Wickiup

Wickiup is a scenic 7-mile trail located in the Bridger-Teton National Forest near Star Valley, Wyoming, offering an engaging and moderate route tailored specifically for offroad vehicles up to 50 inches wide, including ATVs, SxSs, and dirt bikes. This loop-style trail winds through mountainous terrain, climbing from an elevation of 6,523 feet up to a peak of 7,564 feet near Wickiup Knoll, with around 1,400 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Along the way, riders will navigate dirt tracks that feature challenging six- to ten-inch washes, requiring careful wheel placement to maintain stability. The surrounding forested slopes and nearby Red Top Mountain provide a stunning backdrop, making it a visual highlight for riders seeking a quick but rewarding mountain escape, while full-size four-wheel-drive vehicles are excluded due to the strict width limits. Accessing the trailhead is straightforward, starting from a small parking area located just off US Highway 89 on the eastern edge of the valley. Due to deep forest shade and high elevations, sections of the trail can remain packed with snow well into late spring, so waiting until summer or riding later in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer is highly recommended. Explorers should stick to the designated route and avoid the numerous unauthorized spurs winding off the main trail to protect the delicate local ecosystem. With a technical rating of 4, the route presents a manageable challenge for intermediate riders, though care should be taken through the unstable washed-out areas, particularly on narrower fifty-inch side-by-sides or utility vehicles.