Rough Creek Road (Sierra Madre Range)
Wilderness gateway in grizzly country
Rough Creek Road (Forest Road 801A) lives up to its name, carving 15 miles through the Sierra Madre’s densest timber between Encampment and the Colorado border. This rocky, rutted track parallels Rough Creek through aspen groves and lodgepole pine, with multiple stream crossings that can run knee-deep during snowmelt. The route connects to a network of hunting roads and dead-ends at trailheads for the Encampment River Wilderness, where grizzlies still roam and cell towers don’t exist.
Moderate difficulty requiring high-clearance 4WD and decent articulation for the rock gardens. Water crossings are the main challenge—scout them first and expect to get your undercarriage wet. Open roughly June through October depending on snow. No services for 60 miles in any direction, so carry spare fuel, tools, and recovery gear. Dispersed camping is excellent along the creek. This is old-school Wyoming backcountry—wild, remote, and honest about what it demands from you and your rig.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 15 mi / 24.1 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Encampment, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Medicine Bow National Forest |
| 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 Jeep Wrangler handle Rough Creek Road?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with decent tires will handle this trail fine. The rock surface and stream crossings require 4WD high-clearance, but nothing extreme.
Is Rough Creek Road open in early May?
No, snow typically blocks higher elevations until June. Best access is June through October when all stream crossings are manageable.
Do I need permits for dispersed camping along Rough Creek Road?
No permits required for dispersed camping in Medicine Bow National Forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles and camp 100 feet from water sources.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
Multiple rock-ledge stream crossings around mile 8-10 where you'll need to pick your line carefully. Water depth varies but rarely exceeds axle height.
How deep are the water crossings on Rough Creek Road?
Most crossings are 6-12 inches deep during normal flow, but can reach 18+ inches during spring runoff or after heavy rain. Scout before crossing.