Custer to Dryhead Overlook — Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range Road
Wild horses and a 2,000-foot canyon drop.
The Pryor Mountains sit in a forgotten wedge of Montana between Billings and the Wyoming line, and that obscurity is exactly what makes this run worth loading up for. Starting outside Lovell, Wyoming, or approaching from Custer country to the north, the route climbs through juniper and limestone karst before breaking onto the high plateau where Bureau of Land Management-managed mustangs roam free — descendants of Spanish colonial horses that have run these ridges for centuries. The Dryhead Overlook stares down 2,000 feet into Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, one of the most dramatic canyon panoramas in the lower 48 that most overlanders have never seen.
Roads here are BLM two-track and USFS gravel — manageable for a capable stock 4WD in dry conditions, but the limestone turns to greasy death when wet. Do not attempt after rain. No fuel between Lovell, WY and Billings, MT — top off before you leave. Water is scarce; carry everything you need. Dispersed camping on BLM ground throughout. Best window is June through September; snow closes the high plateau roads well into May. Permits not required. Cell service disappears completely once you’re off Highway 37.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Lovell, WY |
| Land manager | BLM Billings Field Office / USDA Forest Service Custer Gallatin National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | blm.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this route, or does it need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance truck or SUV can run this trail — Tacomas, 4Runners, and similar rigs do it regularly. A lift helps on the rockier sections but isn't required; skid plates are a smarter priority given the exposed underbelly terrain.
When does this road typically open after winter, and is snow an issue in early summer?
The route is generally passable June through September. Snow can linger at the upper elevations (above 7,000 ft) into late May or early June, and fall storms can close it as early as October — call the BLM Billings Field Office before heading out outside that window.
Do you need a permit to drive through the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range?
No permit required to drive the route. The Wild Horse Range is managed by BLM and is open to the public; standard Leave No Trace and BLM land-use rules apply. There are no entry fees.
What's the hardest section, and what actually makes it technical?
The approach to Dryhead Overlook involves loose rock, steep shelf road, and narrow ledges with significant exposure — that's where this trail earns its high-clearance requirement. It's not a winch-and-spotter situation for a capable rig, but one wrong line near the canyon rim will ruin your day fast.
Is there any water available on route, or do you need to carry everything from Lovell?
There are seasonal water crossings on the route, but none should be counted on as a reliable drinking source without filtration and purification — giardia is real out here. Top off your water storage in Lovell before you leave; there are no services or guaranteed water sources for the full 38 miles.
Trail track
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