Getting Oriented
The road, Forest Road 10138, starts about a mile southeast of Alpine and follows the Greys River south for close to 60 miles to Tri Basin Divide, where waters split toward three major drainages. It runs the long forested valley between the Salt River Range to the west and the Wyoming Range to the east, in the Bridger-Teton National Forest's Greys River Ranger District. An interpretive site about a mile and a half in lays out the river's ecology and the rules for camping and motorized use.
Trail Overview
Greys River Road is graded gravel two-lane for its length, easy driving by off-road standards and passable to most vehicles when dry. The catch is washboard and dust, which a high-clearance vehicle rides out better than a low car, and a slick surface after summer storms. It runs more than 50 miles with no services, so treat it as a remote corridor rather than a quick drive. The Forest Service grooms it for snowmobiles in winter, when it is closed to highway vehicles.
Points of Interest
- Tri Basin Divide. The south end, where the divide splits water toward three major watersheds.
- Blind Bull Falls. A waterfall reached by a short side road off the corridor.
- Greys River Guard Station. A historic Forest Service cabin rentable through Recreation.gov.
- Range trailheads. Trail Creek and Little Greys River trailheads lead into the Salt River and Wyoming ranges, with native Snake River cutthroat fishing along the way.
Where to Camp
The corridor has developed Forest Service campgrounds at Forest Park, Murphy Creek, and Lynx Creek, plus extensive dispersed camping the length of the road. The Greys River Guard Station rents through Recreation.gov. Carry water; the interpretive site has none.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Drive it in summer and early fall. The road closes and is groomed for snowmobiles from late fall through spring.
- Expect washboard and dust, and slow down for oncoming traffic and dispersed campers pulling on and off the road.
- This is moose and bear country; store food securely and give wildlife room.
- Top off in Alpine or Afton. There is no fuel for more than 50 miles.
- Watch the weather; summer storms turn the surface slick.
Fuel and Water
Alpine, at the north end, and Afton, in nearby Star Valley, are the last fuel and supplies. There is none along the road, so start full and carry your own water.
Nearby
Alpine sits at Palisades Reservoir and the mouth of the Snake River Canyon, on the way to Jackson Hole. Star Valley and Afton lie to the southwest. The Salt River and Wyoming ranges rise on either side of the corridor.
