Commissary Ridge Trail

Commissary Ridge Trail follows the remnants of a 1880s supply route that once carried provisions to remote mining camps scattered throughout the Wind River Range. The trail begins innocently enough as a maintained gravel road but quickly degrades into a boulder-strewn track that winds past the collapsed remains of Camp Stambaugh and several lesser-known diggings. The most challenging section occurs around mile 12 where the route crosses a series of exposed granite slabs — momentum and precise wheel placement are critical to avoid getting high-centered on the unforgiving rock.

This route demands a capable high-clearance vehicle with good ground clearance and at least some recovery gear for the inevitable stuck situation. Snow lingers at elevation well into June, making July through early October the practical window for passage. No services exist along the route, and the nearest fuel is back in Lander, 45 miles away. The reward is access to pristine alpine country with excellent dispersed camping opportunities and trailheads to some of the Wind River Range’s most spectacular backcountry lakes.