Teton Pass Road — Alpine to Jackson via the Snake River Canyon Rim and Greys River Loop
Wyoming's elk-packed canyon road to Jackson.
Most people blast through Alpine, Wyoming on US-26 heading to Jackson without a second look. The Greys River Road (USFS Road 10138) is what they miss: a 100-mile dirt corridor that runs north along the Greys River through the Bridger-Teton National Forest before looping back to US-189 at the La Barge Creek junction near Fontenelle. The river is your constant companion — and your obstacle, with multiple low-water crossings that depend entirely on snowmelt timing. Mule deer and elk by the thousand use these meadows; in September during the rut it’s one of the best wildlife-watching drives in the American West. The canyon narrows in the upper reaches past Murphy Creek where the road shelf-edges above the river and requires patience and a rig that fits the track width.
Moderate difficulty by Wyoming standards — high-clearance 4WD handles it in dry conditions, but wet weather turns the clay sections into a skating rink and high water on the Greys River crossings makes certain segments impassable without a snorkel. Best season is July through October; June crossings can be thigh-deep. No permits required. Fuel in Alpine or Kemmerer — there’s nothing in between. Dispersed camping is legal throughout the national forest corridor. Cell service drops to nothing past the Alpine end of the canyon. Budget a full day minimum, two if you want to actually stop and fish.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 103 mi / 165.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7600 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Alpine, WY |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest — Greys River Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Greys River Road info Bridger-Teton National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum — this is rated for high-clearance 4WD for a reason. Lifted rigs are more comfortable on the rougher sections near the Greys River, but a careful stock rig with decent tires will get through. Don't attempt it in a crossover or 2WD truck.
When does Greys River Road typically open and close each year?
The route is generally accessible July through October. Snow can linger into June at higher elevations and early fall storms can close sections fast — the USFS Greys River Ranger District usually posts closure updates, so check before you go.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp along this route?
No permit is required to drive the route or use dispersed campsites within Bridger-Teton National Forest. Standard dispersed camping rules apply — 14-day stay limit, camp 200 feet from water and the road.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The roughest stretches are along the lower Greys River corridor where the road narrows, gets rocky, and runs close to the river — expect shelf road sections, loose gravel, and potential washouts after heavy rain. It's not a white-knuckle trail, but it'll punish an inattentive driver or underinflated tires.
Are the water crossings on the Greys River section actually deep enough to worry about?
Crossings are typically manageable in mid-to-late summer, but runoff season in early July can push water levels significantly higher. If you're running without a snorkel, scout on foot first — a swollen Greys River crossing has caught rigs off guard before.
Trail track
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