Wyoming’s 40,000 Miles of BLM Road
Wyoming’s Bureau of Land Management road network can make a trip feel wonderfully open-ended, but a road on a map is not automatically a road you may ride. Route designations, private inholdings, seasonal closures, machine limits, and changing weather all matter. This guide explains how to plan a responsible ATV or UTV ride on Wyoming BLM lands without mistaking a big mileage figure for blanket access.
What Wyoming’s BLM road mileage really means
A large network is not a promise of open access
Wyoming is often described as having roughly 40,000 miles of BLM roads. That figure helps convey the scale of the agency’s road network, but it should not be read as 40,000 miles of unrestricted ATV and UTV riding. Roads have different management designations, and some are open to certain kinds of motorized travel while others may be closed, limited, or intended for another use.
A road can also cross different kinds of land in a short distance. A route may begin on BLM-managed land, pass through a private parcel, and then re-enter public land. Even if the road is visible on a digital map, a public access right may not exist across the private section. The practical question is not only “Does the road appear?” but also “Is it legally open to my machine, for this type of travel, on this date?”
That distinction matters most when a tempting two-track seems to offer a shortcut to a scenic ridge or a more direct route back to camp. If the route is closed, gated, or not open to public use, riding it can damage land, create conflict with a landowner, and lead to a citation. For an overview of land-specific rules, start with [Wyoming Rules for Riding BLM Land] and confirm the route designation before setting out.
Roads, trails, and routes are not interchangeable
People often use “road,” “trail,” and “route” casually, but land managers may use those terms to describe different features and types of access. A wide gravel road might be open to highway vehicles and off-highway vehicles. A narrow trail could have width restrictions or be designated only for a particular class of machine. A route shown as a two-track on a basemap may not be open for public motorized use at all.
The surface alone does not tell you what is allowed. A road that looks smooth enough for a side-by-side may still have a seasonal restriction, while a rougher route may be designated for motorized travel. Likewise, a gate does not always mean “closed to everyone,” and an open-looking track does not mean “open to the public.” Look for the official designation, posted signs, and any closure information that applies to the specific area.
This is especially important when your group has different machines. A narrow trail suitable for a small ATV may not accommodate a wide UTV, even if both are off-highway vehicles. Wyoming’s designated routes and local management decisions can set different conditions, so review [Wyoming's Enrolled Roads and Trails] and [Wyoming's 50-Inch Trail Limit] before building an itinerary around a particular route.
How to confirm a route is open
Start with the land manager’s travel information
Begin with the BLM field office responsible for the area you plan to visit. Wyoming’s BLM lands are managed through different offices and local plans, so a map or rule for one district should not be assumed to apply statewide. Find the relevant travel map, route designation information, closure notices, and any alerts for your destination. If the trip crosses into another jurisdiction, check that land manager too.
A general-purpose road map is useful for navigation, but it may not show every motorized restriction. Official BLM travel maps and decisions are the better place to verify whether a route is open, closed, or limited. On forest land, a Motor Vehicle Use Map, commonly called an MVUM, serves a different land-management purpose and should be checked for the national forest portion of a trip. Keep the map type matched to the land you are riding.
Digital tools can make planning easier, especially when you want to see terrain and route options together. onX Offroad can be useful for exploring a possible ride and keeping a navigation reference available, but treat any app as a planning aid rather than final legal authority. Confirm important access details with the responsible agency’s official information. For help comparing map types and planning materials, see [Wyoming Trail Maps and MVUMs].
Check the route at several points, not just the trailhead
A route that is open at the beginning may encounter a closure farther along. Before leaving, review the route from end to end and note junctions where you might accidentally continue onto a closed segment. If your planned loop depends on a connecting road, check that connection separately rather than assuming it is open because the rest of the loop is.
Pay attention to the date as well as the route. Seasonal closures may protect wildlife, reduce damage during wet conditions, or address fire danger. A route that was open on a previous visit may have different conditions this time. If you are visiting in spring, late autumn, or during a dry spell, make a specific check for closures and restrictions rather than relying on a map downloaded months earlier.
At the trailhead and along the route, posted signs and barriers matter. If the sign on the ground conflicts with your old map or downloaded track, do not ride through the closure while trying to resolve the discrepancy. Stop, choose a clearly open route, and check with the relevant office when possible. The practical rule is to respect the current restriction on the ground and verify before returning to that segment.
| What you are checking | Best place to verify | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| BLM road or route designation | BLM travel map or responsible field office | A visible road may not be open to public motorized use |
| National forest route | Current MVUM and forest notices | Forest routes may have separate seasonal and vehicle restrictions |
| Seasonal closure | Agency alerts and posted signs | Access can change with weather, wildlife, or fire conditions |
| Private land crossing | Official access information and landowner permission where needed | A route may cross land that is not open to public use |
| Machine width or type | Route rules and posted restrictions | An ATV and a wide UTV may not be allowed on the same segment |
| Wyoming permit requirements | Wyoming ORV guidance and route-specific rules | A home-state sticker may not satisfy Wyoming requirements |
Plan around land boundaries and access gaps
Public land can be surrounded by private parcels
A map with broad blocks of public land can make access look simpler than it is. In Wyoming, a public parcel may be surrounded by private land, or a road to that parcel may cross a private ranch. Public ownership of the destination does not automatically provide permission to cross every intervening property. Confirm that the route you intend to use is open to the public for motorized travel.
This can be easy to overlook when using a map at a small scale. A road may seem to run continuously across a landscape, while the ownership boundary cuts across it. If you are uncertain whether a road is publicly accessible, do not assume that an established track, old gate, or tire marks establish a legal right to ride. Seek current access information from the appropriate land manager, and obtain permission where the route depends on a private landowner.
Access gaps can also shape the whole day. A planned loop may turn into an out-and-back ride if a connector is not open. That is not a failure; it is a safer outcome than pressing ahead into uncertain access. Build a backup route that stays on confirmed public routes, and leave enough time and fuel to retrace your path if a connection is closed.
Treat ranch roads and gates with care
BLM roads may pass through working landscapes where ranching is part of everyday life. You may encounter livestock, fences, water infrastructure, ranch vehicles, or a gate that needs to remain closed. Ride slowly near animals, avoid sudden acceleration, and give ranchers room to work. If a gate is closed and the route instructions require you to pass through, close it behind you exactly as you found it.
A gate is not an invitation to explore beyond the road. Do not follow a side track merely because it looks well used, and do not cross a fence or drive around a barrier. Even a brief detour can damage vegetation, disturb livestock, or put riders on land where they lack permission. For more practical guidance on ranch access and considerate riding, see [Wyoming Trail Etiquette With Ranchers].
It is also worth remembering that the person you meet on a ranch road may be managing a much larger operation than the stretch of road you can see. A group stopping in the middle of a narrow route, leaving a gate open, or creating dust near livestock can make a routine ride harder for everyone. Pull over where it is safe, keep the route clear, and follow posted instructions. Small courtesies help preserve access and reduce friction between recreation and working land uses.
Choose routes that fit your ATV or UTV
Check width, terrain, and turning room
A route’s legal status is only one part of whether it is a good fit. Consider the machine’s width, ground clearance, wheelbase, tires, and turning radius. A wide UTV may be permitted on a road but uncomfortable on a narrow track with brush, sharp switchbacks, or limited places to turn around. An ATV may fit more easily but still face steep, rocky, or deeply rutted sections that are beyond the group’s experience.
Do not judge a route only by its starting point. A smooth first mile can lead into loose rock, sand, washouts, or a steep descent that changes the difficulty substantially. Look at the full route profile, recent conditions, and possible exits. When traveling with less experienced riders, choose a route that allows the group to stop and reassess without blocking others or getting trapped in a tight spot.
Width limits deserve special attention. If your side-by-side is near a posted limit, check how the land manager defines and measures vehicle width rather than assuming the advertised width of the machine is the relevant measurement. Consider mirrors, tires, or accessories that may extend beyond the body. When the route limit is uncertain, contact the land manager before driving to the trailhead.
Match the route to the least experienced rider
A mixed group tends to travel at the pace of its least experienced rider, and that is a useful planning principle. A route that feels easy to a confident driver can become stressful for a new rider when it includes exposure, deep ruts, loose climbs, or limited space to pass. Choose terrain that leaves room for instruction and breaks instead of making every obstacle feel like a test.
Before the trip, talk through how the group will handle tight spots and unexpected conditions. Agree that anyone can ask to stop, and avoid pressuring a rider to continue through an obstacle they do not feel ready to attempt. A rider who is anxious or fatigued is more likely to make a poor decision, particularly late in the day when the group is eager to get back to camp.
Make sure every rider understands the basics: how to maintain space, where to stop, how to communicate at junctions, and what to do if someone becomes separated. Keep the group together at route choices and do not let faster riders disappear beyond sight. A conservative pace is often more enjoyable than rushing through a scenic area while worrying about whether everyone is still on the right track.
Consider seasons, weather, and surface conditions
Mud, snow, and freeze-thaw conditions can change a road
A route that is manageable when dry can become difficult or damaging after rain. Clay-rich soil can cling to tires, build up under a machine, and turn a mild slope into a slippery climb. Water can conceal ruts or washouts, while repeated wheelspin can deepen damage to a road. If conditions are wet enough that you are leaving deep tracks or struggling to maintain control, turn around rather than trying to power through.
Snow creates a different set of problems. A road may be covered without being safely rideable, and buried obstacles, drainage channels, or soft shoulders can be hard to see. Snow can also obscure route markers and make it difficult to identify where a designated road ends. Check for seasonal access limits and avoid treating a snow-covered track as a shortcut simply because other tire marks appear in it. For more background on seasonal access, see [Wyoming Trails Closed by Snow].
Freeze-thaw cycles can make conditions unpredictable even when the weather seems mild. A shaded section may remain icy while an exposed section has dried, and a road that was firm early in the day can soften as temperatures rise. Plan a route with room to turn back, check the forecast for the whole area rather than only the nearest town, and avoid driving across wet ground that is vulnerable to rutting.
Fire restrictions can affect the ride and the camp
In dry conditions, fire restrictions may change what is allowed at a campsite or trailhead. Restrictions can vary by location and may apply to campfires, charcoal, or other activities. Do not assume a fire is permitted just because a ring is present. Check current agency notices and posted rules before lighting anything, and make sure the group knows how to respond if restrictions change during a trip.
Fire danger also affects route choice. Smoke, active fire, road closures, or emergency operations can make an area unsafe or unavailable with little notice. A popular route may be closed to protect people and resources, while nearby roads may be busier because riders are redirecting. Stay flexible and do not ride around a closure or barrier. [Wyoming Fire Restrictions That Close Trails] is a useful topic to review while planning a summer outing.
Carry enough water and be cautious around hot machine parts, dry grass, and roadside vegetation. Park only in safe, designated places where the machine will not create an ignition risk or block access for emergency vehicles. If an area is under restrictions, follow the exact local rules rather than relying on what was allowed on a previous trip or in another part of Wyoming.
Prepare for distance, fuel, and limited services
Do not assume help or fuel is close
A route can feel remote even when it is not far from a town on the map. Roads may be slow, rough, or difficult to navigate, and cell service can be unreliable. Fuel stations, repair shops, and places to buy supplies may be far from the ride area. Estimate fuel use conservatively, especially if the route includes sand, elevation changes, low-speed technical terrain, or frequent stops.
Plan the day around the fuel range of the least capable machine in the group. A side-by-side carrying passengers and gear may use fuel differently from an unloaded ATV, and difficult terrain can increase consumption. Do not rely on a digital estimate alone. Carrying reserve fuel may be appropriate for some trips, but it must be stored and handled safely and in line with applicable rules.
A simple breakdown can become a long problem when a machine is disabled far from a maintained road. Bring basic tools suited to your machines, a tire repair kit, communication options appropriate to the area, and enough food and water to wait for help. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Choose a check-in plan that still works if you have no mobile signal.
Water and navigation need deliberate planning
Many riding areas have few or no convenient water sources. Do not assume a creek, tank, or ranch water system is available for riders to use. Carry the water your group needs for the full outing, plus a practical reserve for delays, heat, or a slower pace. Children, passengers, and people unaccustomed to dry high-country conditions may need more frequent reminders to drink.
Navigation should work even when your phone has no service. Download maps before leaving coverage, keep a power bank available, and consider carrying a separate navigation device or paper map as a backup. Learn how to identify your location and the nearest reliable road junction before the ride, not while someone is waiting with a machine problem. onX Offroad can help organize routes and provide a useful offline reference when set up in advance, but make sure your group knows how to use its chosen navigation tools.
Do not let the most confident navigator become the only person who knows the route. Share the plan, key junctions, and turnaround point with another rider. If conditions force a change, pause and make the decision as a group. A rushed turn at an unfamiliar junction is an easy way to split up or end up on a route that has not been checked.
Ride responsibly and protect access
Stay on designated routes
Leaving a road to ride across open ground may seem harmless when the land looks empty, but it can damage fragile soil, vegetation, and wildlife habitat. In some places, cross-country travel is prohibited even when a nearby road is open. Keep the machine on the designated route, avoid widening the track to get around mud or an obstacle, and do not create a new bypass around a closed segment.
When a route is blocked by a washout, fallen tree, gate, or closure, do not make your own path around it. Turning back may be inconvenient, especially after a long ride, but going around an obstacle can create a new unauthorized route and worsen the damage. If the obstruction appears to be an urgent hazard, note its location and report it to the appropriate land manager when practical.
Route discipline also helps protect other riders. A clearly marked route is easier for emergency responders and agencies to manage than a web of informal tracks. If you are uncertain whether a spur is part of the designated system, stop and check before proceeding. See [Wyoming Rules for Riding a Designated Route] for more on why staying on the marked route matters.
Respect protected and restricted areas
BLM land can border wilderness, wildlife habitat, private land, or other protected areas with separate rules. A road near a boundary may be open while the land beyond it is not. Do not cross a fence, sign, or natural boundary because a track continues on the other side. Maps and signs should be used together, and uncertainty is a reason to stop rather than improvise.
Wildlife closures may apply to a limited area or season, and they can affect a route that is otherwise open. Keep distance from wildlife, avoid stopping where animals could be trapped or stressed, and follow posted instructions. A good photo is never worth pursuing an animal off-route or crowding it with machines.
Sound, speed, and group size also affect the experience of other visitors. Keep noise moderate, yield carefully, and give hikers, equestrians, and other trail users space. Slow down where visibility is limited and around camps, livestock, and intersections. If you are approaching a wilderness boundary or another sensitive area, review [Wyoming Riding Near a Wilderness Boundary] before finalizing the route.
Build a practical trip plan
Create a route plan with a backup
Choose a primary route that matches the machines, riders, daylight, and current access information. Note the trailhead, major junctions, turnaround point, fuel plan, and estimated return time. Keep the itinerary realistic: a short distance on a rough route can take much longer than a longer ride on a maintained road. Leave time for stops and unexpected conditions rather than scheduling every minute.
Then identify an alternate plan that uses confirmed open routes. If weather, a closure, or a mechanical issue disrupts the primary route, the group should know where it can safely go instead. A backup does not have to be another full-day ride; it might be a shorter loop near the trailhead or a return along the route already traveled.
Share the plan with someone who is not riding. Give them the location, route, vehicle details, and expected return time, and tell them when to contact authorities if the group does not check in. If the plan changes significantly, update that person when communication is available. These steps can feel overly careful for a day trip, but they are especially valuable when the group is traveling beyond reliable cell coverage.
Use a pre-ride checklist
A final check at the staging area can catch small problems before they become trail problems. Confirm that every machine is in sound condition, tires are properly inflated, fuel is adequate, and essential tools and supplies are aboard. Make sure helmets and protective gear fit, and check that passengers understand the machine’s seating and safety requirements.
Review the route designation, weather, fire restrictions, and any local alerts one more time before unloading. Confirm that the group has the appropriate Wyoming permit or other required documentation for the intended riding area. Requirements can depend on the machine, route, land manager, and use, so verify details through official guidance rather than assuming a registration or sticker from another state automatically applies. [Wyoming ORV Permits Explained] is a helpful starting point for understanding the permit framework.
Finally, agree on a turnaround time. Riders are often tempted to continue because the view or destination is close, but the return trip can take longer than expected. Turning around while everyone is fresh, fuel remains comfortable, and daylight is available is good judgment—not a disappointing end to the ride. A well-planned day on Wyoming’s BLM roads leaves room for the ride to be enjoyable without treating every mapped road as a route that must be completed.
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.
