Sierra Madre Snowy Range Back Country Byway
Wyoming's hidden alpine mining heritage loop
This 52-mile backcountry byway connects the Medicine Bow Mountains to the Sierra Madre Range via Battle Creek Pass, following routes used by copper miners and tie hacks in the early 1900s. The track winds through aspen groves and alpine meadows, passing abandoned mining camps at Rambler and Battle Lake. Key challenges include the technical descent into Deep Creek Canyon and the rocky climb over Bridger Peak Ridge at 10,400 feet.
Moderate to difficult terrain suitable for stock 4WD vehicles with good ground clearance. Seasonal closure from October through June due to heavy snow at elevation. No permits required, but fuel up in Saratoga or Encampment before starting as services are nonexistent. Multiple pristine camping spots at Battle Lake, Deep Creek, and Commissary Park offer solitude and excellent fishing. This route showcases Wyoming’s most underrated alpine country with zero crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 52 mi / 83.7 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10400 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high clearance |
| Nearest town | Saratoga, Wyoming |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this without any mods?
Yes. A stock 4WD with decent clearance (8+ inches) is the stated minimum and will get you through. The route is rated moderate — dirt and gravel with some rougher sections near the high passes — but nothing requires a lift or skid plates to survive.
When does the trail actually open after winter, and can you run it in June?
July through September is the real window. At 10,400 feet, snowpack lingers well into June and can close upper sections entirely. Check with the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest before attempting anything before July 4th.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to run this byway?
No permit required to drive the byway itself. If you're camping at developed Forest Service sites along the route, fees apply — dispersed camping in the national forest is free, just follow the standard 14-day stay limit and 300-foot setback rules from water.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The roughest terrain comes near the higher elevation passes where the road narrows, gets looser, and shelf sections drop off with little margin for error. Nothing technically extreme, but it demands attention — don't run it distracted or in a hurry, especially if it's rained recently and the dirt has turned greasy.
How far is the nearest gas from the trail, and is 52 miles enough to drain a standard tank?
Saratoga is your best fuel stop before heading out — fill up there. Fifty-two miles of slow, low-gear mountain driving burns more fuel than highway miles, so top off even if you think you're fine. There's no gas on the route itself.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.