Pilot Knob - Level 3

Pilot Knob is a backcountry two-track in the high desert of Sweetwater County, in southwest Wyoming. It runs through open sagebrush country in the same general area as White Mountain and Pilot Butte, north of Rock Springs and Green River. Cell service is limited out here.

The rangeland around the trail is part of the BLM Rock Springs District. Wild horses, pronghorn and other wildlife use it, so expect to share the open country with them.

Trail Summary

LocationSweetwater County, Wyoming
Distance8.7 miles
DifficultyLevel 3
Elevation7,118 ft to 7,620 ft with a 502 ft change
Travel Time59 minutes

Difficulty

Best suited for a high clearance 4x4

This trail is rated Moderate (level 3) and suits a stock, high clearance 4x4 with off-road tires. Expect an uneven, rutted dirt track with loose rocks and the odd sandy wash. Ledges, drops or short steep grades up to about 12 inches may call for careful tire placement. Any water crossings should be under a foot deep, and mud holes are possible after wet weather. The road is generally one vehicle wide with places to pass. The driver's log did not call out any specific obstacle or spot needing special attention.

Terrain

The route crosses high desert rangeland in the Green River Basin of southwest Wyoming. The surface is dirt two-track through sagebrush, with rocky stretches and dry washes. Roads in this part of the Rock Springs District can turn slick and rutted when wet, and clay surfaces here become hard to drive after rain or snowmelt.

Highlights

The trail sits in wild horse country, and the nearby Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop is a well-known place to look for the herds. Bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance from the animals. Services are far apart in this part of Sweetwater County, so carry extra fuel, water and a spare tire.