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Deep in the Wyoming Range, this trail offers an incredibly scenic, remote, seldom traveled, and very challenging mountain bike experience. Far more demanding and far shorter than the Colorado Trail, the Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail (NRT) offers a exceptional backcountry riding (and hike-a-biking) experience for those who relish getting well off the beaten path.
Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone Bannock, and Cheyenne lands
ELEVATION GAIN
riding season
days out
PHYSICAL challenge (1-10*)
women's FKT
miles
TECHNICAL challenge (1-10*)
men's FKT -
Kurt Refsnider
(2021)
Disclaimer: This route and associated information is just a starting point for your preparation, and your safety is your own responsibility. Although this route, its GPS track and waypoints, route data, and the route guide were prepared after extensive research, their accuracy and reliability are not guaranteed. Check for current conditions, route updates, detours, use common sense, obey local laws and regulations, and travel with alternative means of navigation. The Backcountry Bike Challenge and its creators and contributors will in no way be responsible for personal injury or damage to personal property arising in conjunction with following this route or utilizing any of the route resources provided on this website or via RWGPS.
The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail is one of only 13 designated recreation trails in the United States. The Wyoming Range National Recreation Trail (WRNRT) traverses the high rolling alpine ridgelines of the Wyoming Range and is a beautiful example of the southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Although the trail has a “National Recreation Trail” designation, it sees very little use or maintenance and is thus an extremely primitive trail. The trail often takes fall-line routes to ascend or descend steep ridges that require extended periods of hike-a-bike for even the strongest riders. Due to the low volume of traffic and prolific wildflower growth, the trail regularly disappears in meadows or alpine tundra. Overall, the WRNRT is among the most beautiful areas to bring a bike but is arguably the among the most challenging terrain to navigate with a bike – backcountry “riding” at its finest in they eyes of some. And don’t be fooled by the thinking, “wait, how does an 80-mile-long trail take 3+ days to bikepack?” It does. Plan on a pace of no more than 2-5 mph, and we strongly recommend riding it in a northbound direction.
Due to the incredibly rugged backcountry nature of the trail, riding the full length of the WRNRT should not be tackled by anyone but the most skilled and experienced backcountry riders.
Photos by Kurt Refsnider
Surface water is generally reliable in drainages and large alpine basins. There is no potable water along the route.
The Wyoming Range is the southern margin of grizzly bear habitat, and as such, bear spray should be carried and bear camping practices should be employed.
This route is very remote. A self-evacuation could take days. There is minimal cell service and vehicle-accessible trailheads are generally miles from the WYRNRT.
The trail is more or less unmaintained. Plan for a 2-5 mph pace.
Due to the incredibly rugged backcountry nature of the trail, the WRNRT should not be tackled by anyone but the most skilled and experienced backcountry riders.
This route crosses long stretches alpine terrain. There is often not a trail across meadows or tundra expances. Please ride mindful of the sensitive flora: follow your GPS track closely and look hard for cairns, tree markers, and posts marking the route.
One of the reasons this trail is included in the Backcountry Bike Challenge is to help bring more attention to how much this trail deserves more stewardship.
The young Sublette Trails Association has plans to begin maintenance projects on the WRNRT. The mission of this non-profit is to improve, maintain and develop sustainable multi-use trail networks in Sublette County. In their words, “Whether you are a hiker, biker, horseback rider or off-road enthusiast, you recognize the value of quality and well organized trail systems. We at Sublette Trails Association believe the development of family friendly recreational trails will foster the long term economic and recreation growth of our region. With Sublette county’s many mountain ranges, rivers and lakes gaining popularity, it is vital that our community’s trail systems receive thoughtful maintenance and development that will keep recreation sustainable for years to come.”
The Friends of Bridger Teton have also been active over the past decade in issues affecting the WRNRT.
