Medicine Wheel Passage (Forest Road 12)

Medicine Wheel Passage climbs 22 miles through the Bighorn National Forest to one of North America’s most significant Native American sacred sites. Forest Road 12 starts as smooth gravel near Burgess Junction but turns nasty above 8,000 feet—loose rock, steep grades, and exposure that’ll test your nerves and your rig. The payoff is the Medicine Wheel itself, a 75-foot diameter stone circle built by indigenous peoples centuries ago, sitting on a windswept plateau with 360-degree views across Wyoming and Montana.

This is a difficult route requiring true 4WD with low range and good ground clearance. The final approach road is often closed by snow from October through June, and even summer weather can turn violent fast at nearly 10,000 feet. No camping allowed near the wheel itself—respect the sacred site. Fuel up in Sheridan and carry extra water. The combination of technical driving and spiritual significance makes this one of Wyoming’s most rewarding backcountry destinations.