Medicine Bow Rail Trail
Abandoned railroad grade across the Red Desert
The old Union Pacific Railroad grade cuts a ruler-straight line across the Red Desert between Medicine Bow and Creston Junction, offering one of Wyoming’s most authentic overland experiences. This 65-mile abandoned railway follows the same route that carried supplies to build the transcontinental railroad, passing through badlands, alkali flats, and sage-covered hills where antelope outnumber humans 100 to 1. The route crosses several historical sites including the remains of Carbon and Dana, ghost towns that died when the railroad changed routes.
This is serious backcountry requiring high-clearance 4WD and desert preparation. The two-track alternates between decent packed dirt and loose sand that can trap unwary drivers. No services exist along the entire route, and cell coverage is nonexistent. Carry extra water, fuel, and recovery gear. Spring and fall offer the best conditions—summer heat can be brutal, and winter snow makes sections impassable. The reward is solitude in one of Wyoming’s most unchanged landscapes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7100 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Medicine Bow, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle the Medicine Bow Rail Trail?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with high clearance can manage this trail. The railroad grade keeps the route relatively smooth, but loose rock sections and washouts require 4WD capability.
Is the trail passable in early spring or late fall?
April through October is best - winter brings snow that can block the route for months. Spring mud and fall weather can make sections impassable even with 4WD.
Do I need permits to drive the Medicine Bow Rail Trail?
No permits required since it crosses BLM land. The trail follows public rights-of-way on the old railroad corridor.
What's the hardest part of this 65-mile route?
Creek crossings and washouts where the original railroad bridges are gone. Some sections have deep ruts and loose rock that can challenge even experienced drivers.
How much fuel range do I need for the full trail?
Bring at least 100 miles of fuel capacity - the nearest gas is back in Medicine Bow, and there's no cell service to call for help if you run dry in the Red Desert.