If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone National Park or to the Grand Tetons, you'll want to hit a few of these Jeep trails while you're in the area!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
The area around the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Shoshone National Forest is high elevation, so snow is an issue for a good part of the year. Some trails are not open until June 1. Other trails don't open until June 30th. We visited the area mid-June and had to turn back on trails covered in snow twice. The next time we visit this area, we will wait for mid July to August.
There were many people dispersed camping (learn more about where you can camp for free in our next blog), but very few off-road vehicles that we saw on trails. It's nice to have the trails to yourself, but finding trails is more difficult. You can download all of our GAIA maps (use them on the GAIA app or download the PDFs) by signing up for our Recon Riders plan to help with this if you'd like!
TRAILS WE ROAD:
Monument Ridge Jeep Badge of Honor Trail
This trail was probably the most scenic trail we found in the area. The views from the top are amazing, and the trail was not difficult in June with dry conditions. We have heard from others that it is more dangerous when the trail is muddy. After completing this trail (it was a dead end) we continued on to Cliff Creek Trail. Both trails took us around 3 hours with several stops.
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 49 miles, but worth the drive!
Forest Rd 532
This is a longer trail in the Shoshone National Forest. This was an easy trail, and there were several side roads we didn't have time to explore. We found an old cabin and barn. Expect beautiful views of valleys and mountains. We spent about 2 hours on the main trail. There are lots of opportunities for dispersed camping in the Shoshone National Forest. After spending a week camped in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, we camped for a few days in the Shoshone area to hit these trails. We also loved the nearby town of Dubois. It was much less commercial than Jackson Hole.
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 38 miles
Brooks Lake Road
This is an easy dirt road in the Shoshone National Forest with beautiful views, lake access, camp grounds, and dispersed camping areas. This would be easy to tackle with any vehicle and is a relaxing drive. We spent an hour and a half on this track.
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 33 miles
Gros Ventre Road
This was an easy, scenic road in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with amazing views of mountains, valleys, and red rock hills. We saw so much wildlife out here away from the crowds. This is also a great area for secluded tent or overland camping! We spent about 2 hours exploring this area just before sunset. There weren't any technical or challenging areas, but this was one of our favorite trails for the scenery and wildlife!
Distance from Grand Teton National Park: 14 miles
Buffalo Valley Road
This is a scenic drive in the Bridger-Teton National Forest with lots of dispersed campsites. We spent about 4 hours exploring this area and driving the side trails. There weren't any challenging areas that we found along this route, but the hilltop overlooks were incredible. There is also a cafe along this route if you'd like to stop for lunch (expect to pay mountain prices).
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 3.3 miles
TRAILS WE RAN OUT OF TIME FOR:
Murphy-Squaw Creek Trail
We have not been on this trail, but it is supposed to be open to all motorized vehicles. It is reported to have mountain and forest views on all sides. It has several camping options along it. If you have experience with this trail, we'd love for you to share your thoughts and photos with us so we can build this resource! Comment here or send us a message to tell us your thoughts!
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 59 miles
Forest Rd 515
We started down this trail in the Shoshone National Forest, but couldn't continue because it was blocked by snow (mid-June). There was 4x4 only sign posted by the entrance of the trail. It looks like the trail comes out around Brooks Lake. If you have experience with this trail, we'd love for you to share your thoughts and photos with us so we can build this resource! Comment here or send us a message to tell us your thoughts!
Distance From Grand Teton National Park: 26 miles
Did we miss any great trails in the Yellowstone area? Comment here, and we'll get them added to the list! Don't forget you can download all our GAIA maps for these trails here!
See our Wyoming adventure here!
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