Wyoming Trails

Monument Ridge

4/5 (3 reviews)

Hoback Junction, Wyoming (Sublette County)

Last Updated: 06/16/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Altitude

Iconic

Scenic

Located about an hour from Jackson in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Monument Ridge is one of only two fire lookouts in Wyoming accessible by road. The road provides incredible views of nearby mountain ranges and is a common destination for hikers, bikers, and off-road adventure seekers, especially Jeep enthusiasts. Monument Ridge is the only Jeep Badge of Honor Trail (BOH) in the state of Wyoming and is easily accessible from nearby Highway 191.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

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Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

Trail Navigation

Monument Ridge is an in-and-back out trail that is mostly packed dirt and rock that can be steep, bumpy, and muddy at times. Although open year-round, the trail is usually impassable from October through June, depending on the weather. There are no required obstacles. The only optional obstacles are small mud pits that could be dry or wet depending on recent weather. A low-gear transfer case is recommended due to the road's steepness, but during dry conditions, any high clearance vehicle can complete this trail.

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

The trail starts in the middle of Clark's Draw. Head north into the trees and begin traversing the ridgeline.

2. Rocky and Scenic (0.3 mi)

Monument Ridge - Waypoint 2: Rocky and Scenic

The road becomes rocky for a short section as you make your way out of the trees. This 30 yards of jagged rock is the most difficult part of the trail. The view here are fantastic with the Wyoming Range to the west and the Gros Ventre Range to the east.

3. Campsite (0.48 mi)

The spur road uphill to the right leads to a campsite. The campsite here is large, grassy, and exposed. The ground is very sloped, sp this spot would be most ideal for vehicle camping, or a small tent.

4. Driver's Choice (0.67 mi)

Monument Ridge - Waypoint 4: Driver's Choice

The trail splits here at the Aspen trees and reconnects in about 200 yards. The route to the right will take you through the trees and drop you into a smelly, cowpie-filled mud hole. The route to the left swings around the trees and passes a large, flat, and exposed campsite that looks out towards the Wyoming Range and Hoback Peak.

5. Driver's Choice (1.41 mi)

Monument Ridge - Waypoint 5: Driver's Choice

The trail splits again here and reconnects in 30 yards. Depending on the time of year and the amount of recent moisture, the route to the right can be a deep, sticky mud pit. To the left is the bypass for this mud pit. In the trees to your right, you will also see the remains of an old cabin.

6. Monument Ridge Fire Lookout (1.65 mi)

Monument Ridge - Waypoint 6: Monument Ridge Fire Lookout

The Monument Ridge Fire Lookout was constructed in 1941 and decommissioned in 1970. It is the only remaining fire lookout in Wyoming assembled with precut logs and one of only two fire lookouts accessible by motor vehicles. This location has a spectacular, 360-degree view of the Wyoming, Gros Ventre, and Wind River ranges. The area is large enough to accommodate several vehicles and makes for a great campspot.

7. End of Motorized Route (2.15 mi)

Monument Ridge - Waypoint 7: End of Motorized Route

The motorized route ends a half mile from the fire lookout and becomes a foot traffic trail only. Turn around and return the way you came.

Trail Reviews

4/5 (3)

Steve King

900

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/16/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The trail is mostly dry with many small mud holes and a couple of larger mud holes. All the holes were very passible on this "no rain" sunny day on the trail. We hit this trail at its peak of mountain wildflowers and warm weather. The view of the mountains (which surround this trail to the West, North, and East) were outstanding. The approach via Cliff Creek Trail and Clark's Draw combined with this trail was an easy but beautiful drive. The scenery on this trail was 5-star worth the trip to WY. You won't find many technical challenges (unless it rains a lot and is very muddy), just wonderful scenery.

Trail Review: Monument Ridge - Steve King

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Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

122300

Open

Visited: 05/31/2023

Local users are reporting the trail is fully open now.

Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

122300

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 08/17/2022

This is a hard trail to rate. For offroading when it's dry, it's a 2, maybe a 1. Not super exciting to drive, not hard, just sort of "blah". If there has been a lot of moisture, I can see this being a real mud fest which would definitely make it harder and more exciting. For scenery and views... it's a total 5! If you are lucky enough to be up there on a clear day, you won't regret it!

Trail Review: Monument Ridge - Ryan Boudreau

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Monument Ridge

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Rocky and Scenic (0.3 mi)

3. Campsite (0.48 mi)

4. Driver's Choice (0.67 mi)

5. Driver's Choice (1.41 mi)

6. Monument Ridge Fire Lookout (1.65 mi)

7. End of Motorized Route (2.15 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Ryan Boudreau

Monument Ridge

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Recommended Vehicle:

Concerns:

Summary:

Community Consensus

0 votes

1 votes

0 votes

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Trail Navigation

1. Trailhead (0 mi)

2. Rocky and Scenic (0.3 mi)

3. Campsite (0.48 mi)

4. Driver's Choice (0.67 mi)

5. Driver's Choice (1.41 mi)

6. Monument Ridge Fire Lookout (1.65 mi)

7. End of Motorized Route (2.15 mi)

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Ryan Boudreau

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