Seminoe Mountains Backcountry Loop

This forgotten loop through the Seminoe Mountains cuts across some of Wyoming’s loneliest country, past abandoned uranium mines and natural hot springs where outlaws once wintered. The route connects a network of mining roads and ranch tracks through red rock country that looks more like Utah than Wyoming, climbing over Seminoe Dam before pushing west through the Ferris Mountains to connect with the old Pathfinder Mine workings.

Easy to moderate terrain suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though flash flood potential in the washes requires attention to weather. The 62-mile loop takes a full day to complete properly, best run April through November when snow doesn’t complicate the higher elevations. No permits needed on BLM land, excellent dispersed camping throughout, and the hot springs at the halfway point are worth the detour alone. Bring plenty of water and fuel — this is big empty country with services scarce as hen’s teeth.