Thermopolis to Shoshoni

A quiet ride into the Bridger Mountains east of Thermopolis. Though the higher peaks reach 8,000 feet, you will be riding through high desert with no shade, so make sure it's a cool day.

You will begin by crossing the Bighorn River and then you will turn onto Buffalo Creek Road. The first 12 miles are private ranch land with a backdrop of red rock buttes. You will then begin climbing into the mountains, through a mix of BLM land and private ranches. Many of the hills are quite steep.

As you approach the top and end of this road, you will have gorgeous views of the distant mountains. At the end of this road, you will turn on to Kirby Creek road, then Point of Mountain road. This route bypasses most of the natural gas drilling sites and their component poison gas warnings.

Once on Point of Mountain road, you will be riding through BLM land and are free to camp anywhere, though there aren't many turnouts.

When I traveled through here in late June, there were a few water sources, but it was a wet year so not sure if you can expect the same.

Some of these roads are red clay and may be impassable when wet.

If you are interested in history, the Bridger Trail passes through this area.