Morrison Trail East of Yellowstone: Conquer Wyoming’s Wild 4×4 Shelf Road

If you’re looking for a true off-road challenge packed with sweeping views, narrow shelf roads, and serious adrenaline, the Morrison Trail east of Yellowstone is one you can’t skip. This isn’t a cookie-cutter OHV route it’s a demanding, remote run that separates casual drivers from seasoned overlanders. But when you reach the top of the Beartooth Plateau, you’ll know why so many trail runners call this one of Wyoming’s most unforgettable 4×4 adventures.

The Morrison Trail is special because it bridges dramatic elevation change, rugged terrain, and pure solitude in one tight package. You start down low in the Clarks Fork River canyon and finish above 10,000 feet, with 27 tight switchbacks and near-vertical drop­offs in places. The only sounds you’ll hear are your tires crunching on rock and the wind whispering through alpine tundra. It’s the kind of trail that forces you to slow down, trust your rig, and stay sharp. Even though it’s short (just about 22 miles), you’ll spend most of the day working it. But you’ll be rewarded with remote views, wildlife encounters, and the satisfaction of having driven one of Wyoming’s tougher 4×4 trails.

Before you hit the trail, let’s dive into the details — what to expect, how to prepare, and how to make the most of your trip.

Background & Region

Morrison Trail (often called Morrison Jeep Trail or Forest Road 120) lies in Park County, Wyoming, within the Shoshone National Forest. (AllTrails.com) It’s situated east of Yellowstone National Park and just south of the Montana border. (Go Rancho) The nearest major town is Cody, Wyoming, which is typically the last place to gas up, grab parts, or rest before entering remote terrain. (Modern Jeeping News & Education)

Historically, part of the route follows a path once used by Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce during their 1877 escape through Clarks Fork Canyon. Though now an OHV route, its roots run deep in the region’s human and geological past. The Forest Service and Shoshone National Forest manage the corridor as a backcountry route, so standard U.S. forest rules apply (permits, seasonal access, etc.).

Because of high snowpack, parts of the trail are closed for many months of the year. And since the road is narrow with no turnouts in many places, you’ll want to be respectful and cautious to avoid accidents or blockages.

Trail Breakdown & Key Sections

Though the Morrison Trail is relatively short — approximately 22 miles (about 35 km) — don’t let that fool you. (AllTrails.com) The travel time often stretches to 6–7 hours because of technical obstacles, lack of room to slow down, and route finding. The elevation gain is steep: you begin near 4,500 ft in the Clarks Fork River valley, and ascend to over 10,200 ft at the top of the Beartooth Plateau. That’s nearly 5,700+ ft of vertical climb across narrow shelf roads.

The real crux is in the switchback section — about two miles of the trail contain 27 tight switchbacks that require multiple point turns in longer rigs. In many spots the trail narrows to as little as 8 feet wide with steep dropoffs on one side. After clearing the switchbacks, the trail continues across more moderate rocky shelf and alpine terrain, though obstacles remain.

Because there are no turnoffs or bypasses through the switchbacks, once you commit to climbing, there’s no easy way back down. Also, there are segments with ledges over 12 inches, loose rock, and deep ruts. Water crossings over 30 inches have been reported in wetter years.

Staging points are limited. The lower canyon approach begins near the Clarks Fork River. At the top of the plateau, you can exit into backroad networks or link into additional overlanding routes across the Beartooth. Many travelers plan to camp either in the canyon bottom or along forest roads once on top, unless they return in one day.

Directions (from Cody, WY)

To reach the trailhead from Cody — which is the common staging point for Morrison Trail — here’s a sample route you can follow:

1. From Cody, head north on US-14/US-16/US-20 toward the Shoshone National Forest boundary.
   
2. Continue toward the Clarks Fork Canyon region — you’ll look for turning points to Forest Road 120 (Morrison Trail). Depending on signage and maps, you may branch off forest roads that parallel the Clarks Fork River.
   
3. Use local maps or GPS navigation (e.g. Gaia, OnX) to find the Forest Road 120 junction that leads into the canyon approach.
   
4. Follow FR-120 (Morrison Trail) as it winds along river terraces, then begins the climb via switchbacks.
   
5. Once atop the Beartooth Plateau, you can exit via connecting forest roads, or loop around toward Montana or back to Cody, depending on your route plan.
   

Because signage can be minimal and route-finding is tricky, I strongly recommend loading offline maps, waypoints, and notes before leaving Cody. There may be unmarked junctions with similarly numbered forest roads.

Difficulty & Vehicle Requirements

Make no mistake — Morrison Trail is Difficult / Advanced in terms of 4×4 and overlanding standards. Multiple sources describe it as “challenging,” “extraordinarily difficult,” and “for advanced drivers only.”

Your rig should meet the following:

• High-clearance 4WD (no low riders or standard SUVs).
  
• Locking differentials or lockers.
  
• Articulated suspension, good ground clearance.
  
• Recovery gear (winch, snatch blocks, straps) because you may need to pull off a ledge or assist a companion.
  
• Short wheelbase is a big advantage — long rigs will struggle on narrow switchbacks.
  
• Rigid tires rated for puncture resistance.
  

Long wheelbase vehicles will find multiple point turns unavoidable. Some areas are strongly off-camber while negotiating tight corners.

Because you often can’t turn around midway, it’s wise to run the trail in a two-vehicle team so you can spot, support, and assist as needed. Many who tackle it solo carry extra gear and proceed with extreme caution.

What to Expect: Weather, Scenery, Wildlife & More

Expect unpredictable mountain weather. Snow can linger into June or even early July, and the trail is often closed from October through June. Rain or wet rock makes the route much more dangerous, so if storms are active, postpone.

Scenery is a grand mix — you begin in a woody, river canyon environment, then climb into alpine meadows, rocky ridgelines, and tundra vistas. Across the plateau, the views sweep over the Beartooth Mountains and wide valleys.

Expect zero consistent cell service for most of the trail and beyond. You’ll be deep in remote country.

Wildlife sightings are frequent: grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, mountain goats, bobcats and more roam the area. Bring bear spray and act accordingly. Landmark features include the dramatic switchback wall climb, cliff ledges, narrow shelf roads, and the high plateau’s sweeping panoramas. Some parts of the trail run along sheer drop-offs where mistakes will cost dearly.

Signage is sparse, especially in the upper reaches. Don’t rely on signs to guide you — use GPS waypoints or tracks, especially through the tricky intersections on the plateau.

Essential Gear for a Safe Run

Here are six to eight must-have items (beyond your normal overlanding load) for tackling Morrison Trail:

1. Recovery kit — winch, snatch block, recovery straps, shackles.
   
2. High-quality GPS / offline maps — like Gaia, OnX, or loaded GPX tracks.
   
3. Saw / Axe & Shovel — for clearing fallen logs or digging grip.
   
4. Air compressor + tire repair / plug kit — expect rocky terrain that can puncture.
   
5. CB radio / dual-band radio / satellite communicator — for team coordination and emergency contact.
   
6. Extra fuel / jerry cans — because once you leave Cody, gas is gone.
   
7. Spare parts & tools — belts, hoses, fluids, basic tool kit.
   
8. -reliance-relianceBear spray, first aid kit, and an emergency bivvy—for self reliance in wild country.
   

Also bring plenty of water, food, warm layers, and a headlamp just in case your run extends into dusk.

Local Tips & Trail Etiquette

• —closures, —closures,Check USDA Forest Service alerts & notices for Shoshone National Forest before heading out — closures, fire danger, or recent weather damage may affect access.
  
• —delay The trail is often muddy right after snowmelt or rain—delay your run if the route is saturated.
  
• Don’t bring trailers—space is extremely limited in switchbacks, and managing a trailer is usually impossible.
  
• Travel in a convoy if possible—benefit from mutual support for spotting, recovery, and navigation.
  
• Stay on the designated route—off-route driving damages sensitive alpine terrain and invites closures.
  
• Yield to oncoming vehicles on narrow shelf roads; back up to safe passing spots.
  
• Pack out all trash, respect signage, leave no trace, and follow Tread Lightly or similar OHV ethics.
  
• Be especially cautious on loose rock, steep grades, and near cliff edges—there’s little margin for error.
  

Final Thoughts

The Morrison Trail east of Yellowstone is not just a 4×4 route—it’s a rite of passage. With its tight switchbacks, vertical climbs, narrow shelf roads, and untamed high country, it demands respect from the driver and rig alike. But if you’re prepared, patient, and deliberate, it delivers some of the most rewarding off-road scenery and solitude you’ll find in Wyoming or anywhere near Yellowstone.

This trail matters because it represents the spirit of overlanding: testing your gear, honing your skills, and pushing your limits in raw terrain. Not every driver or rig will succeed here, and that’s okay. For those who do, the memory of cresting the Beartooth Plateau and staring down the valley below will stay with you for years.

If you’re ready to push into the wild, subscribe to The Off-Road Weekly for more trail guides, trip reports, and gear reviews. Also feel free to share your Morrison Trail experiences or challenges in the comments—your feedback can help others plan smarter. And if you’re gearing up for this run (or your next big overlanding adventure), check out our top-recommended recovery gear and GPS navigation gear to stay safe and confident out there.