Medicine Lodge Creek Road
Sacred petroglyphs and technical creek crossings
Medicine Lodge Creek Road cuts through some of Wyoming’s most sacred ground, where Crow, Cheyenne, and Sioux tribes gathered for centuries at natural hot springs and carved thousands of petroglyphs into red sandstone cliffs. The 15-mile route starts near Hyattville and follows Medicine Lodge Creek upstream through increasingly technical terrain, with multiple rock-slab creek crossings and a notorious wash section that claims undercarriages during spring runoff. You’ll pass the Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site where ancient rock art spans 10,000 years of human history.
This is moderate to difficult depending on water levels—stock 4WD minimum, but a winch helps during high water. The creek crossings are the real challenge: smooth limestone that becomes ice-slick when wet. Best tackled late summer through fall when water’s low and rocks aren’t covered in algae. No permits needed but respect the sacred sites—this isn’t a playground. Dispersed camping along the creek puts you under some of the darkest skies in the lower 48, with the Milky Way reflecting off the sandstone walls.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6200 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Hyattville, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Wyoming State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle Medicine Lodge Creek Road without modifications?
A stock 4WD with decent ground clearance (8+ inches) can manage it, but the rocky sections and creek crossings will punish low-clearance rigs. Skid plates are a serious asset here — the mixed rock surface is unforgiving on exposed oil pans and differentials.
When does Medicine Lodge Creek Road typically open, and is snow an issue in the shoulder seasons?
July through October is the reliable window. Spring snowmelt keeps the creek crossings high and the soft sections muddy well into June, and early fall storms can close access quickly. Don't push it before July without checking current conditions.
Do you need a permit to drive Medicine Lodge Creek Road or visit the petroglyphs?
No permit is required to drive the road, but the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site itself is managed by Wyoming State Parks and has a small day-use fee if you're stopping at the main petroglyph site. Check current fee schedules with Wyoming State Parks before you go.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where most people get their pucker factor — water depth varies significantly with recent rainfall, and the rocky creek beds can shift your line fast. The boulder-strewn climbs out of the drainage are the second concern; loose rock on off-camber surfaces requires deliberate wheel placement, not speed.
Is there any water or gas available near the trailhead, and how far out is the nearest fuel stop?
Hyattville is the nearest town and it's small — don't count on finding fuel there reliably. Worland, about 35 miles east, is your best bet for a proper fill-up before the trail. There's no cell service on the route, so sort your fuel, food, and water before you leave pavement.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.