Getting Oriented
The road starts at the Bighorn National Forest's eastern boundary near the town of Big Horn, just southwest of Sheridan, and works west and up into the range. It tops out around 9,350 feet and connects to U.S. 14, the paved highway over Granite Pass, near the middle of the forest. Most of the route runs along the eastern flank of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, the high granite core of the Bighorns. The non-motorized Red Grade Trails at the base are a separate BLM network; this is the forest road that climbs past them.
Trail Overview
The road is well-graded dirt for most of its length, but the lower climb has steep pitches with loose gravel and embedded rock that reward 4WD and ground clearance. Higher up it eases into ridge-running dirt past several lakes, open wildflower meadows, and the East Fork of the South Tongue River. Plan a few hours and treat it as a mountain drive, not a quick connector. Snow closes it from mid-December through the start of April.
Points of Interest
- Cloud Peak Wilderness overlooks. The high stretches open to views of the wilderness and Cloud Peak, the range's high point.
- Lakes and meadows. The route passes a cluster of small mountain lakes and wildflower meadows near the top.
- East Fork South Tongue River. The road parallels the river toward its western end.
Where to Camp
The Bighorn National Forest has developed campgrounds along U.S. 14 near the western end of the road, and dispersed camping is allowed across much of the forest. Nights are cold at elevation even in midsummer. Sheridan, at the eastern base, has full services.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Drive it after the seasonal gate opens in spring; the road closes December 15 through April 1.
- Air down for the loose, rocky lower climb and keep momentum on the steep pitches.
- Watch for wildlife and oncoming traffic on the narrow, blind sections.
- Carry layers; weather at 9,000 feet turns fast.
- Top off in Sheridan. There is no fuel on the road.
Fuel and Water
Sheridan, at the eastern base, is the last full-service town with fuel and water. There is no fuel on the road, so carry your own water.
Nearby
U.S. 14 over Granite Pass and U.S. 14A across the northern Bighorns connect to the Medicine Wheel and the western slope. Sheridan has lodging, outfitters, and museums, and the Cloud Peak Wilderness offers backcountry hiking from trailheads along the route.
