Wind River Canyon Back Road

While most folks blast through Wind River Canyon on US-20, the old wagon road that parallels the Wind River offers a slower, rougher alternative past towering limestone cliffs and ancient geological formations that tell the story of Wyoming’s prehistoric seas. This forgotten route connects several ranch access roads and old petroleum exploration tracks, requiring navigation skills and local knowledge to link the segments through what locals call the “back door” to Thermopolis.

The route demands high-clearance vehicles and 4WD in several sections where the track climbs over exposed bedrock and drops through loose shale. Some private land requires respectful passage—stay on the main track and close all gates. Best tackled in dry conditions from May through October, as wet clay sections become impassable slip-and-slide nightmares. No official camping, but the route connects to BLM land with dispersed opportunities. Cell service is spotty at best. This is old Wyoming at its finest—empty country where you might not see another soul all day.