WYBDR: 2024 Riding Season Route Updates
Updated October 3rd, 2024
Join our Facebook Group for more route updates.
Visit the official WYBDR Facebook Group page for ride reports, photos, and discussions with other riders in your area HERE
Winter is Coming: Check snow levels with our interactive map
With winter upon us, weather and route conditions can change rapidly. Before you go, be sure and use our ArcGIS Interactive Map to view estimated snow levels on each of our routes.
- Click HERE to access the main interactive map page.
- Click on the snowflake icon in the top right of the window.
- Select all of the boxes to view the NOHRSC Snow Analysis.
- Zoom into the route of your choosing to view the estimated snow depth.
- Explore the other features of our interactive map to plan your next BDR experience.
- See attached screenshot for reference.
October 3rd, 2024
Section 7/8: Wildfire Closures in Place
The Elk Fire is burning near Burgess Junction and road closures are in place.
- This fire is rapidly developing. At this time closures are in place and riders should avoid all of Section 8 and possibly the northern end of Section 7.
- Access to the route near Burgess Junction via Highways 14 and 14A may be limited or impassable.
- Click HERE for more information on the fire developments.
- Click HERE to launch our interactive map where you can select wildfire data by clicking on the fire icon in the top right corner of the window. See screenshots for reference.
- Premium subscriptions to apps such as Gaia GPS and OnX OffRoad also heave great wildfire map layers to help you plan.
We also recommend all riders join the official Facebook Group Page for each route they intend to ride. This is a great resource to get up to date intel from fellow riders and share your experiences with others planning to ride.
Links to each group page can be found at the bottom of each Route Updates page.
July 9th, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download: Section 7 Change – Woodchuck Pass
A new version of the WYBDR tracks labeled WYBDR-July2024 has been posted to include some important changes to Section 7 ALT Harder – Woodchuck Pass.
- The Forest Service has closed part of FR277 for important road work, as such the southern portion of the Woodchuck Pass ALT Harder track is closed for the 2024 riding season.
- The new track files reflects a change to this ALT Harder track only to divert around the closure area. The included track file is labeled WY7 ALT Harder – Woodchuck Pass Temp2024
- For more information click HERE and HERE
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Download the latest version of the track file HERE. The official BDR Map will be updated to reflect these changes at the next scheduled reprint.
*Please also ready the update regarding the changes to Section 4 below.
June 19th, 2024
New Tracks Available for Download: Important Section 4 Changes
A new version of the WYBDR tracks labeled WYBDR-June2024 has been posted to include some important changes to section 4.
- The original Section 4 main route, which includes the Beaver Rim, has been reclassified as an optional ALT Harder track due to deteriorating conditions, including challenging ruts, washouts, and the potential for deep sand.
- A new main track for Section 4 has been created for riders not wishing for the added challenge.
- As a reminder, riders must not attempt the Beaver Rim area until after July 1st. Much of the WYBDR will be impassable prior to that anyway, especially in the Bighorn Mtns due to lingering snow and mud.
- See attached screenshots for reference.
- Download the latest version of the track file HERE. The official BDR Map will be updated to reflect these changes at the next scheduled reprint.
June 12, 2024 (updated June 19th 2024)
Important WYBDR Reminder – Beaver Rim (Section 4 ALT Harder)
Please read this important update before heading out on the WYBDR:
- Riders should not attempt the entire WYBDR before July 1st due to sensitive land areas and lingering snow and mud.
- As a reminder, BLM representatives have notified us that the Beaver Rim section of the route will not be open until July 1st each year. This date coincides with seasonal closures in the national forests.
- On the Beaver Rim this would allow the Greater Sage Grouse birds to hatch their chicks and it would minimize lasting impacts on them in addition to mitigating potential road damage due to muddy conditions and ruts. Avoid environmental damage and never travel off a main road.
- The Beaver Rim (previous Section 4 main route) has now been changed to an optional ALT Harder track, with a new main section 4.
Download the latest version of the WYBDR tracks HERE
Check estimated snow levels using our interactive map HERE
- Please review the FAQ on the WYBDR page for information on camping permits.
November 27, 2022
WYBDR Route Update
We have received complaints from the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the Bighorn National Forest managers about unwanted behavior of riders on the WYBDR. Please review these guidelines before heading out on the WYBDR and Ride Respectfully to help preserve access to our public lands.
Can I fish on the WYBDR?
Each state has its own recreational fishing requirements and restrictions. To learn about the required licenses and stamps for fishing (and hunting) in Wyoming, visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov/apply-or-buy.
Please note, the Wyoming Game & Fish Department has reported a number of riders fishing without the proper licenses and conservation stamps, so please ensure that you have obtained the proper permits if you intend to go fishing during your WYBDR trip.
What if I see a ‘Private Land Sign’?
The WYBDR route includes a few instances where the the track follows an easement road through private land. In many, but not all cases, the land owners have installed “private land” signs and it is important that riders acknowledge these signs and stay on the designated track. If you are unsure of the land ownership adjacent to the roads, such as outside of national forest lands, it’s best to stay on the track to avoid trespassing. In all cases riders should not ride off the roads which creates new trails and damages vegetation. Please remember that riding off the designated roads can jeopardize our right to use these roads for recreation.
What if I encounter a gate along the route?
On most BDRs riders will encounter gates across roads and the WYBDR is no exception. These gates are important and are used by ranchers to control and separate herds. The rule of thumb is to leave the gate as you’ve found it. This means that if it was closed when you found it, close it after passing through. If it was open, leave it open. It is important for riders to follow this rule to prevent animal herds intermixing, and respect the rights and needs of private landowners and permittees.
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