Riding the Bighorns From Sheridan
A ride from Sheridan into the Bighorn Mountains can shift from paved highway to remote forest country faster than you might expect. The tricky part is knowing which roads and trails are actually open to your machine, when seasonal gates affect access, and how to prepare for changing mountain weather. This guide helps you plan a responsible ride from Sheridan without treating every visible road as an ATV route.
Planning a Bighorns ride from Sheridan
Choose an access corridor, then confirm the route
Sheridan is a practical starting point for reaching the Bighorn National Forest, but “riding from Sheridan” usually means trailering your ATV or UTV toward a suitable access point rather than riding directly out of town. Two commonly used highway corridors lead west toward the mountains: US 14 through Dayton and toward Burgess Junction, and US 14A through Ranchester and Tongue River Canyon toward the same general mountain region. These are travel approaches, not blanket permission to ride an off-road machine on the highway.
Before you leave town, decide where you plan to unload and identify the specific forest roads or trails you want to use. A route that appears on a general road map may be closed to motorized use, open only to certain vehicle types, or subject to seasonal restrictions. Use the Bighorn National Forest’s official motor vehicle information, including its Motor Vehicle Use Map, to check which routes are designated for motorized travel. Pay attention to the map’s legend and restrictions, not just the road lines.
If you use onX Offroad to explore possible routes, treat it as a planning aid rather than the final word on access. Compare the route with the current official forest map and posted signs at the trailhead. Keep a map available offline as well: cell coverage can be unreliable once you leave town and climb into the forest.
For a broader overview of the region’s riding options, see [Riding Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest]. If you are comparing trail and road choices across the state, [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] explains why a route’s appearance on a map does not automatically mean it is open to every rider.
Check vehicle fit before committing to a trail
A trail that works for an ATV may not be suitable for a wider UTV. Some routes have width limits, narrow turns, rough surfaces, or obstacles that make them a poor fit for a larger side-by-side, even when motorized travel is allowed. Check your machine’s width against the route requirements before loading up. The Bighorns are not the place to discover at a tight turn that your UTV cannot safely pass.
Also confirm whether the route is a road, a trail, or a mix of both. A forest road can involve traffic from other vehicles, while a narrow trail may be limited by width or surface conditions. Your choice of route should match your machine, your riding experience, and the conditions you are prepared to handle. These details matter especially when traveling with a group: the least capable machine often determines how far everyone can reasonably go.
| Planning question | What to check before you ride |
|---|---|
| Is the route open to motorized travel? | Confirm it on the official forest motor vehicle map and follow posted signs |
| Is your machine allowed? | Check any route-specific width or vehicle restrictions |
| Is the route seasonal? | Verify opening dates, closures, and conditions before departure |
| Can you navigate without cell service? | Download maps or carry a paper map and know how to use it |
| Can your group complete the ride safely? | Consider skill levels, fuel range, weather, and daylight |
A useful route-planning habit is to identify a shorter alternative before you begin. If a road is muddy, blocked by snow, or unexpectedly closed, having a second approved option saves you from improvising onto an undesignated route. The overview in [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] can help you understand what to look for when comparing maps.
When and how to ride safely
Treat season and weather as part of the route
Mountain access changes with the seasons. Snow can remain at elevation after lower areas have dried out, and spring conditions can leave roads soft or muddy. A route that was passable on a previous trip may be unsuitable after a storm or during snowmelt. Forest roads can also be closed temporarily to protect the surface or surrounding land. Check conditions close to your departure, and do not assume that a road is open simply because it appears on an older map.
Weather can change quickly in the Bighorns. A sunny start near Sheridan does not guarantee a calm, dry day higher in the mountains. Pack layers, waterproof outerwear, food, water, and basic emergency supplies even for a ride that seems short. Before leaving, tell someone where you intend to ride and when you expect to be back. If your plan changes, make a reasonable effort to let them know.
You may find useful seasonal planning advice in [Bighorn Roads Closed Until June] and [Snowdrifts on a High Forest Road]. Those topics underline a practical point: a calendar date alone cannot tell you whether a particular route is ready for traffic. Recent weather, posted closures, and on-the-ground conditions matter.
Ride within your group’s limits
A remote mountain ride can become stressful when the pace is set by the most confident rider rather than the least experienced one. Agree on a pace before setting out, establish a meeting point if the group gets separated, and keep enough distance to see the terrain ahead without losing sight of one another. On narrow or uneven ground, avoid rushing to catch up; a slower, controlled pace gives riders more time to respond to rocks, ruts, washouts, or other traffic.
Carry the basics for a delay or breakdown: a first-aid kit, tools suited to your machine, a tire repair option, spare water, and a way to contact help when a phone cannot connect. Check your fuel level and realistic range before departing. Mountain terrain, low speeds, elevation, and frequent stops can affect fuel use, so do not plan a trip that depends on using every bit of the tank.
If you ride with children or less experienced guests, choose a route that allows the whole group to travel comfortably and turn around safely. Review [Wyoming Safety Training for Riders] for practical preparation, and check [Wyoming Minimum Age to Ride Public Land] if young riders will be part of the trip. For route-specific width questions, [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] is a useful starting point for understanding why some narrow trails may not suit a wider machine.
Responsible access and trail etiquette
Follow signs and stay on designated routes
The most important rule for protecting access is simple: stay on routes designated for your vehicle and follow closures, signs, and barriers. A two-track visible from an open road may be private, closed, or outside the area where motorized travel is allowed. Do not ride around a gate, cut across a meadow, or create a shortcut when a route is blocked. If a map and a sign appear to disagree, do not assume the sign is optional; stop and confirm the route’s status before proceeding.
In the Bighorns, routes may pass through public land, private property, or areas with separate restrictions. Respect boundaries and avoid disturbing livestock, wildlife, vegetation, and other visitors. Close gates that you open, unless signs or instructions clearly say otherwise. Yield courteously to hikers and horseback riders, and slow down when visibility is limited or dust could affect someone behind you.
A map app can make it easier to see your position, but it cannot replace route designation or local signage. If you use onX Offroad, download the information you need before leaving reliable service and cross-check it with official forest maps. A device that shows a line on the screen does not, by itself, grant permission to ride there. For more on the importance of designated routes, read [Why a Land Manager Must Mark a Route Open] and [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers].
Prepare your machine and leave the area in good shape
Before loading, check tires, brakes, steering, lights, fluid levels, and tie-downs. Bring required safety equipment and make sure your machine’s muffler and spark arrester meet applicable rules for the area. A small mechanical problem can be a major inconvenience when you are far from a town or repair shop, so take a few minutes to inspect your machine before the trip rather than waiting until you reach the trailhead.
Pack out all trash, including food scraps and small items that can easily blow away. Avoid spinning tires on soft ground, widening a route to get around a puddle, or riding through areas that are clearly wet and vulnerable to damage. If conditions are deteriorating, turn around rather than pushing farther and leaving deep ruts for the next rider or land manager to deal with.
A little preparation also makes the day more enjoyable. Fuel up before heading toward the forest, bring water for everyone in the group, and dress for changing temperatures rather than just the conditions in Sheridan. Check your intended route again before unloading, keep your map accessible, and leave enough daylight for the return drive. With those habits in place, you can enjoy a Bighorns ride while helping keep access open for future visitors.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
