Lonesome Highway — Bighorn Basin Desert Floor to Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite via Sheep Mountain Road
Dino tracks and gumbo on Wyoming's open range.
Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite sits out on the Bighorn Basin floor like a secret the wind forgot to bury. This BLM road runs south out of Greybull, crosses the Red Gulch wash, and delivers you to one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America — Middle Jurassic theropod prints pressed into red mudstone 165 million years ago. From there the route pushes southeast across open sage flats toward the Sheep Mountain anticline, a geological fold so dramatic it looks like the earth tried to hinge in half. The road skirts the Greybull River corridor before climbing into classic Wyoming gumbo country where the two-track gets greasy after any rain.
This is a high-clearance 4WD run, not technical rock crawling, but wet conditions turn the clay sections into skating rinks that will swallow a stock SUV whole. Stock 4WD with a skid plate is minimum — aired-down tires help in the softer wash crossings. No permit required, no fee. Best run May through June or September through October — summer heat is brutal and afternoon thunderstorms make the gumbo sections dangerous. Carry two gallons of water per person, a tow strap, and a paper map. Greybull has fuel, food, and cell service; you lose all three within ten miles of town. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land throughout.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | May-June, September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Greybull, WY |
| Land manager | BLM Cody Field Office |
| 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 trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is fine under dry conditions. The trail is moderate, but the rutted two-track sections and rocky approaches near Sheep Mountain benefit from at least a few inches of lift — not required, just easier.
What happens to this trail when it rains?
The Bighorn Basin desert floor is notorious for bentonite clay — what locals call gumbo. When wet, it turns into a slick, tire-clogging nightmare that will stop even experienced rigs. Best seasons are May–June and September–October, but always check recent weather before you roll out — one rain event can shut this down for days.
Do I need a permit to drive this route or visit the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite?
No permit required for the drive — it runs through open BLM land. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite is free to visit and managed by the BLM Cody Field Office. No fees, no reservation, just don't touch the tracks.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The stretch along Sheep Mountain Road near the anticline is the most demanding — loose rock, tight shelf sections, and exposure that can feel committing in a bigger rig. Nothing extreme, but it deserves attention. The rest of the route is straightforward two-track across open range.
How far is the nearest gas and water, and can I camp along the route?
Greybull is your last stop for gas and water — fuel up there, no services exist on-route. Water crossings are present but treat any sourced water; carry what you need. Dispersed camping is allowed on BLM land throughout the route — no hookups, no facilities, just open range.
Trail track
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