Wyoming Trails

Wheeling Forest Service Road 103 is what some would call a "tour of the lakes". This off-road trail one of the best to view high mountain lakes. You pass by South and North Twin Lakes, Dipper and Queally Lake, along with Cascade Lake. Feeding all these lakes are crystal clear streams and brooks which you can't help but appreciate as you listen and look at them. All of this water leads to a visually pleasing trip through many colorful and delicate sub-alpine meadows. This route lies within the Snowy Range of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, it is pristine and less crowded than some of the most well-known areas that tend to get most of the attention. This is the perfect destination for an overland adventure.

Put your boots on and saddle up your trusty four-wheeled steed to enjoy an excursion through the old west of Southeast Wyoming. Pumpkin Vine Road meanders through the high prairies south of Laramie Wyoming. This easy gravel road is a great alternative to the other asphalt routes when traveling to the Vedauwoo Recreation Area between Laramie and Cheyenne. Don't forget to stop and see the Ames Monument, a large pyramid paying tribute to the area's rich railroad history. Ames Monument is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is maintained as a State of Wyoming historic site.

Traversing the high mountain tundra and forest in southern Wyoming's Snowy Range, Libby Flats is an intermediate 4x4 trail that meanders through the Medicine Bow National Forest. This multi-use trail is only open and accessible for a few months each year because of the exceptional volume of snowfall during the winter and spring. Luckily, the golden fall color from abundant aspen trees makes up for the short season.

Libby Flats is a trail to take for the beauty of the high mountain views. Although this area receives considerable snow during the winter, that is not how the Snowy Range Mountains received their name. The color of the rocky peaks gives the appearance of being covered with snow even when no snow is present.

Greys River, FR 10138, follows its namesake waterway through Wyoming's rugged Bridger National Forest. This scenic dirt road is a feast for the eyes. Flanked by towering pine trees backed by prominent mountain peaks, the trail passed through a stunning panorama that never ceases to amaze. The remote location and sense of wilderness add to the sense of adventure. The river is home to various trout species making it quite popular with fly fishing enthusiasts. The road is usually graded but can be rough. Any 2WD SUV will have no difficulties.

There are ample dispersed camping sites along the way, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. First-come, first-served improved campgrounds with amenities are scattered along the track.

Located southeast of Jackson in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Cliff Creek is a rare road that offers fantastic backcountry opportunities for all types of users. Along Cliff Creek, you will find abundant dispersed camping options and many non-motorized trails that offer spectacular views, including the scenic Cliff Creek Falls. This area is a premiere big game hunting area and is also used by 4x4 enthusiasts as an access point to the only Wyoming Jeep Badge of Honor Trail (BOH), Monument Ridge.

Union Pass is a maintained dirt road connecting the town of Pinedale to Dubois (the locals pronounce it "dew-boys"). This route showcases many mountain vistas that the Teton National Forest is known for, including Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming, and numerous lakes and streams. This is a great trail if you want to see this special area via dirt instead of asphalt. Any passenger vehicle can handle Union Pass but might be bumpy without airing down your tires.

Scenic Crazy Woman Canyon Road runs parallel to Crazy Woman Creek through the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. The road is a single-track graded dirt road, and it winds down through the canyon with epic views of the creek, waterfalls, steep cliffs, and giant boulders. There is an elevation change of over 2800 feet, so lower gears help when transiting Crazy Woman Canyon Road. RVs and trailers are not recommended. Caution should be used if traveling on the road during wet conditions, as the road is steep and narrow. There are many dispersed campsites along the trail.

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.

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.

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).

Perched just east of Grand Teton National Park, Shadow Mountain is one of the most sought-after dispersed camping zones in the Jackson area, and for good reason. As you climb the dirt roads that wind through aspen groves and open meadows, the Tetons rise dramatically in the west, unfolding a jaw-dropping panorama that feels straight from a postcard. This isn’t just camping, it's front-row wilderness immersion. Whether you're sleeping under the stars in a tent or pulling in with a fifth wheel in tow, Shadow Mountain delivers a rare blend of peace, scenery, and accessibility.

With sites scattered along pullouts, ridgelines, and tucked-away flats, there's a spot for everyone if you're willing to navigate the bumps and elevation. Early arrivals snag the most iconic viewpoints, but even the lower clearings offer serenity and sweeping vistas. Wildflowers blanket the hillsides in summer, and the dark skies are a stargazer’s dream. Shadow Mountain isn't just a place to camp, it's a destination worth returning to again and again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Uhl Hill Road is one of Grand Teton National Park’s lesser-known backroads, but it delivers big on views, solitude, and light offroad adventure. Starting at the intersection with Elk Ranch and Wolf Ranch Roads, it traverses sagebrush flats before gently climbing toward the base of Uhl Hill. While technically simple, the route features a mix of gravel and two-track dirt, with occasional fist-sized rocks and rutted segments that can become muddy after storms. Three shallow creek crossings add a bit of excitement without posing much risk for most vehicles. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially after heavy rains, but confident drivers in stock 4WD rigs will have no trouble navigating this trail. This trail makes for a perfect detour for casual off-roaders looking to experience the grandeur of the park away from the main crowds. Expect a peaceful ride with unbeatable scenery and a dash of Wyoming history.

Keep your camera ready as this is a common place to see wildlife such as buffalo, coyotes, elk, and bears.

Two Ocean Lakes Road is a short, washboarded, dead-end road within the northeast corner of Grand Teton National Park. The road leads to a vault toilet and picnic grounds on the edge of Two Ocean Lakes, where several hiking trails circle the lake and enter the Teton Wilderness. The road is sufficiently wide with no passing concerns. However, vehicles over 24 feet long, trailers, and vehicles over 8 feet wide are all prohibited from traversing this road.

This is a day-use only area with no camping. It passes through prime bear habitat. Bears may be active any place and at any time. Travel in groups, make noise and carry bear spray. Hikers cannot access backcountry camping in the park from this trailhead.

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.

East Boundary Road is a rough but scenic high-clearance route that connects two popular camping areas: Toppings Lake to the north and Shadow Mountain to the south. The road closely follows the eastern edge of Grand Teton National Park, offering a unique route with exceptional mountain views for those prepared for the rugged terrain.

The northern end, designated FS 30333, lies within the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This segment stretches just over a quarter mile and includes campsites 4, 5, 5A, and 6. Campsite 4 is tucked deep in the trees with no views, while sites 5 through 6 are situated in a grassy clearing with panoramic vistas of the Teton Range. Each site includes a steel fire ring and bear box.

As the road enters the national park, it becomes a rougher two-track with protruding rocks and occasional mud holes. Though the scenery is outstanding, including consistent views of the Tetons, this section demands careful tire placement and is only suitable for high-clearance vehicles. No camping is permitted within the national park boundary. Drivers will also pass a few private ranch roads along this section.

At the southern end, the road transitions into FS 30344, also known as Antelope Springs. This area includes three camping zones, collectively offering 15 designated campsites. These sites vary in size but can accommodate anything from tents to RVs. Amenities include steel fire rings at every site, communal bear boxes, and a pit toilet.

The south end of the trail is conveniently located just five minutes northeast of Mormon Row, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the area.

While both ends of East Boundary Road are generally passable with any vehicle that has decent ground clearance, the middle stretch within the national park should only be attempted by high-clearance vehicles due to rocky surfaces, ruts, and frequent mud holes.

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.

Spread Creek Road is one of the more accessible and rewarding roads for dispersed camping near Grand Teton National Park. Just a short drive from the park entrance, this dirt and gravel road leads to a network of level campsites, many offering stunning views of the Teton Range. The road winds through groves of cottonwoods and open meadows, with numerous campsites offering shady forest sites and more exposed spots with unobstructed mountain views. For new and casual off-roaders, Spread Creek Road provides an ideal introduction to vehicle-based camping with a big payoff in scenery and solitude.

Jackson Creek Road is a short, rugged spur leading to the trailhead for both the Jackson Peak and Goodwin Lake hiking trails, situated at the edge of the Gros Ventre Wilderness. The road is moderately technical and features a persistent bed of softball to grapefruit-sized rocks, along with deep erosion ruts that can easily swallow a tire and high-center a vehicle. The final ascent to the turnaround at the trailhead is especially rocky and uneven, requiring precise tire placement and good suspension. This road is only suitable for high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Passenger SUVs and crossovers should not attempt this drive.

Despite its rough condition, the road rewards with stunning wildflower displays in summer and a pair of large, designated campsites. These sites are level and spacious, easily accommodating any group. The views near the trailhead include sweeping vistas of the Teton Range, offering a worthy payoff for those making the climb.

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.

Located within Grand Teton National Park, Cattleman's Bridge once spanned the Snake River, allowing ranchers to graze cattle west of the river near the potholes. It was a wooden plank bridge constructed in the mid-1950s and finally removed in 2001. Today, this easy gravel road offers scenic views of the Tetons and the river. It is a popular place for wildlife and a great place to launch hand-powered boating vessels. The road is suitable for any vehicle and has enough parking at the end to accommodate a dozen vehicles or so.

Located just outside of Moran, in the northeast corner of Grand Teton National Park, this easy, dead-end gravel road leads to the Pacific Campground and hiking trailhead, on the edge of the Teton Wilderness. It is known as both Wilderness Road by the park service, or Pacific Creek by the Forst Service. The road is two-vehicles wide the entire way and suitable for any vehicle, but anticipate significant washboard along the drive. Airing down will greatly ease in comfort.

The road passes 8 designated campsites, all offering significant space and suitable for any campsites or group size. Pacific Campground offers an additional 8, first-come first-serve sites for a nightly fee. The end of the road is a popular place for equestrian riders entering the wilderness, as evident by the many trailers and hitching posts in the trailhead parking lot.

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.

Red Rock Ranch Road is a short, dead-end spur that leads to the Crystal Creek Trailhead, a popular equestrian access point into the Gros Ventre Wilderness. The route follows alongside Crystal Creek and a private ranch, offering expansive views and a quiet setting.

At the end of the road, several large, level campsites are located near the creek banks, making it a scenic option for those looking to stage near the wilderness boundary.

The trail surface is compact bentonite that becomes increasingly rough and rocky as you travel farther in. During wet weather, this clay turns to thick, slick mud that can be impassable. When dry, it forms deep ruts and hard-edged trenches that challenge suspension and traction. This road is best suited for high-clearance vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive.

Important Camping Notes:

• 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.

Wolf Ranch Road is a lesser-traveled gem within Grand Teton National Park that offers sweeping vistas, rich history, and a peaceful off-pavement driving experience. The road begins just east of the highway and immediately puts you on a well-maintained gravel track that winds through broad sagebrush flats. With the Teton Range towering in the background, the drive is a visual feast nearly the entire way. Along Wolf Ranch Road, you’ll pass historic log cabins and ranch structures that harken back to the region’s early settler era. The road parallels cottonwood-lined irrigation ditches and open pastures, where wildlife sightings are common. Bison frequently graze in the surrounding meadows, and it’s not unusual to spot a bald eagle or pronghorn in the distance. It’s especially enjoyable in the late spring through early fall, when wildflowers are in bloom and wildlife is most active.

The terrain is flat and easygoing, suitable for nearly any vehicle. However, low clearance vehicles will need to treat this as an out-and-back road. High clearance vehicles can continue to make this journey a loop with Elk Ranch Road, where you will encounter two deep water crossings.

Brush Creek is a short but rugged connector route tucked into the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Running between Toppings Lake and Lower Spread Creek roads, this trail serves a practical purpose for off-roaders looking to link routes without backtracking. Despite its lack of technical challenge, the trail’s surface is a bed of baseball-to-grapefruit-sized rocks that demand slower travel and steady tire placement. It's not a long route, but it does pack in enough rock chatter to make high clearance a necessity. The trail offers limited passing opportunities along a single-vehicle-wide road where wider vehicles are guaranteed pinstriping.

Although Brush Creek is mostly used as a jump route between longer, designated camping forest roads, there are a couple of tucked-away dispersed campsites for those who want to linger in the dense forest surroundings. These sites are small and infrequent, but they work if you are in a pinch or just want to be as remote as possible. Drivers with moderate experience will be comfortable here, especially those familiar with navigating uneven rock-strewn surfaces.

Important Camping Notes:

• Camping along the two access roads 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.

Bailey Creek is a short, nearly 3-mile dead-end spur that leads to a tiny parcel of National Forest land sandwhiched between Grand Teton National Park and the Teton Wilderness. The drive winds through a dense pine canopy, past the willow layden Bailey Meadow, and terminates at a large grassy area popular with equestrian campers. Wildlife are common along the road, and bear activity is relatively high due to the remoteness of the road. The road is a single-vehicle wide two track for most of the trip, across a rough, rutty, and cobbly surface of rounded baseball and softball sized rocks. It gradually becomes rougher the farther along the road you travel, and mud pits are a common occurrence during wet periods. The only camping is found at the end of the road with plenty of level, grassy areas, and a single bear box.

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.

Sheep Creek Spur is a short, dead-end spur off Curtis Canyon and Sheep Creek Road that leads to three designated campsites and the boundary of the Gros Ventre Wilderness. The road begins easily enough, with the first few hundred yards offering relatively smoother terrain up to the campsites. Each site provides excellent views of the surrounding hills and makes for a quiet, scenic overnight stop.

Beyond the campsites, the road narrows into a rough, rocky single-lane shelf section with no room for passing. This portion is challenging, with uneven terrain and steep drop-offs to one side, and should only be attempted by high-clearance vehicles with confident drivers who have previous shelf road experience. The spur ends at a small turnaround near the wilderness boundary. While views remain partially visible along the shelf road, the best scenery is found near the campsites.

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.

Elk Ranch Road is a scenic backcountry route within the eastern stretches of Grand Teton National Park that offers a unique blend of history, terrain variety, and unmatched views of the iconic Teton Range. Beginning near US-89, the trail crosses open fields before arriving at the historic Elk Ranch cabins, a photogenic cluster of weathered homesteads that sit beneath the towering backdrop of the snow-capped peaks. From here, the road continues across lush, grassy flats and through a short but notable water crossing. This 1-2 foot deep water crossing is easily navigable for high-clearance vehicles, but impedes further traffic for low-clearance vehicles.

The surface is a mix of packed dirt and gravel, with shallow ruts and uneven sections that may challenge lower clearance vehicles after rain. While not technical, the route favors 4WD during or after wet conditions due to mud and water crossings. Beyond the cabins and creek, the trail opens into wide meadows with sweeping panoramas of the Tetons, arguably some of the best views in the park accessible by vehicle. Wildlife sightings are common, and the isolation offers a peaceful contrast to the busier park corridors. This spur eventually intersects with Wolf Ranch Road, which can then be used to return to the highway. This road is best enjoyed as an easygoing scenic drive or a detour for photography and light adventure. It is ideal for beginners seeking that true backcountry feel without the punishment of rock crawling.

Soda Lake is a rough, out-and-back spur trail that leads to its namesake lake and a trailhead providing access to the Gros Ventre Wilderness. The road is a single-vehicle-wide track of hard-packed dirt with embedded rocks up to eight inches in height. Along the way, drivers will navigate a moderately steep hill that becomes impassable when wet due to the slick bentonite soil.

Before reaching the lake, there is one grassy dispersed campsite. At the lake itself, two to three large sites sit along the shoreline, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for overnight stays.

This trail is generally easy in dry conditions and can be traveled with a two-wheel-drive vehicle, but only if it has high ground clearance. The rocky and uneven terrain makes it unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles, especially after rain.

Important Camping Notes:

• 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.

Slate Creek Loop is a scenic, horseshoe-shaped spur off Gros Ventre Road, located in a remote stretch of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The road follows the cliffs above the Gros Ventre River and crosses through open sagebrush country on its way to the Slate Creek Trailhead, a popular hiking and OHV parking area.

Dispersed campsites are found throughout the loop, many with wide-open views of the surrounding wilderness. However, the area offers little protection from the sun and wind due to minimal tree cover. All observed campsites are large and level, making them suitable for any camp setup and capable of accommodating groups of various sizes.

The western half of Slate Creek Loop is a wide, easy gravel road that can be traveled by most vehicles, including RVs and trailers. In contrast, the eastern half transitions to a narrow two-track with ruts and protruding rocks up to five inches in height. This section requires a high-clearance vehicle and is better suited for drivers with some off-pavement experience.

Important Camping Notes:

• 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.

Puwerae Road is a short camping spur off Toppings Lake Road that leads to designated campsite 27, offering stunning views of the Teton Range. The campsite lies less than a quarter mile from the start and is accessed by a fairly steep incline. At the top, a small, level clearing can accommodate three to four camping parties, depending on vehicle size. Some visitors choose to hike higher up the hillside to set up tents for better views and added privacy.

The site is accessible to trailers, but turning around can be difficult if the area is already occupied. Beyond the designated campsite, the road continues for about a mile as a rough and bumpy two-track. The surface is hard-packed bentonite, which becomes dangerously slick and impassable when wet. The road ends abruptly with little space to maneuver.

The area is filled with wildflowers, especially in early summer. High clearance is required to drive the entire trail, though 2WD is sufficient in dry conditions.

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.

FS 30290C and 30290D are short, dead-end two-tracks that branch off Lower Spread Creek Road. Each leads to a designated campsite: Site 14 and Site 15.

Campsite 14 is the closer of the two, sitting above Lower Spread Creek with excellent northern views of the surrounding mountain terrain. It’s a spacious, level site with a partially grassy surface. Campsite 15 lies farther back in the pine forest, offering more solitude. While it lacks sweeping views, it's surrounded by wildflowers and has thicker ground cover, likely due to less vehicle traffic.

The trail surface to these sites is steep and composed of bentonite clay, which turns slick and unstable when wet. Deep ruts and erosion pockets scar the trail, making it clear this trail doesn’t handle moisture well. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended, and if rain is expected, rugged offroad tires are advised.

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.

Taylor Ranch Road is a short and easy gravel spur off Gros Ventre Road that offers scenic lake views, several small campsites, and access to Lower Slide Lake. The road is open to the public for a brief stretch before it enters private ranch property.

Just before crossing the bridge, two small campsites can be found tucked into the trees along the river on the west side. After the bridge, there is a small cluster of campsites that could accommodate up to four groups, depending on spacing. This area also offers excellent beach access directly across from the campsites, making it a convenient spot for those looking to enjoy the lake.

The road ends shortly after this cluster at a manmade eagle's nest. It is best to turn around here, as there are no additional turnouts before reaching private property. While the drive is short, it provides a peaceful and scenic stop for camping or lake recreation near Lower Slide Lake.

Important Camping Notes:

• 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.

FS 30290A and 30290B are short spur roads that parallel Lower Spread Creek Road, providing access to designated campsites 7, 8, and 9. These spurs begin at the west end and progress eastward, with varying site types and road conditions along the way.

Campsite 7 sits at the western edge of the spur and overlooks the Spread Creek drainage. It’s a spacious, level site, large enough to accommodate RVs and trailers, with excellent views and room to spread out.

As the road continues east, it narrows and becomes increasingly rough, with several dips and exposed rocks up to 9 inches tall. While trailers can technically reach Campsites 8 and 9, maneuvering space is limited, and turning around may be difficult if the sites are already occupied by other large vehicles.

Campsite 8 is a wide, flat clearing near the treeline, featuring four to five fire rings and ample room for multiple camping parties. It offers a semi-shaded, open layout suitable for groups.

Campsite 9 is tucked into a cove at the mouth of the canyon, directly overlooking Spread Creek. This site is very large and open, with a dirt base that can comfortably host several parties or larger groups. Its seclusion and size make it a highly desirable site in the area.

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.