Laramie River Road
Historic tie-hack country along pristine trout waters
Forest Road 740 traces the Laramie River through dense lodgepole pine and aspen groves, passing the historic Chambers Lake area where old tie-hack camps once housed loggers cutting railroad ties for the transcontinental railroad. The road starts easy but gets progressively rougher as you push deeper into the Medicine Bow backcountry, with several creek crossings and muddy sections that can trap the unprepared during spring runoff or after heavy rains.
Most of the route is manageable in a stock high-clearance vehicle during dry conditions, but the final sections demand 4WD and careful tire placement around embedded rocks and rutted sections. Open typically June through October, though early season can be boggy. No permits needed, but dispersed camping opportunities are excellent along the river corridor. Cell service is nonexistent once you leave the highway. Bring extra fuel, recovery gear, and expect to share the area with serious anglers working the productive cutthroat waters.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Walden, Colorado |
| Land manager | Medicine Bow National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner handle Laramie River Road?
High-clearance is recommended but 4WD isn't required for most of the route. Stock trucks with good ground clearance can make it, but expect some rocky sections and ruts that'll test your undercarriage.
When does the trail typically open each year?
June through October is the best window, though late season snow can close high elevation sections earlier. Spring snowmelt makes water crossings sketchy until mid-June.
Do I need permits to camp along Laramie River Road?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow National Forest. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
What's the gnarliest part of this trail?
The water crossings can be the biggest challenge, especially during snowmelt or after heavy rains. The river crossings aren't deep but the rocky approaches can hang up low vehicles.
How's cell service for emergency communication?
Zero cell service once you're committed to the trail. Bring a satellite communicator if you're concerned about emergencies - you're truly in the backcountry here.