Wyoming Off-Road Trails

Gros Ventre Road is a long, scenic road that winds southeast from the town of Kelly, Wyoming, deep into the Gros Ventre Wilderness corridor. This road begins near the eastern boundary of Grand Teton National Park and gradually climbs into the foothills of the Gros Ventre Range, following the Gros Ventre River for much of its length. Popular among campers, hunters, and those seeking a more remote scenic drive, the road provides access to multiple designated and dispersed campsites, trailheads, and side roads deeper into the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Flat Creek Road is an easy, out-and-back trail through the scenic Gros Ventre Mountain Range (pr: groh vahnt) near Jackson, Wyoming. The trail begins at the eastern boundary of the National Elk Refuge. It is primarily rough dirt with some gravel sections through the Bridger-Teton National Forest and ends at a private luxury dude ranch called Flat Creek Ranch.

Beyond the Curtis Canyon Campground, there is a large area for RV camping. Additionally, there are multiple camp spots along the trail, most of which are suitable for several vehicles.

No difficult obstacles exist, with the exception of late spring runoff, which causes slick mud and mild flooding across sections of the trail.

This area is also near Grand Teton National Park.

A seasonal closure of Elk Refuge Road from December 1st through April 30th limits public travel on the Refuge Road. During that period, traffic and pedestrian use are only allowed from the Refuge entrance from East Broadway Avenue to the Twin Creek subdivision (approximately 3½ miles from the Refuge entrance).

Smith Fork Road is a beautiful drive, taking you directly from Highway 89 up into the Wyoming Range, just past the LaBarge Guard Station. Dispersed camping along this road is plentiful and easily accessed, with sites directly next to Smiths Fork Creek. Visiting in the summer is a treat, with wildflowers covering the hillsides. In the final 5-6 miles, the road narrows slightly, and the surface changes from well-graded dirt to cobblestone, but still maintains an Easy rating with no technical obstacles.

Ashton-Flagg Ranch Road, also known as Grassy Lake Road by the National Park Service, is a 33-mile scenic backcountry route connecting Ashton, Idaho, to Flagg Ranch, just outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The road travels through remote sections of the Caribou-Targhee and Bridger-Teton National Forests, nestled between two grizzly bear-inhabited wilderness areas. It offers a rare blend of wild seclusion and approachable driving, making it a favorite for overlanders traveling between the parks.

The route is primarily well-graded gravel and is suitable for most vehicles with decent ground clearance. Four-wheel drive isn’t usually necessary in dry weather, but is strongly recommended during or after storms. Mud, erosion ruts, and slick spots are common in wet conditions and can catch less-prepared vehicles off guard.

Along the way, the road passes meadows, pine and aspen forests, and high-country lakes and streams, with Grassy Lake Reservoir serving as a scenic midpoint and a great location for dispersed camping. Wildlife sightings, including bears, moose, and deer, are common, and the remote feel of the area adds to the backcountry experience.

Camping is available in several forms. The eastern end of the road, within the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, includes eight designated dispersed camping areas with a total of 20 free, first-come, first-served sites. Each site includes a picnic table, bear box, and parking space. Each camp area also features a central vault toilet, trash receptacle, and recycling bins. Note that there is no water, electricity, or sewer service.

The best time to travel this road is summer through early fall. Snow often lingers into late spring and can return early at high elevations. The eastern end remains closed for grizzly bear migration until at least June 1st, though heavy snowpack may delay the opening further.

Brooks Lake Road is an access road within the Shoshone National Forest just outside the famously scenic Teton National Forest. This road provides access to not only Brooks Lake, which is a wonderful spot for camping and fishing, but also world-class hiking trails radiating from the Brooks Lake Campground. The lakeside campground has 13 sites.

This trail can be fairly rutted up depending on the time of the year, so plan accordingly. The eastern end of this road is more maintained, whereas the western half is less maintained. While the road isn't the most interesting road in the area, the access to hiking, camping, and fishing makes this a must-do experience.

Located just east of Jackson, Wyoming, Curtis Canyon and Sheep Creek Road form a scenic 9-mile dead-end drive to the edge of the Gros Ventre Wilderness, offering sweeping views of the Teton Range, access to multiple campgrounds and dispersed sites, and a peaceful retreat into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Starting just outside the National Elk Refuge, Curtis Canyon Road climbs gradually into the forested hills above the valley floor, eventually becoming Sheep Creek Road at the halfway point of the drive.

This road begins as a well-maintained gravel route with wide shoulders and modest elevation gain. It’s suitable for most vehicles with moderate ground clearance in dry conditions. Along the way, drivers are treated to several turnouts and viewpoints overlooking the entire Jackson Hole valley and the distant Tetons. As the road transitions onto Sheep Creek Road, the road narrows slightly and becomes more rutted and rocky, especially in the steeper forested sections. This stretch is better suited for high-clearance vehicles, particularly during or after rain when sections may become slick. Still, it remains approachable for drivers with basic offroad experience.3

The Curtis Canyon Campground sits near the top of the first climb and offers basic amenities, while 21 designated dispersed campsites dot the entirety of the road and offer varying levels of seclusion.

Important Camping Notes:

• Camping in this area is restricted to designated sites only.
• A 5-day maximum stay limit is in effect from May 1st through Labor Day, and a 14-day limit the rest of the year.
• Bears are common in the area; thus, all food and attractants must be stored in bear-resistant containers or hard-sided vehicles.
• Some campsites offer on-site bear boxes, but not all campsites do.

Toppings Lake Road offers one of the most scenic and accessible introductions to dispersed camping in the shadow of Grand Teton National Park. Just a short drive from Jackson, this road winds through forested hillsides and wide-open meadows, revealing campsites with some of the best front-row views of the Teton Range you'll find anywhere. Whether you're arriving in a fully equipped trailer or pitching a tent beneath the stars, the setting here is both rugged and serene, ideal for those looking to experience the wild beauty of Wyoming without straying too far from civilization. In addition to the wonderful camping, Toppings Lake Road is a gateway to the backcountry, a haven for wildlife viewing, and a front porch to sunrise alpenglow on the Teton peaks. This road is ideal for backcountry campers looking to enjoy big views with minimal vehicle demands. Just remember to camp only in designated sites and pack out everything you bring in.

Bar BC Road is located within the park boundaries of Grand Teton National Park. This is an opportunity to enjoy viewing wildlife on and/or near the trail, as it is a wide-open landscape with the spectacular Teton Mountain Range as your backdrop. The road ends at Bar BC Ranch. A sprawling, nearly forgotten ranch with many dilapidated structures along Snake River, you are encouraged to take a walking tour.

This moderate out-and-back trail is rough and rocky, with many potholes. Its most challenging part is a steep hill with these same holes. High-clearance four-wheel drive is recommended. It is also subjected to seasonal closure in the winter months, accessible from May through October. With no camping permissible along this trail, be prepared to take advantage of the many other camping opportunities nearby.

This moderate out-and-back trail is located within the park boundaries of Grand Teton National Park and is only accessible by vehicle from May through October. It takes you down to Spalding Bay, part of Jackson Lake. A boat launch, picnic table, and two backcountry campsites are only available by obtaining a backcountry permit through Recreation.gov or one of Grand Teton's three permit offices in the visitor centers. The trail itself does NOT require a permit to enjoy for the day and is only accessible May through October.

The most challenging part of this trail is one narrow, steep switch back. If you are driving a larger vehicle, be aware you may acquire "pin striping" due to overgrowth in a couple of sections.

Mesa Road is an easy county-maintained gravel road with lovely views of Wyoming's rolling hills and pastures. This easy route between Highways 191 and 196 is enjoyable and easy for those who are new to off-pavement driving and exploring. A standard two-wheel drive vehicle is all that is needed to travel on Mesa Road. There are no dispersed campsites in this area.