Driving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming

Elk Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.405m (11,171ft) above sea level, located in the eastern-central part of Carbon County, in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It’s one of the highest roads in Wyoming.

Elk Mountain

Why is it called Elk Mountain?

Located 7 miles (11 km) southwest of the town of Elk Mountain, the peak is named after the Sioux Chief Standing Elk.

Is the road to Elk Mountain in Carbon County unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. The summit hosts a Radio station KBDY broadcaster.

How long is the road to Elk Mountain in Carbon County?

Starting at Rattlesnake Pass, the road to the summit, originally called Medicine Butte, is 13.0 km (8.07 miles) long. It’s very steep, hitting a 15% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Over this distance the elevation gain is 1094 meters. The average gradient is 8.41%.

Is the road to Elk Mountain in Carbon County open?

Set high in the northernmost part of the Medicine Bow Mountains, this road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July (depending on snow).

 

 

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