Cascade Creek Road (Shoshone National Forest)
Absaroka alpine challenge with serious exposure
Cascade Creek Road climbs from the North Fork Shoshone River valley into the rugged Absaroka Mountains, gaining 2,000 feet through dense lodgepole pine and alpine meadows. The track features multiple creek crossings, loose rock climbs, and narrow shelf sections with serious exposure—this isn’t weekend warrior territory. The road provides access to remote wilderness trailheads and backcountry camping spots that see maybe a dozen rigs per season, ending at a spectacular alpine basin surrounded by 11,000-foot peaks.
Stock 4WD with skid plates minimum; serious clearance and traction control recommended for the rocky upper sections. Spring runoff makes creek crossings dangerous until mid-July, and early snow can trap vehicles by September. No services for 40 miles, so pack extra fuel, recovery gear, and be prepared for overnight delays. This route rewards the prepared with genuine alpine wilderness access and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Lower 48—just don’t expect cell service or easy bailout options.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Cody, Wyoming |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Cascade Creek Road?
A stock 4WD with skid plates is the minimum requirement, but you'll want good tires and rock sliders for the technical rocky sections. The stream crossings and loose rock climbs will test your clearance and traction.
Is Cascade Creek Road open in early June?
No, the trail is typically snow-blocked until July due to the 9,200-foot elevation and alpine conditions. Best access is July through September when snowpack has cleared.
Do I need permits to drive Cascade Creek Road in Shoshone National Forest?
No permits required for driving the trail, but you'll need to follow standard Forest Service dispersed camping rules (14-day limit, camp 200 feet from water sources).
What's the most difficult section of Cascade Creek Road?
The rocky climbs near treeline around mile 8-9 are the technical crux, with loose boulder fields and steep grades that require careful line selection and low-range crawling.
How many water crossings are there and how deep?
Expect 4-6 stream crossings depending on snowmelt, typically 12-18 inches deep but can be higher during peak runoff in early season. Scout each crossing as creek levels change rapidly.