Morrison Jeep Trail Reopened After Four-Year Closure
The Shoshone National Forest has cleared 27 switchbacks, allowing off-road enthusiasts to access the Beartooth Plateau.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Hiking
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The Shoshone National Forest and Wyoming State Trails have officially reopened the Morrison Jeep Trail following a four-year closure. The route, which connects Clarks Fork Canyon to the Beartooth Plateau, underwent extensive repairs to address severe flood damage from June 2022.
Why it matters
The restoration of this 22.5-mile trail restores access to high-elevation recreational areas for Wyoming residents. Clearing the 1.4-mile switchback section marks the completion of the first phase of a multi-year project to fully stabilize the path.
Work crews cleared a 1.4-mile section featuring 27 steep switchbacks, completing the first phase of a multi-year restoration. While this section is now accessible, 15.6 miles of the trail remain under repair and are expected to require two additional construction seasons to finalize.
The players
Shoshone National Forest
The federal agency managing the land and coordinating the restoration of the Morrison Jeep Trail.
Wyoming State Trails
The state program that partnered with federal authorities to complete the trail repairs.
The details
Repair crews utilized heavy machinery and precise explosive techniques to remove massive rock deposits and debris that had rendered the trail impassable since June 2022. By performing the work internally rather than through private contractors, the agencies successfully kept the stabilization of these corners within their projected budget. The restored section reaches an elevation of 6,500 feet, featuring tight corners that required significant structural widening to ensure safe passage.
Timeline
June 2022: Historic floods damaged the trail and forced an immediate closure.
July 2025: Wyoming State Trails joined the federal restoration effort.
May 2026: Repair work on the switchbacks officially commenced.
September 14, 2026: The Morrison Jeep Trail reopened for off-road travel.
July 2027: The next construction season is expected to begin.
Health Landscape
This project follows the collaborative pattern established by the Good Neighbor Authority agreement to pool resources across jurisdictions. It reflects a broader shift toward using internal agency labor for specialized environmental restoration projects.
Outdoor enthusiasts should prepare for high-altitude conditions and shifting terrain when accessing trails near the Beartooth Plateau. Discuss physical fitness requirements with your doctor if you plan to navigate remote off-road areas with steep elevation changes.
The takeaway
The reopening of the Morrison Jeep Trail expands access to high-elevation recreation areas across the state. Hikers and drivers should continue to monitor future construction updates as work continues on the remaining sections of the trail.
What happens next
The next phase of construction on the remaining 15.6 miles of the trail is scheduled to begin in July 2027, with work seasons lasting two to three months.
Further reading
For more information on navigating local terrain safely, visit Hiking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
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