Muddy Creek Backcountry Road
Red Desert badlands and fossil hunting paradise
Muddy Creek Backcountry Road winds through the heart of Wyoming’s Red Desert, following an ancient watercourse through eroded badlands and fossil-rich sedimentary outcrops. This Bureau of Land Management route provides access to some of the West’s most productive fossil beds, where amateur paleontologists regularly discover dinosaur bones and petrified wood. The track passes through classic high desert terrain—rolling sage flats punctuated by colorful badland formations that glow orange and red at sunset.
Moderate difficulty for stock high-clearance vehicles, though soft sand and clay sections can trap 2WD rigs after storms. The route is passable year-round but best in spring and fall when temperatures are bearable. No shade or water for the entire route, so pack accordingly. Dispersed camping is allowed, making this an ideal basecamp for fossil hunting and desert photography. This is authentic Wyoming backcountry—vast, empty, and beautiful in that stark high desert way that gets under your skin.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6800 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Rawlins, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| 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 Tacoma make it through Muddy Creek Backcountry Road?
Yes, a stock Tacoma has enough clearance for this route. High-clearance 2WD is the minimum requirement, though 4WD helps in muddy conditions after rain.
Is Muddy Creek Road passable in winter?
Winter access is extremely difficult due to snow and mud. Best season is April through October when conditions are dry and stable.
Do I need permits to drive Muddy Creek Backcountry Road?
No permits required for driving or camping. This is BLM land with free dispersed camping allowed throughout the area.
What's the roughest part of this trail?
The water crossings can be tricky after storms when creek levels rise. Rock gardens in the middle section require careful line choice but aren't technical.
Can I find water along the route for camping?
Muddy Creek provides seasonal water, but it's not reliable or potable. Bring all the water you need for the 1-2 day trip from Rawlins.