Lonesome Highway — Gros Ventre Slide to Turquoise Lake via Red Hills Road and Atherton Creek
Landslide scars, moose meadows, and no pavement.
The 1925 Gros Ventre Slide took out a whole mountainside and dammed a river — you drive past the raw scar of it heading east from Kelly, Wyoming, and the scale doesn’t fully register until you stop and stand in front of the debris field. From there, the Gros Ventre Road follows the river upstream through cottonwood bottoms and redrock canyon walls toward Slide Lake, then continues as the road roughens past Atherton Creek Campground toward the Red Hills and the upper basin. The upper stretches climb into open meadows where moose stand in the willows and grizzlies work the berry patches in August. The route terminates at the Gros Ventre Wilderness boundary — no machines beyond.
The lower stretch to Slide Lake is gravel suitable for most high-clearance vehicles; above Atherton Creek the road demands genuine 4WD and a skid plate — rocks are sharp and the two-track climbs over exposed ridgelines. June can mean deep snow on the upper road; best window is July through early October. No permits required. Atherton Creek Campground offers fee camping with vault toilets. No fuel between Kelly and the end of the road. Cell service dies past Slide Lake. Teton County Road and the Bridger-Teton National Forest manage different sections — road conditions vary and can close with no notice after storms. Check before you go.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Kelly, WY |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest — Jackson Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Gros Ventre Road Info |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner will make it through, but skid plates are non-negotiable given the rocky sections on Red Hills Road. A lift helps on the rougher creek crossings, but it's not required. Leave the Jeep Wrangler bone-stock at home only if the tires are actually aggressive.
When does the Gros Ventre Road typically open and close for the season?
The route is generally accessible July through October. Snow can close the upper sections near Turquoise Lake well into June, and early fall storms can shut things down fast — sometimes before October ends. Check with the Jackson Ranger District before you roll out.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp out here?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping in Bridger-Teton National Forest is free, but you must follow Leave No Trace rules and stay 200 feet from water sources and trails. Atherton Creek Campground has a fee if you want a developed site.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The Red Hills Road segment has the loosest rocky terrain and the steepest grades — aired-down tires and a steady throttle hand matter here. Water crossings on Atherton Creek can run fast and thigh-deep during early season or after heavy rain, so read the water before committing. Nothing on this trail is a death trap, but the remoteness is real — there's no cell service and rescue is a long time coming.
How far is it to the nearest gas station, and is there water available on the trail?
Jackson is your last reliable fuel stop, roughly 20 miles west of the trailhead in Kelly — fill up before you leave town. Water is available from Atherton Creek and other drainages along the route, but filter or treat everything; livestock and wildlife share this watershed.
Trail track
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