Commissary Ridge Road
Wyoming wilderness access through technical terrain
Commissary Ridge Road climbs from the valley floor near Bondurant into the heart of the Wyoming Range, following an old logging road that becomes increasingly technical as it gains elevation. The route crosses Commissary Creek multiple times, with rocky fords that can turn treacherous during snowmelt, before climbing through aspen groves to open parks at 9,200 feet. The road ends at a trailhead accessing the Gros Ventre Wilderness, but the real prize is the drive itself through country most tourists never see.
Difficult rating due to the water crossings and loose rock sections on the upper reaches. High-clearance 4WD essential, with good ground clearance for the creek rocks. Late June through September offers the best window, though early season means dealing with muddy conditions and aggressive creek crossings. No services once you leave the main valley – bring extra fuel, water, and recovery gear. The solitude up top is worth the technical challenge, offering classic Wyoming high country without the Yellowstone crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | Late June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Bondurant, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| 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 Tacoma run Commissary Ridge Road without modifications?
A stock high-clearance 4WD will get through, but it'll be working hard — rocky shelf sections and creek crossings demand low-range and solid articulation. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires have a noticeably easier time. Soft-roaders and crossovers don't belong here.
When does Commissary Ridge Road actually open after winter, and is snow a real concern?
Late June is the realistic open window — snowpack at 9,200 ft lingers well into early summer and upper sections can stay muddy and rutted for weeks after melt. September is your close-out; early fall storms can drop snow fast and make the trail impassable overnight.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Commissary Ridge Road?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under Bridger-Teton National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water sources, and pack out everything. No fees as of current land manager policy.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where rigs get stuck — multiple water crossings with rocky, uneven bottoms and unpredictable depth depending on recent rain or snowmelt. Combine that with loose shale shelf roads near the ridge and you'll want a spotter and a recovery kit, not just confidence.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead, and is there any cell service on the route?
Bondurant is your last fuel stop before heading in — top off there, it's a small community and hours aren't guaranteed. There is zero cell service for the entire 24-mile route, so download offline maps and tell someone your plan before you roll out.
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.