Laramie River Road
Historic tie-hack country along pristine trout waters
Forest Road 740 traces the Laramie River through dense lodgepole pine and aspen groves, passing the historic Chambers Lake area where old tie-hack camps once housed loggers cutting railroad ties for the transcontinental railroad. The road starts easy but gets progressively rougher as you push deeper into the Medicine Bow backcountry, with several creek crossings and muddy sections that can trap the unprepared during spring runoff or after heavy rains.
Most of the route is manageable in a stock high-clearance vehicle during dry conditions, but the final sections demand 4WD and careful tire placement around embedded rocks and rutted sections. Open typically June through October, though early season can be boggy. No permits needed, but dispersed camping opportunities are excellent along the river corridor. Cell service is nonexistent once you leave the highway. Bring extra fuel, recovery gear, and expect to share the area with serious anglers working the productive cutthroat waters.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Walden, Colorado |
| Land manager | Medicine Bow National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
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