Powder River Pass to Cloud Peak Wilderness
Mining road to Cloud Peak wilderness boundary
The old freight road from Powder River Pass climbs through the Bighorn Mountains’ high country, following routes established by miners and ranchers in the 1880s seeking access to the Cloud Peak mining district. The track branches from Highway 16 near the pass, winding through aspen groves and alpine meadows toward the wilderness boundary. Key waypoints include the abandoned Bald Mountain City site and the technical descent to Mirror Lake, where you’ll find remnants of the old mining operations that pulled gold and silver from these peaks through the early 1900s.
Moderate to difficult depending on conditions—high-clearance 4WD required for the full route, with some sections challenging enough to warrant low-range and decent tires. Best accessed June through October, though early and late season can bring snow at higher elevations. No permits needed for the road access, but wilderness camping requires following Leave No Trace principles. Dispersed camping available along the route with stunning views of Cloud Peak. This gives you a taste of Wyoming’s mining heritage with access to some of the most pristine alpine country in the state, all within striking distance of both coasts via historic routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9600 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Buffalo, WY |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner handles this trail fine. Lifted rigs aren't required, but you'll want decent all-terrain tires since the surface mixes loose rock, dirt, and rutted sections.
When does the trail actually open in spring and when does it shut down in fall?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow lingers at elevation well into late May, and early October storms can close things fast — the trail sits near 9,600 ft and the Bighorns don't mess around with weather.
Do I need a permit to drive this trail or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Bighorn National Forest land is free with no reservation — standard 16-day stay limit applies. The Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary at the end is foot-traffic only, no motorized entry.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The roughest miles are mid-route where the old mining road narrows and erodes on sidehill cuts — loose rock and off-camber shelf sections demand attention. Nothing technical enough to require a locker, but one bad line on a wet day can put you in a ditch.
How are the water crossings and is there reliable water along the trail for camp use?
There are multiple water crossings — most are shallow and straightforward, but early season runoff can push depths higher than expected. There's surface water available for filtering along the route, so you don't need to haul in everything from Buffalo.
Trail track
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