Big Goose corridor. While most of the path is straightforward, seasonal rains and melting snowpack create slick mud holes that can test traction and require careful tire placement, though convenient bypasses exist for the trickier spots.
Ranging in elevation from 9,155 feet to 9,628 feet, the route experiences a gentle net descent of about 450 feet as it heads southwest toward Forest System Road 278. Due to its high elevation in the Wyoming mountains, the trail is typically accessible from late spring through late autumn, with heavy snowpack closing the area during the winter months. Offroaders should ensure their vehicles are equipped with durable tires capable of handling sharp, loose stones and muddy ruts, and out-of-state OHV riders must obtain a Wyoming ORV permit before hitting the trail. The surrounding Bighorn National Forest offers ample opportunities for dispersed camping, wildlife viewing, and connecting to a vast network of adjacent motorized trails.
Difficulty
Majority of the trail is easy, some difficulty navigating the more muddy locations, but most have a way around them as well. No large rock, but areas that have the smaller broken and sharp rock are common once off of Big Goose.
Access Description
Located in the Bighorn National Forest, this trail requires a Wyoming ORV permit for off-highway vehicles, including ATVs and SxSs, if they are not street-legal. The trail is subject to seasonal closures, typically opening in mid-to-late June and closing by mid-November depending on winter snow accumulation and road conditions.
