Riding the Bighorns From Buffalo
The ride west from Buffalo climbs quickly from open ranch country into the Bighorn Mountains, where weather, elevation, and route designations can change a straightforward day trip into a frustrating one. This guide explains how to plan an ATV or UTV ride from Buffalo, check which routes are open, prepare for mountain conditions, and avoid common access mistakes.
Planning an ATV or UTV Ride From Buffalo
Know what the ride from town involves
Buffalo sits on the east side of the Bighorns, and U.S. Highway 16 is the main route west toward the mountains. The highway climbs through the Powder River Canyon and over Powder River Pass before descending toward Ten Sleep. It offers a dramatic way into the range, but it is a public highway, not an off-road trail. Don’t assume that because a forest road or trail appears nearby, your machine can legally reach it from town.
Before loading up, decide where you’ll stage, which designated routes you intend to ride, and how you’ll get from your staging area to the route. Some riders trailer machines to a suitable access point rather than riding them along the highway. Confirm that your planned staging area allows parking and that your route is open to your specific machine. For practical considerations at the starting point, see [Parking a Rig at a Wyoming Trailhead].
A map pin alone isn’t enough to establish access. The route may cross land with different rules, connect to a segment closed to motorized use, or be restricted by vehicle width. Make your plan around the official route designation, not simply the nearest visible road.
Check route designations before you leave
The Bighorn National Forest has a network of roads and trails, but that does not mean every route is open to every motorized vehicle. Use the Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map, commonly called an MVUM, to check which roads and trails are designated for motorized use and what restrictions apply. A route shown on a general recreation map may not be open to your ATV or UTV.
Pay close attention to seasonal closures, vehicle-width limits, and whether a route is open to motorcycles, ATVs, or wider side-by-sides. Wyoming’s [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] is worth reviewing if you ride a wider machine, but don’t treat a width rule as blanket permission to use a trail. The route’s own designation still matters.
A navigation app such as onX Offroad can help you follow your planned line and keep track of nearby roads, especially when you have a map downloaded before losing cell service. Use it as a planning and navigation aid, not as a substitute for official travel-management information. Comparing the app’s route information with [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] before the trip can help catch an access assumption while you’re still at home.
Choosing Routes and Staging Areas
Match the route to your machine
A narrow ATV and a wide UTV may not have the same options. Some trails have width restrictions, while some designated roads may be more appropriate for wider machines. Check your vehicle’s actual width, including any accessories that affect it, and compare that measurement with the restrictions listed for the route. If a route is described as suitable for a narrower vehicle, don’t assume a UTV will fit just because it can physically squeeze between trees or rocks.
Also consider the terrain and your group’s experience. A steep, rocky climb may be manageable for one rider and a poor choice for a new driver, a youth machine, or a passenger who is uncomfortable with exposure. Choose a route that leaves room to turn around safely if conditions are worse than expected. A scenic loop is not worth pushing your group into a section they can’t confidently ride.
If route details are unclear, pause before committing to the trip and ask the relevant land manager or local office which roads are enrolled or open. The question [Asking Which Roads Are Enrolled] is especially useful when a route crosses between different jurisdictions or when online maps seem to disagree.
Treat Buffalo as your supply and planning stop
Buffalo is a sensible place to organize the day: check your machine, confirm your route, and make sure everyone understands the plan before heading west. Carry enough fuel for the entire outing, including the return to your trailer or staging area. Mountain routes can take longer than their map distance suggests, and detours or slow travel can add up quickly.
Think through the less exciting details, too. Bring drinking water, warm layers, basic tools, a tire repair kit, and a first-aid kit. Tell someone where you expect to ride and when you plan to be back. Cell service can be unreliable once you’re away from town, so don’t make a phone signal your only backup plan. Riders exploring the area can also read [Riding the Bighorns From Sheridan] for a different approach to the same mountain range.
Here’s a practical way to compare the main planning choices:
| Planning decision | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Staging location | Parking permission, space for the trailer, and access to the route | A nearby pullout may not be a legal or safe place to leave a rig |
| Route choice | Official MVUM designation and current closures | A visible road is not automatically open to motorized use |
| Machine fit | Width restrictions and route type | A route suitable for an ATV may not accommodate a wider UTV |
| Fuel plan | Round-trip distance, riding pace, and reserve fuel | Mountain travel and unexpected detours can use more fuel than expected |
| Weather plan | Forecast, elevation, and turnaround time | Conditions can change quickly in the high country |
Preparing for Bighorn Mountain Conditions
Plan for elevation and changing weather
The route west of Buffalo gains elevation, and riding at altitude can feel more demanding than a similar outing at home. You may tire more easily, and a machine can behave differently in thin air. Give your group time to adjust, ride at a pace that feels controlled, and be conservative if anyone develops a headache, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue. For more context, read [Wyoming Riding at Altitude].
Mountain weather deserves the same attention as route selection. A clear morning in Buffalo does not guarantee a clear afternoon in the high country. Wind, rain, cold, and thunderstorms can make exposed sections uncomfortable or hazardous. Check the forecast for the elevation and area you’ll ride, not just the conditions in town. Set a turnaround time so you’re not trying to finish a long route as weather builds.
Keep extra layers somewhere they’ll stay dry, and don’t count on a quick return to the vehicle if a storm arrives. If the sky darkens, thunder approaches, or visibility drops, choose the safest available way to shorten the ride. [Afternoon Thunderstorms in the High Country] offers additional planning context for exposed mountain travel.
Prepare for closures and changing access
Seasonal closures can affect mountain roads and trails, and opening dates may vary with snow, road conditions, and land-management decisions. Don’t rely on a previous trip report as proof that a route is open now. A route that was passable last summer may be closed during spring conditions or restricted to protect wet ground and wildlife habitat.
The article [Bighorn Roads Closed Until June] explains why early-season access can be limited. Treat any dates you see as planning clues, not a guarantee for your specific route. Check current official notices before leaving and look for posted signs when you arrive. If a map and a sign disagree, don’t ride past the closure while trying to resolve it later. The safe choice is to stop and confirm the route status.
Be ready to adjust your plan. Save a second option that is appropriate for your machine and group, and make sure it is independently confirmed as open. A backup route is useful only if it is legal, accessible, and within your fuel and time limits.
Riding Responsibly and Finishing the Day Safely
Stay on designated routes and respect other users
On public land, stay on routes designated for your vehicle. Cutting across a meadow to bypass a muddy patch can damage soil and vegetation, and it may put you outside the permitted route network. If a trail is blocked, muddy, or uncomfortable, turn around rather than creating a new line around the obstacle.
Expect to share roads and trails with hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, and other motorized users. Slow down when visibility is limited, give people room, and yield carefully to horses. Keep noise under control and follow posted speed limits. Near livestock, move calmly and avoid crowding animals or driving between a group and its access to water.
A warden or land-management officer may check your permit, machine, or route use. Keep required paperwork accessible and make sure your machine has the appropriate Wyoming permit before riding where one is required. [What to Expect at a Trailhead Warden Checkpoint] can help you understand why it’s worth having your documents and route plan ready.
Use a simple pre-ride and end-of-day routine
Before unloading, check tire condition, controls, lights, fuel, and any equipment that may have worked loose during transport. Confirm that every rider knows the route, the planned turnaround time, and what to do if the group gets separated. Agree on a regrouping point before the first junction rather than trying to decide in the middle of a confusing fork.
During the ride, stop somewhere safe to check your group and reassess the weather, fuel, and remaining daylight. If someone is struggling or the route becomes more difficult than expected, change the plan early. Turning back is a sensible mountain-riding decision, not a failed outing.
When you return, account for every rider and machine before leaving the staging area. Check for damage, pack out trash, and leave gates as you found them. If you discover a closure, hazard, or confusing sign, report it to the appropriate land manager rather than trying to mark or alter the route yourself. With thoughtful preparation, Buffalo can be a rewarding starting point for exploring the Bighorns without treating uncertain access or changing mountain conditions as an afterthought.
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.
