Gros Ventre Slide Geological Road
Wyoming's dramatic landslide geology lesson.
The dirt track winds 12 miles up Gros Ventre Canyon to where an entire mountainside collapsed in 1925, damming the river and creating a natural disaster that killed six people when the dam broke two years later. The road passes through classic Wyoming rangeland before climbing into aspen groves and offering close-up views of the slide’s raw geological violence—50 million cubic yards of sandstone and shale that moved in minutes. Slide Lake reflects the Gros Ventre Range while interpretive signs explain how water, gravity, and weak rock layers conspired to reshape the landscape.
Easy to moderate difficulty suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though the final miles get rocky and narrow. Best driven May through October when snow clears the higher elevations. No services beyond Jackson, 20 miles south, so bring water and snacks. The payoff includes excellent dispersed camping spots along the Gros Ventre River and a geology lesson that puts Wyoming’s unstable mountain building into perspective—this is active country where the earth still moves.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Jackson, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 2WD truck handle the Gros Ventre Slide Road, or do I need 4WD?
High-clearance 2WD is the listed minimum and can manage the route in dry conditions. Add any rain or early-season soft ground and you'll want 4WD — the dirt surface gets greasy fast in this valley.
When does the Gros Ventre Slide Road typically open and close each year?
Best window is May through October. Snow can linger into late May at elevation, and fall storms can close the road early — check with Bridger-Teton National Forest before heading out in shoulder seasons.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this road?
No permit required to drive the road. Dispersed camping is allowed under Bridger-Teton National Forest rules — follow Leave No Trace and stay 200 feet from water sources and 100 feet from the road.
What's the hardest section to drive, and what should I actually expect?
The road is moderate overall — nothing gnarly — but the roughest stretch is closer to the upper end where the surface gets rocky and rutted. At 24 miles with 1,800 feet of gain, it's manageable but don't run it fast; washboards and loose sections will punish you if you're not paying attention.
Are there water crossings on the Gros Ventre Road, and how deep do they get?
Yes, there are water crossings — typically shallow in summer but runoff from snowmelt in May and June can push them higher. Check conditions locally in Jackson before you go; these crossings can surprise you early in the season.
Trail track
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