Moon Lake Road (Forest Road 175)

Moon Lake Road climbs through dense lodgepole pine forests in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, crossing Moose Creek three times before reaching the alpine cirque holding Moon Lake at 8,400 feet. The route follows old mining tracks from the 1920s silver boom, with remnants of the abandoned Moose Creek Mine visible at mile marker 6, where rusted machinery still sits frozen in time among the aspens.

This moderate trail demands high-clearance 4WD for the rocky creek crossings and loose shale sections above treeline. Best tackled June through September when snow clears, though early season means muddy conditions and swollen creek crossings. No permits required, but fuel up in Soda Springs—nearest services are 45 miles away. Dispersed camping available at several meadow clearings, and the payoff is crystal-clear lake fishing for brook trout with jagged peaks reflecting off the water.