The Road To Bridger Peak Has it All!
Bridger Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.355m (11,007ft) above the sea level, located in Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Wyoming.
Tucked away in the Sierra Madre Range, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Service Road 412. Ideal time to travel is daylight. Not advised night drive. The mountain is named after the mountain man Jim Bridger, who explored the area in the 1800’s. The road usually isn’t open until mid-July and usually closes sometime in September (into October in dry years).
Located within the Medicine Bow National Forest, 4x4 vehicle required. The road is steep. Starting from Battle, a ghost coal town on the WY-70 road, the ascent is 7km (4.34 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 328 meters. The average gradient is 6.48%. At the summit the remains of an old fire lookout are located as well as a ramshackle radio facility. Bring mosquito repellent as well, especially in early season.
Pic: Joshua Matzke