Pony Express Trail – Wyoming
Historic mail route across the Continental Divide
The ruts are still there—deep grooves carved into Wyoming stone by thousands of wagon wheels heading west between 1840 and 1869. This 150-mile section of the historic Pony Express Trail crosses the Continental Divide at South Pass, following the same route used by Oregon Trail emigrants, gold seekers, and mail riders. You’ll pass authentic Pony Express stations like Three Crossings and Split Rock, where riders changed horses in under two minutes during the service’s legendary 18-month run.
This is moderate overlanding on mostly graded dirt roads with some technical rocky sections near river crossings. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle it, but 4WD helps in wet conditions when the clay turns to gumbo. Best tackled May through October when snow clears the high country. Carry extra fuel—gas stations are 100+ miles apart. The payoff is pure American West history: standing in stations where teenage riders like Buffalo Bill Cody grabbed fresh mounts and galloped into the frontier darkness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 150 mi / 241.4 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7550 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Casper, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.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 handle this trail without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD truck or SUV can manage this route. Lifted or modified rigs are not required, but a skid plate is worth having — some sections have embedded rock and washboard that can catch low-hanging components.
When does snow close the trail and when does it typically reopen?
The trail generally opens by mid-May once the high desert dries out, and stays accessible through October. Early spring runs risk soft, rutted sections near South Pass that can swallow a rig after snowmelt — wait for a dry week before committing.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp on this route?
No permit required. The route crosses BLM land where dispersed camping is legal — standard 14-day stay limit applies. No fees, no reservations, just don't camp within 200 feet of water sources or historical site markers.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I expect?
The stretch near South Pass and the approach to Atlantic City has the roughest, most washboarded segments with some loose shale. Nothing technically extreme, but fatigue and remote exposure are real — a breakdown here means a long wait for help since you'll have zero cell service the entire route.
Are there reliable water sources along the 150-mile route, or do I need to carry everything?
There are water crossings — Sweetwater River crossings are the main ones — but treat any natural water before drinking. There are no resupply points mid-route, so carry enough fuel for at least 200 miles and pack all your water needs between the towns of Lander and Casper.
Trail track
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