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 |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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