Riding Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest
Bighorn National Forest riding can turn confusing when a forest road, a trail, and a route on a phone map don’t all appear to say the same thing. This guide explains how to plan an ATV or UTV trip, choose a practical starting area, check access and seasonal conditions, and prepare for the forest’s elevation, weather, and remote roads.
Plan Your Bighorn National Forest Ride
Choose a gateway that fits your trip
Bighorn National Forest stretches across north-central Wyoming, and the best place to begin depends on where you’re coming from and what kind of ride you want. Buffalo and Sheridan are useful gateways on the eastern side of the Bighorns. Ten Sleep, Greybull, and Lovell provide access from other sides of the range. The distance between these towns and your intended riding area can be significant, so choose your staging point before you load the trailer.
The approach matters, too. A route that looks close on a map may involve a long drive on winding mountain roads before you reach a legal place to unload. If you’re traveling with a trailer, check the approach for steep grades, tight turns, construction, and places to park safely. Don’t assume you can ride an ATV or UTV from town to the forest or use a highway shoulder to connect two riding areas.
Think about what your group wants from the day. A family looking for a relaxed first outing may prefer an accessible forest road and a short out-and-back route. Experienced riders may want a longer day with more elevation change, but should allow time for navigation, stops, and changing conditions. For ideas about eastern approaches, see [Riding the Bighorns From Buffalo] and [Riding the Bighorns From Sheridan].
Set a realistic distance and turnaround time
A common planning mistake is to treat a forest road like a fast backroad. The surface may be rough, the road may climb steadily, and a short distance on the map can take much longer than expected. Add time for checking intersections, stopping to look at the map, letting other traffic pass, and helping a rider who needs to adjust gear or take a break.
Plan backward from a firm turnaround time rather than riding until the group feels ready to head back. For example, if you need to be off the mountain before a late-afternoon storm, agree on a point where you’ll turn around even if the group hasn’t reached the destination. On an out-and-back ride, remember that the return trip still takes time—and a tired driver may travel more slowly than they did in the morning.
A useful plan includes a primary route, a shorter backup, and a clear exit option. Share the plan with someone who is not riding with you, including where you expect to park and when you’ll check in. A paper note in your vehicle can be helpful if a phone battery dies or your group has to change plans unexpectedly.
Find Routes That Match Your Machine
Treat roads and trails as different choices
Bighorn National Forest includes different kinds of routes, and not every route is open to every type of motor vehicle. A forest road may be suitable for some vehicles while a narrower trail has restrictions on vehicle width or type. A route can also be closed seasonally, restricted to certain uses, or unavailable because it crosses an area where motorized travel is prohibited. Never assume that a line shown on a general map is permission to ride it.
Before choosing a route, match the machine to the designated route. Check the route’s allowed uses and any width or vehicle restrictions, then compare them with the actual width of your ATV or UTV. A broad side-by-side that fits comfortably on a forest road may not be allowed on a narrower trail. Do not rely on how wide the machine looks in a photo or how easily it fits between trees; route restrictions are about the designation, not just whether a vehicle can physically pass.
The Cloud Peak Wilderness is a particularly important boundary to understand. Motorized vehicles are not allowed in designated wilderness areas. When a route approaches a wilderness boundary, follow the official maps and posted signs carefully, and don’t ride past the permitted endpoint. For a broader explanation of route rules on federal forest land, see [Wyoming Rules for Riding a National Forest].
Check the official route information before departure
The Forest Service’s Motor Vehicle Use Map, often called an MVUM, is an essential planning tool. It identifies routes designated for motor vehicle use and can show limitations such as seasonal access or vehicle class. Read the map legend and notes rather than just tracing a line. A faint line, a road visible in satellite imagery, or a route downloaded from a general recreation app does not prove that motorized use is allowed.
A practical routine is to identify your planned route on the current official map, note the allowed vehicle type, and check for closures or seasonal restrictions before loading up. If you’re not sure how to interpret a marking, contact the relevant Forest Service office before the trip instead of trying to resolve the question at a junction. You can also review [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs] for help understanding how official maps work.
Navigation apps can still be useful for locating yourself, recording a ride, or viewing terrain. Some riders use onX Offroad as a supplemental navigation tool, but treat any app as a planning aid—not a substitute for the official MVUM, current closure notices, or posted signs. Download maps for offline use before leaving reliable service, and carry a backup map or a written route plan.
| What you’re checking | Why it matters | What to do before riding |
|---|---|---|
| Route designation | A visible road or trail may not be open to motorized use | Confirm it on the current official MVUM |
| Vehicle type and width | Some routes may not accommodate every ATV or UTV | Compare route restrictions with your machine |
| Seasonal access | Snow, wildlife protection, or road conditions can affect access | Check current Forest Service notices and signs |
| Wilderness boundary | Motorized travel is prohibited inside designated wilderness | Identify boundary lines and legal route endpoints |
| Trailhead access | Some approaches may be unsuitable for a trailer or large vehicle | Check the approach and parking plan in advance |
Understand Bighorn Seasons and Weather
Expect access to change with elevation and conditions
The Bighorns rise quickly from surrounding valleys, so conditions can differ sharply between the lower approaches and higher roads. A sunny morning in Buffalo or Sheridan does not guarantee dry, open routes higher in the forest. Snow can linger at elevation after lower ground has warmed, and spring runoff can leave roads wet, soft, or vulnerable to damage.
Seasonal access is not determined by a single calendar date for the entire forest. A route may open or become passable at a different time from a nearby route because of elevation, snowpack, road condition, wildlife needs, or management decisions. Even when a road appears clear on a map, a gate or sign at the route entrance may indicate that access is restricted. Respect the closure rather than driving around it or assuming it is outdated.
Late-season riding has its own challenges. A warm afternoon can give way to cold wind, rain, or snow, especially at higher elevations. If your plan depends on a high route being open, check conditions shortly before leaving and have a lower, shorter alternative ready. The related guide [Bighorn Forest Roads and Wyoming's Season] offers more context on how seasonal access affects forest travel.
Build a weather plan, not just a weather check
A forecast is useful, but it is not a guarantee of what you’ll encounter on a ridge or in a high basin. Mountain weather can change quickly. Afternoon thunderstorms may bring lightning, strong wind, hail, and heavy rain. A ride that feels comfortable in a sheltered valley can become unpleasant or dangerous once the group is exposed on an open ridge.
Carry layers even on a warm day. A wind-resistant outer layer, gloves, eye protection, and warm clothing stored in a dry bag can make a big difference when the temperature drops. For a family ride, pack extra layers for children and passengers, who may feel cold sooner than the driver. Keep rain gear accessible rather than buried under tools and camping equipment.
Choose a weather trigger before you ride. Your group might agree to turn around if thunder is audible, visibility drops, rain makes a road slick, or a forecast calls for storms during the return window. That decision is easier to follow when everyone agrees in advance. For more planning considerations, see [Wyoming Riding at Altitude] and [Wyoming Trail Closures to Check First].
Prepare for Elevation and Remote Travel
Give your body and machine time to adjust
Riding at altitude can feel different even if you’re used to outdoor recreation. Some people notice that they tire sooner, breathe harder during small tasks, or develop a headache. Don’t plan your first day as the longest or most demanding day of the trip. Start with a manageable ride, drink water regularly, and build in breaks before anyone feels depleted.
Pay attention to the whole group, not just the strongest rider. A passenger who is quiet, unusually tired, dizzy, nauseated, or short of breath may need a rest and a change of plan. Keep the ride together so nobody is pressured to keep pace while feeling unwell. If symptoms are severe or worsening, prioritize getting help instead of continuing to a scenic destination.
Elevation can affect machines, too. Performance may feel different at higher elevations, particularly if a machine is heavily loaded or not running well. Before a trip, review the owner’s manual for maintenance guidance and make sure the machine is in good condition. If it has been stored for a while, check basic service items before the drive to the forest rather than assuming a quick start in the driveway means it is ready for a full day.
Prepare for limited services and phone coverage
Many forest rides take you away from fuel, food, repair shops, and dependable cell service. Plan fuel around the full trip, including the drive to the staging area, the ride itself, any route changes, and a reasonable reserve. Don’t build a plan that depends on finding fuel at a particular forest junction unless you have confirmed that service is actually available there.
Pack basic repair and recovery items suited to your machine and group. Depending on the vehicle and route, that might include a tire repair kit, a way to inflate a tire, tools for common adjustments, a tow strap, and a first-aid kit. Keep essential items secured so they don’t shift or fall off on rough roads. A small repair kit is most useful when someone knows how to use it, so practice basic fixes at home.
Assume your phone may not connect when you need it. Download maps and route information before leaving town, carry a power bank, and consider a satellite messenger for remote travel. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. If your group changes its route, leave a revised plan with the person who is tracking your trip.
Handle Permits and Riding Rules
Get the required Wyoming ORV permit
If your ride uses routes or areas where a Wyoming ORV permit is required, arrange the permit before heading out. A permit from another state should not be assumed to satisfy Wyoming’s requirement. Check the permit rules for the machine you’re bringing, the riding location, and how the decal must be displayed. Read [Wyoming ORV Permits Explained] for a fuller explanation of Wyoming’s permit system.
Plan the permit step early enough that it doesn’t become a last-minute scramble in a parking lot. If you’re traveling from out of state, confirm your purchase option and allow time to receive or collect the decal as needed. Keep any relevant receipt or confirmation with your trip paperwork, but don’t assume a phone receipt replaces a required decal on the machine.
A permit is not the same thing as permission to ride every road or trail. It does not open a closed route, make a highway ride legal, or override a land manager’s restrictions. The permit question and the route-access question are separate checks. Before departure, make sure you have both: the required permit and an approved route for your machine.
Follow closures, signs, and land boundaries
Posted signs matter, including when they don’t match what you expected from a map or an older trip report. A temporary closure may be in place because of weather damage, maintenance, wildlife concerns, or another management need. If the sign says closed, stop and choose another route. Don’t ride around a gate, use a bypass track, or follow tire marks that appear to go around a closure.
Stay on designated routes and avoid creating new tracks across meadows, wet ground, or forest edges. Riding off-route can damage vegetation and soil, and it can create a path that later riders mistake for an approved trail. If you reach an unclear junction, stop somewhere safe, consult your official map, and backtrack if necessary rather than guessing.
Forest roads may also pass near private land, grazing areas, or other managed lands. A public route does not automatically grant permission to explore nearby property. Close gates you open, avoid disturbing livestock, and leave room for other users. For more detail on closures and consequences, see [Wyoming Penalties for Leaving a Route].
Choose a Ride That Fits Your Group
Match the route to rider experience
A good first ride in the Bighorns is not necessarily the most remote or scenic route. For newer riders, prioritize a clear route, manageable distance, straightforward navigation, and a safe place to turn around. Let the group get comfortable with changing surfaces, passing other users, and riding at elevation before extending the day.
For a mixed-experience group, choose a route that the least experienced rider can complete comfortably. That doesn’t mean every ride has to be slow or short; it means planning for the person most likely to need extra time or support. Keep riders within sight or establish reliable regrouping points, and make sure everyone knows what to do if the group becomes separated.
A large side-by-side group can be more difficult to manage than a couple of machines. Leave space between vehicles so dust has time to clear, agree on hand signals or radio communication, and avoid stopping where you block a narrow road. Riders looking for introductory trip ideas can also review [Wyoming Trails for Beginners] and then check each suggested route against current Bighorn access information.
Plan around the people in your group
If children or passengers are coming along, keep their comfort and safety at the center of the plan. Make sure each rider has suitable protective gear, understand the vehicle’s passenger limits, and follow applicable age and equipment rules. Bring snacks and water where they’re easy to reach, and plan breaks before the children become tired or uncomfortable.
Talk through basic expectations before the engines start. Everyone should know where to stop, how to signal a problem, and why the group stays on the chosen route. Explain that the driver may turn around because of weather, a closure, a mechanical issue, or fatigue—and that this is good judgment, not a failed trip.
For a group with different machines, check the slowest vehicle’s range and capability. A machine that is less comfortable on rough or steep terrain can set the pace for the entire ride. If one vehicle needs to turn back, decide whether the group will return together or whether a safe, pre-agreed split is possible. Keeping everyone together is usually the simplest choice in a remote area.
Ride Responsibly and Leave the Forest in Good Shape
Share routes with other forest users
Bighorn National Forest is used by more than ATV and UTV riders. You may encounter hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, work crews, trucks, and other motor vehicles. Slow down when approaching people, animals, blind corners, or dusty conditions. Give other users room to pass, and avoid revving or accelerating hard near livestock, campsites, or trailheads.
Horses and riders on horseback need particular consideration. Stop well before reaching them, follow the rider’s directions, and keep the machine quiet and still while they pass if that is the safest option. A sudden acceleration or close pass can startle an animal, with serious consequences for both the rider and the animal. Don’t assume the other user can hear or see you coming around a bend.
Dust can affect visibility and comfort for everyone. Leave enough distance between vehicles, especially on dry roads, and slow down near camps or other traffic. If the road is narrow, choose a safe place to pull over rather than forcing another user onto a soft shoulder. Courtesy is practical: it reduces surprises and helps preserve access for future riders.
Protect the route and your group
Stay on designated routes, avoid wet or muddy ground when travel would cause damage, and don’t widen an existing track to get around a puddle or obstacle. A small detour can become a larger scar once other vehicles follow it. If a route is deteriorating, turn back and report the issue to the appropriate land manager rather than trying to repair the road yourself.
Pack out everything you bring in, including food scraps, packaging, broken parts, and used repair materials. Secure loose gear before riding, and check your staging area before you leave. If you stop for lunch, take a moment to look around so small items such as wrappers, tie-downs, and bottles don’t get left behind in the grass.
A well-planned Bighorn ride leaves room for changing conditions. Check the map, confirm access, keep the group within its limits, and be willing to choose the shorter route. The best day is not the one that reaches the farthest point; it’s the one that gets everyone back safely without damaging the place they came to enjoy.
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.
