Medicine Wheel Passage (Forest Road 12)
Sacred stone circle atop the Bighorn Mountains
Medicine Wheel Passage climbs 22 miles through the Bighorn National Forest to one of North America’s most significant Native American sacred sites. Forest Road 12 starts as smooth gravel near Burgess Junction but turns nasty above 8,000 feet—loose rock, steep grades, and exposure that’ll test your nerves and your rig. The payoff is the Medicine Wheel itself, a 75-foot diameter stone circle built by indigenous peoples centuries ago, sitting on a windswept plateau with 360-degree views across Wyoming and Montana.
This is a difficult route requiring true 4WD with low range and good ground clearance. The final approach road is often closed by snow from October through June, and even summer weather can turn violent fast at nearly 10,000 feet. No camping allowed near the wheel itself—respect the sacred site. Fuel up in Sheridan and carry extra water. The combination of technical driving and spiritual significance makes this one of Wyoming’s most rewarding backcountry destinations.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 22 mi / 35.4 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9956 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with low range |
| Nearest town | Sheridan, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bighorn National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Medicine Wheel Passage?
Yes, but you'll need good rock sliders and skid plates. The rocky surface and technical sections will test your underbody protection at 9,956 feet elevation.
Is Medicine Wheel Passage open in winter?
No, the trail is typically closed from October through June due to snow at high elevation. July through September is the reliable window.
Do I need a permit to visit the Medicine Wheel?
No permit required for the trail, but the Medicine Wheel site itself has specific access hours and cultural protocols you must follow.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The final rocky ascent to the Medicine Wheel involves technical rock crawling at altitude where your engine loses power and every mistake hurts more.
How much fuel range do I need for Medicine Wheel Passage?
Plan for at least 150 miles of range from Sheridan since it's 22 miles each way plus potential detours, and there's no fuel available on the mountain.