Guides/Overland routes/Wyoming
Overland routedifficulty: moderate

South Pass Historic Mining Area

RegionWyomingAgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
South Pass Historic Mining Area — overland route near Lander, Wyoming, Wyoming
Bureau of Land Management, via Wikimedia Commons
Trail vitals5 facts
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Direction
Loop
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. The Fort Stambaugh Loop and main BLM roads handle stock SUVs in dry conditions; spurs to outlying ghost towns and mining sites benefit from 4WD.
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Cell coverage
Spotty
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The South Pass Historic Mining Area is a 30-square-mile BLM management unit in central Wyoming, 25 miles south of Lander, holding the remnants of the 1867 gold rush that brought 1,500 settlers to South Pass City and Atlantic City before fading by 1872. The area sits at the southern end of the Wind River Range on the Continental Divide, near the South Pass crossing used by emigrant wagons on the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express trails.

BLM manages two campgrounds, the Miner's Delight ghost town, and a network of maintained roads and two-track routes. The 11-mile Fort Stambaugh Loop Road (BLM 2324) is the area's signature drive, accessing Miner's Delight and circling the historic district. Adjacent attractions include South Pass City State Historic Site and the Wild Iris climbing area.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • High elevation. South Pass is at 7,550 feet. Visitors from sea level should expect altitude effects.
  • Snow closure. Most roads close October through May.
  • No fuel. No fuel in Atlantic City; closest is Lander or Rock Springs.
  • Wind. Persistent strong wind across the high plains.
  • Mining hazards. Open shafts and unstable structures in the historic district. Stay on roads.
  • Cell coverage. Spotty.

Location

Overland route

Approx. location 42.466, -108.715

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townLander, Wyoming
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/south-pass-historic-mining-area
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location42.466, -108.715

Getting there

Directions

Northern access (Lander). From Lander on US-287, drive south on Wyoming-28 for 25 miles. Turn east at the South Pass City State Historic Site exit. BLM roads radiate from this junction.

Southern access (Rock Springs). From Rock Springs on Interstate 80, drive north on Wyoming-28 for 90 miles. The historic mining area is east of Wyoming-28 just south of South Pass.

Approximate Atlantic City coordinates: 42.466° N, -108.715° W.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The area sits in Fremont and Sweetwater counties, on the eastern flank of the Wind River Range where the range meets the high plains. Lander is the closest service town 25 miles north on Wyoming-28; Rock Springs is 90 miles south on the same highway. The historic mining district straddles the Continental Divide at South Pass, the lowest pass through the Rockies and the route most emigrant trails used to cross the Continental Divide on their way to Oregon and California.

Trail Overview

The area is a road network rather than a single byway. Main BLM-maintained gravel roads connect Atlantic City to South Pass City State Historic Site and Miner's Delight ghost town. The 11-mile Fort Stambaugh Loop is the most popular touring route, suitable for high-clearance two-wheel drive in dry conditions. Beyond the maintained roads, two-tracks branch out to outlying mine sites and prospects; these need 4WD and benefit from a paper map (online resources are spotty).

Most visitors spend a day exploring the Fort Stambaugh Loop with stops at South Pass City and Miner's Delight. Multi-day stays are common during the summer climbing season at Wild Iris. The area is also an access point for the Continental Divide Trail.

Points of Interest

  • Miner's Delight. A BLM-managed ghost town with several remaining wood structures.
  • South Pass City State Historic Site. A state-managed preserved 1867 mining town with interpretive programming and structures.
  • Atlantic City. A small currently-inhabited mountain hamlet (population about 30) with the Atlantic City Mercantile.
  • Fort Stambaugh Loop Road. An 11-mile loop past Miner's Delight, circling the historic district.
  • South Pass. The Continental Divide crossing on Wyoming-28, with an interpretive site.
  • Wild Iris Climbing Area. Limestone sport climbing on BLM land, busy through the summer season.
  • Five National Historic Trails. Continental Divide, Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express trails all crossed near South Pass.
  • Volksmarch Trail. A 6-mile interpretive walking route connecting historic sites.

Where to Camp

BLM maintains two campgrounds in the area: Atlantic City Campground (10 sites, fees) and the Big Atlantic Gulch Campground (smaller, primitive). Dispersed camping is allowed throughout most BLM land in the area with the standard 14-day stay limit. South Pass City State Historic Site has no camping.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Visit June through September. Snow closes most roads October through May.
  • Carry water and food. Atlantic City has the Atlantic City Mercantile (food, limited supply) but no fuel.
  • Cell service is spotty. Carry an offline map.
  • South Pass City State Historic Site has its own entry fee schedule and operating hours.
  • Stay on roads in the historic mining district. Off-road damage destroys archaeological resources.
  • Watch for free-range cattle on the BLM roads.
  • Wild Iris climbing access has specific seasonal closures for raptor nesting; check current rules.
  • Top off fuel in Lander or Rock Springs.
  • Contact the BLM Lander Field Office at 307-332-8400 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is South Pass Historic Mining Area?
South Pass Historic Mining Area is rated moderate.
What kind of vehicle do you need for South Pass Historic Mining Area?
High-clearance vehicle. The Fort Stambaugh Loop and main BLM roads handle stock SUVs in dry conditions; spurs to outlying ghost towns and mining sites benefit from 4WD.
When is the best time to visit South Pass Historic Mining Area?
The best months are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at South Pass Historic Mining Area?
Spotty