Powder River Pass Technical Challenge
Wyoming's most feared rock crawling challenge
Powder River Pass cuts a brutal line through the heart of the Bighorn Mountains, challenging even seasoned rock crawlers with exposed granite ledges and 45-degree climbs. The route starts innocuously near the historic mining town of Tensleep, but quickly deteriorates into a series of technical obstacles that have claimed axles, oil pans, and egos. The infamous “Widow Maker” ledge at mile 8 requires precise wheel placement and nerves of steel, with a several-hundred-foot drop serving as motivation to get it right.
This is expert-only territory demanding full skid plates, differential locks, and winching capability. Many rigs need multiple recovery points to complete the route. Summer only – typically July through September when snow clears the high passes. No permits needed, but inform someone of your plans and carry emergency communications. The reward is untouched alpine country and the satisfaction of conquering one of Wyoming’s most feared 4×4 challenges. Expect a full day and potential overnight if you break something.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Tensleep, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bighorn National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| 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 4Runner or Wrangler run Powder River Pass Technical Challenge, or do I actually need lockers?
A stock rig will not cut it here. The rock ledges and steep grades require at minimum front and rear lockers, good articulation, and skid plates. This trail earns its expert rating — show up with a purpose-built rig or don't show up.
When does the trail actually open, and is snow a real risk in July?
Best window is July through September. Snow can linger at 9,200 feet well into June and return early in October, and wet rock on these ledges is a completely different animal. Check current conditions with Bighorn National Forest before you leave Tensleep.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp overnight in Bighorn National Forest?
No permit is required for day use or dispersed camping on Bighorn National Forest land as of current regulations, but rules change — verify with the Forest Service at fs.usda.gov/bighorn before your trip. Dispersed camping sites must be at least 200 feet from water sources and trails.
What's the hardest section, and what should I actually expect?
The rock ledge climbs are where rigs get stuck or damaged — expect near-vertical step-ups on exposed granite with no good line for built vehicles over about 90 inches wide. Spotters are not optional on these sections, and a 15-mile trail taking a full day should tell you something about the pace.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any cell service if something goes sideways?
Tensleep is your last fuel stop before this trail — fill up there, full tank, no exceptions. There is zero cell service on the route, so carry a satellite communicator; a recovery situation out here means you're waiting on whoever you brought with you.
Trail track
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