Gunsight Pass Road — Wind River Range Wilderness Edge via Big Sandy Desert
Wyoming granite, sagebrush, and silence.
The Gunsight Pass Road punches east out of Boulder, Wyoming, crossing the Big Sandy Desert toward the Wind River Range — a route that feels genuinely remote the moment pavement ends. The two-track follows Big Sandy Creek drainage through open sagebrush basin before climbing toward Gunsight Pass, framing postcard views of the Winds’ granite spires above timberline. The Big Sandy Lodge junction is a key waypoint; beyond it the road tightens and loose rock replaces hard-packed dirt. This is Bridger-Teton country at its most honest — no crowds, no guardrails, no services.
High clearance with a stock 4WD minimum gets you in, but the rocky upper miles reward a longer wheelbase rig with good skid protection. The pass itself can hold snow well into June and can reopen in September, so July through early September is the reliable window. No permit required. Fuel in Pinedale before you leave — Boulder has nothing. Water from Big Sandy Creek needs filtering. Dispersed camping is legal throughout the national forest; the meadows below the pass are as good as it gets in Wyoming.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9658 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Pinedale, WY |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest, Pinedale Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BTNF Pinedale Ranger District Bridger-Teton NF Home |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Gunsight Pass Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance rig will get through — think 4Runner, Wrangler, or Tacoma. The rocky sections and loose gravel don't demand a lift, but low-range and decent all-terrain tires matter more than suspension height here.
When does Gunsight Pass Road actually open, and can I run it in June?
July through September is the reliable window. June can look dry on paper but snow lingers at elevation and the Big Sandy Desert section turns to gumbo when wet — that clay sticks and doesn't let go.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along Gunsight Pass Road?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under Bridger-Teton National Forest rules — no fee, no reservation, just follow the 14-day stay limit and camp 200 feet from water sources and the road.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what actually makes it technical?
The rocky granite shelf sections climbing toward the pass are the crux — loose embedded rock, some off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails above steep drop-offs. It's rated moderate, but a moment of inattention on those shelves will ruin your trip fast.
Are there water crossings on this route, and can I top up my water supply along the way?
Yes, there are water crossings — typically passable for high-clearance rigs but depth varies with snowmelt and summer storms, so scout before you commit. There's no cell service on the entire route, so bring enough water to be self-sufficient and filter from stream sources if needed.
Trail track
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