Teton Pass to Hoback Junction — Snake River Range Backcountry via Greys River Road
Back side of the Tetons — elk, river, no crowds.
While every Subaru in Jackson fights for a parking spot at Jenny Lake, the Greys River Road rolls south from Alpine through the Bridger-Teton National Forest with almost no traffic and all the payoff. The route follows the Greys River for the bulk of its length — a cold, clear tributary of the Snake — through a tight forested canyon where moose stand in the willows and you ford actual creeks, not concrete culverts. The road surface runs from maintained gravel to rutted two-track depending on season and how recently the Forest Service has been through. Salt River Pass at 8,950 feet is the high point before the terrain opens onto the Star Valley approach from the south.
A stock high-clearance truck or SUV handles this fine in dry conditions — the creek crossings are typically shallow but can run fast in June snowmelt. Mid-July through September is the sweet spot. No permit required; dispersed camping is wide open along the river corridor under Bridger-Teton rules. Fuel in Alpine or Afton before you roll — nothing on the route. Cell service is essentially zero from the canyon mouth south. This is what Wyoming looks like when you get off the highway: big elk herds, cold river camps, and a road that earns its solitude.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 62 mi / 99.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8950 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD minimum, 4WD recommended |
| Nearest town | Alpine, Wyoming |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service — Bridger-Teton National Forest, Greys River Ranger District |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | USFS Greys River Road info Bridger-Teton National Forest |
| 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 Greys River Road without modifications?
Yes — a stock high-clearance 4WD truck or SUV is well-suited here. The road is graded gravel with some rougher sections, but nothing requires a lift. A high-clearance 2WD can manage in dry conditions, though 4WD gives you margin on the water crossings and any soft spots after rain.
When does Greys River Road actually open each year, and can you run it in June?
The road typically opens mid-June to early July depending on snowpack and mud conditions — early season can leave the upper sections impassable or destructively soft. July through September is the reliable window. Check current conditions with the Greys River Ranger District before committing to an early-season run.
Do you need a permit or pay any fees to drive Greys River Road?
No permit required and no fee to drive the route. It's National Forest land managed by Bridger-Teton, so dispersed camping is free under standard USFS rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water sources and the road.
What's the hardest section of the route and what should I actually expect?
The road is moderate throughout — no single brutal obstacle, but the water crossings of the Greys River can be the deciding factor, especially early season when flows are high. Expect multiple crossings that can reach axle-deep on a stock truck in high water; scout each one before committing. The canyon narrows and loose gravel sections demand attention but won't stop a competent driver.
There's no cell service for the whole 62 miles — where's the nearest gas, and what's the closest bail-out point?
Tank up in Alpine or Jackson before you roll — there's no fuel on route and you're looking at a full day of driving in a legitimate communication dead zone. Alpine sits near the south end of the route and is your closest resupply for either end. A satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach is strongly worth carrying given the remoteness and the elk-season hunting traffic that shares the road in fall.
Trail track
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