Middle Fork Powder River Road
Coal country ghost camps and Big Horn foothills
This forgotten coal country route winds through some of Wyoming’s most remote terrain, following the Middle Fork of the Powder River through abandoned mining camps and past the skeletal remains of tipples that once fed America’s railroads. The road starts near Kaycee and pushes north through rolling sagebrush country before climbing into the eastern flanks of the Big Horn Mountains, passing the crumbling foundations of Sussex and other ghost camps where miners once pulled black diamonds from the earth.
It’s a moderate route suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though spring mud and winter snow can make it impassable for months. The road runs roughly 45 miles of mixed dirt and gravel, best tackled May through October when creek crossings are manageable. No permits needed, plenty of dispersed camping along the river, and you’ll have the entire drainage to yourself most days. Bring extra fuel and water — this isn’t tourist country, it’s working ranch land with genuine solitude.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6400 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Kaycee, WY |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| 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 pickup truck handle Middle Fork Powder River Road?
Yes, a high-clearance 2WD pickup can run this trail, though 4WD helps with traction on loose sections and creek crossings. The main challenges are washouts and rocky spots, not technical obstacles.
Is Middle Fork Powder River Road passable in spring?
Early spring (March-April) can be muddy and impassable when snow melts. May through October is the reliable window, with summer being driest for the creek crossings.
Do I need permits to drive Middle Fork Powder River Road?
No permits required - it's BLM land open to public access. Just follow Leave No Trace principles and respect any private property boundaries near old mining claims.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The creek crossings can be tricky during spring runoff, and some washout sections get rough after storms. Nothing technical, but scout the water crossings if it's been wet.
How much fuel range do I need for Middle Fork Powder River Road?
With 45 miles of trail plus access roads, budget 80-100 miles total from Kaycee. Most rigs can do it on half a tank, but fill up in Kaycee since there's nothing else out there.