Oregon Trail Deep Creek Crossing
Follow pioneer wagon ruts on the original Oregon Trail
Deep Creek Crossing preserves some of the most pristine Oregon Trail wagon ruts in Wyoming, where you can still see the worn grooves carved by thousands of pioneer wagons between 1843 and 1869. This 24-mile route follows the original trail from Guernsey to Register Cliff, passing the Hartville Mining Cemetery where cholera victims from the trail are buried alongside 19th-century miners. At Martin’s Cove, the road crosses Deep Creek at the exact spot where the Martin Handcart Company was trapped by early winter in 1856.
Easy driving on maintained gravel and dirt roads suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though spring mud can be challenging. The route is open year-round except during severe winter storms, and no permits are required. Cell service is spotty but present near Guernsey. What makes this special isn’t technical difficulty but the profound connection to American history – you’re literally driving in the tracks of westward expansion, surrounded by artifacts and graves that tell the story of one of the greatest migrations in human history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 39 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4600 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Guernsey, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or F-150 handle this trail without a lift?
Yes. Minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock mid-size truck or SUV with decent clearance handles the dirt surface fine. 4WD isn't required but doesn't hurt if you hit soft spots after rain.
Is the trail accessible in early spring or after heavy rain?
The best window is April through November, but Wyoming prairie dirt turns to sticky clay mud after rain and can bog down even capable rigs. Avoid it when wet — it's not worth the recovery headache on a 24-mile stretch.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive this route?
No permit required and no fee to drive the trail itself. The Oregon Trail Ruts and Register Cliff sites near Guernsey are managed by BLM and free to visit.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
It's rated easy, so nothing technical — the toughest moment is the Deep Creek crossing itself, which is shallow but can run higher in spring snowmelt. Scout it on foot before you drive through; nothing dramatic, but it's real water, not a puddle.
Is there anywhere to fill up on water or fuel before heading out from Guernsey?
Top off fuel and water in Guernsey before you leave — there's nothing along the 24-mile route. Cell service is spotty throughout, so don't count on Google Maps to bail you out if you get turned around.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
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