Copper Mountain Loop

The Copper Mountain Loop winds through the heart of Wyoming’s Sierra Madre range, where turn-of-the-century copper prospectors carved roads into impossibly steep terrain that today challenge even the most capable rigs. Starting from Forest Road 801 near Battle Creek, the route climbs through aspen groves to the remnants of the Copper Mountain Mining District, where rusted machinery and collapsed headframes mark sites where fortunes were won and lost. The notorious “Widow Maker” climb—a near-vertical pitch around mile 8—separates the wannabes from the real wheelers.

Expert-level difficulty demands lockers, low gears, and experience reading loose shale and granite ledges. July through September only, as snow lingers at 10,000+ feet well into summer. No permits required but fuel up in Encampment—it’s your last chance for 100 miles. This loop rewards skilled drivers with pristine alpine scenery, genuine ghost town remnants, and the satisfaction of conquering terrain that breaks lesser rigs. Pack recovery gear and a skilled spotter; the Sierra Madre doesn’t forgive mistakes.