Morrison Jeep Trail Repairs Underway

Outdoor recreation takes many forms in the Cody Yellowstone area. Some prefer to hike, others to ride horseback, and still others pedal their way to scenic views and vast wild lands surrounding Cody. There are those who also love to get out in four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles. One of the most technically challenging roads in Wyoming is the Morrison Jeep Trail. The trail boasts 27 tight switchbacks ending on beautiful plateaus in the Beartooth Mountains.

It closed from damage sustained during the 2022 floods, which also temporarily closed Yellowstone and caused damage throughout the area as heavy rain fell on a deep snowpack, melting it rapidly. But work is underway this summer to bring back the jeep trail favorite.

Delays on Flood Damage Repairs
After the flooding, Federal Disaster Relief funds were provided to repair this specific trail, but the money sat in the account, waiting. In 2023, there was a government shutdown, and in 2024-2025, the US Forest Service implemented an external hiring freeze, which led to people shifting internally. This left the Shoshone National Forest short-staffed and further delayed repairs to the road.

In partnership with Wyoming State Trails and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Cody Field Office, the Shoshone National Forest is kicking off major repair work this year.

Partnerships Allow the Work to Happen
Casey McQuiston, District Ranger for the Clarks Fork, Greybull, and Wapiti Ranger Districts of the Shoshone National Forest, worked with Forrest Kamminga, project lead for Wyoming State Trails, to figure out how to get the work done. The entities came to the table together, bringing good minds and ideas to form a plan to restore the trail. Wyoming State Trails provides the workers and equipment to tackle the tough slopes that range from 45° to 60° angles, leaving little room for error. It’s dangerous work, especially on the switchbacks.

Work this year is prioritized first on the lower 21 switchbacks, then will continue with the five miles in the lower canyon to the BLM Trailhead. The trail segments along the river will be rerouted away from the flood damaged areas, and in some instances will utilize the already existing social trails to minimize additional disturbance. No trail spurs were created through the canyon to preserve the integrity of the Wild and Scenic River area, and people are reminded to stay on the trail.

A specialized Forest Service blaster has cleared large boulders that were immovable by the excavator, but this was kept to a minimum. The blasting was necessary to allow equipment enough room to keep the workers safe.

Taking it one switchback section at a time slows the work, and allows for plans to shift as needed to accommodate unexpected damage found along the way. Currently, the work on the switchbacks is about a fourth of the way completed.

As for the upper section, they need to get there to determine what other repair work might be needed. Karri Meador, the Morrison Jeep Trail project coordinator for the Forest Service, said, “We plan to go as far as possible with the funding available. We’re looking for long-term solutions using techniques that address both safety and longevity while also maintaining the technical complexity that was there before.” The trail will remain four-wheel drive/high-clearance with technical challenges for experienced drivers only.

Current Closure Information
The closure on the lower 21 switchbacks will remain in place until repairs are completed. During the trail work (Monday – Thursday) access immediately below the switchbacks is closed. The steep slopes and potential for rolling rock beneath the work area is a safety hazard for the recreating public. “Each time folks enter this area, the operators need to pause the repair work, so we’ve appreciated the public’s cooperation and understanding”, said Meador.

Monday through Thursday you can travel approximately 3.5 miles from the BLM trailhead before reaching the closure area. If you are hiking the Dead Indian Gulch Trail from Wyoming Highway 296, the closure is at the Clarks Fork River. Friday through Sunday, these areas in the lower canyon are open for use (excluding the switchbacks). If you are accessing the Morrison Jeep Trail from U.S. Hwy 212, the trail is open for ~14.5 miles before reaching the closure at the switchbacks.

Community Looking Forward to the Repairs
While up on Bald Ridge to watch the blasting from a distance, Meador ran into a long-time local resident who thanked the Forest Service for bringing the trail back. ” Hearing how much this work matters to the community is incredibly rewarding,” Meador said. Many locals are waiting for the chance to get back out there to take in the stunning views and test their driving skills.

The Forest Service anticipates that the work in the lower canyon and on the switchbacks will be completed by mid to late October. “We value the opportunity to work alongside Wyoming State Trails and the BLM Cody Field Office. Their partnership and shared dedication to our public lands are what make this project possible.” said Meador.

Watch the Wyoming Jeepers video of a drive up the Morrison Jeep Trail in the fall of 2021.

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