Sunwapta Pass to Brazeau Lake — White River Desert Basin to Bighorn Backcountry via Willow Creek Road
Bighorn rimrock bench road above the basin floor.
The Bighorn Basin’s east wall holds a long series of bench roads that run parallel to US-16 but up on the rimrock where the sheep graze and the pronghorn sprint through the sage. The Willow Creek Road system cuts north from Tensleep Canyon’s upper rim across the Nowood River drainage, linking a series of isolated stock tanks, abandoned homestead corrals, and wide-open grazing allotments on BLM land before dropping back toward Hyattville. The views west across the Bighorn Basin floor to the Absaroka front are unobstructed for miles — the kind of payoff that makes a bumpy gravel shelf road feel like a bargain.
This is a high-clearance route, not a hardcore rock crawl. Graded gravel and two-track, with some eroded crossings over seasonal drainages that can get soft in early spring. A stock 4WD handles it fine in dry conditions. Bring your own water — stock tanks are not treated, and services are nonexistent until Worland or Greybull. Dispersed camping is wide open on BLM sections; no permit needed. Best season is June through October; snow can hit the upper bench early. Cell service is gone once you leave the canyon bottom.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 48 mi / 77.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Hyattville, Wyoming |
| Land manager | BLM Buffalo Field Office / Bighorn National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Buffalo Field Office Bighorn National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum requirement and will get the job done on this moderate dirt and gravel route. Lifted rigs aren't necessary, but decent all-terrain tires help on the loose sections and after rain when the clay gets slick.
When does Willow Creek Road typically open and close each year?
June through October is the reliable window. Spring runoff and late-season snow can make the clay surface impassable outside those months — contact the BLM Buffalo Field Office before an early-season run, as conditions vary year to year.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp out here?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping on BLM and Bighorn National Forest land is free and generally limited to 14 consecutive days in one spot — follow Leave No Trace and check with the BLM Buffalo Field Office or Bighorn National Forest for any fire restrictions before you go.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually expect?
The bench road sections above the basin floor are the trickiest — narrow shelf road with exposure and no guardrails, combined with loose gravel near the edge. Nothing technical, but it demands attention, especially if you're towing or driving a wider rig.
There's no cell service on this trail — how far is the nearest fuel and what should I know about water sources?
Hyattville is your closest fuel stop, so top off before you head out — don't count on making it to the next town on fumes across 48 miles of remote trail. There are water crossings on the route, but treat any surface water before drinking and carry enough reserve for the full run since sources aren't guaranteed.
Trail track
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