Medicine Wheel Passage Road
Ancient mysteries at 9,600 feet elevation
The Medicine Wheel Passage Road climbs from US-14A into the Bighorn Mountains to reach one of North America’s most enigmatic archaeological sites – a 28-spoke stone wheel built by Native Americans over 700 years ago. The final 1.5 miles require high clearance as the primitive road winds through alpine meadows at 9,600 feet, past scattered limestone boulders and across seasonal creek crossings. The 80-foot diameter wheel sits exposed on a windswept plateau with commanding views of the Bighorn Basin and distant Absaroka Range.
Stock SUVs can handle the route in dry conditions, but afternoon thunderstorms create slippery mud and lightning danger above treeline. The road is typically open July through September, though snow can close access into June. Respect this sacred site – the Forest Service maintains interpretive trails but asks visitors to observe from designated areas. Dispersed camping is available lower on the mountain, and the nearby Bald Mountain Lookout adds another perspective on this remarkable landscape.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 3 mi / 4.8 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9642 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Lovell, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Bighorn National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Medicine Wheel Passage Road?
Yes, any stock high-clearance 4WD or AWD with decent ground clearance can manage this trail. It's a short 3-mile dirt road, not a rock crawler — just avoid anything with low-slung bumpers or stock sedan clearance.
When is Medicine Wheel Passage Road open and accessible?
July through September is the reliable window. At 9,642 feet, snow can close or badly chew up the road well into June and again by October — check with Bighorn National Forest before heading up outside peak season.
Do you need a permit to drive to the Medicine Wheel?
No permit is required to drive the road, but the Medicine Wheel itself is a National Historic Landmark managed by Bighorn National Forest. Respect the site — it's still actively used for Native American ceremonies, and access to the wheel may be restricted during those times.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
It's rated moderate, and that's honest — nothing technically brutal here. The challenge is the altitude, loose dirt, and exposed conditions on a narrow road with limited turnaround spots. Take it slow, watch your footing if you walk out to the wheel, and don't underestimate Wyoming weather at nearly 10,000 feet.
Is there any cell service on Medicine Wheel Passage Road, and can you camp nearby?
Zero cell service out here — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave Lovell. Dispersed camping is available in Bighorn National Forest surrounding the area, so you can make a night of it, just don't expect a signal to bail you out if plans change.
Trail track
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