Salt River Range Backcountry Loop

The Salt River Range Backcountry Loop penetrates Wyoming’s least-traveled high country, where Forest Service Road 062 winds 34 miles through aspen groves and alpine meadows that feel like the world’s best-kept secret. This route connects McDougal Gap with Commissary Ridge via a series of technical creek fords and steep rocky climbs that separate the serious overlanders from weekend warriors. The notorious Deer Creek crossing can run waist-deep during spring runoff, while the climb to Tin Cup Pass challenges traction control systems with loose limestone switchbacks at 9,200 feet elevation.

High-clearance 4WD essential, with recovery gear recommended for the creek crossings and muddy sections that turn into tank traps after rain. Best tackled July through early October when water levels drop and snow clears the high passes. No permits needed, but fuel up in Afton before the 50-mile round trip—nearest gas is hours away. Dispersed camping opportunities abound near pristine alpine lakes where you’ll see more moose than people. This is Wyoming backcountry at its purest: technical enough to earn your turns, remote enough to feel like true wilderness.