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History | Scenic Drives | Campground General Information

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range is lightly visited, making it possible to explore dense forest areas, hike and bike scenic trails and fish for hours, even days, without seeing another soul. Two scenic drives, two wilderness areas, the Continental Divide, the Encampment River, Hog Park Reservoir, historic cabins and the Blackhall fire lookout tower are featured as main attractions below.

History

Native Americans were the earliest inhabitants of this area, followed by explorers, trappers and early settlers. The small towns of Encampment and Riverside are located six miles east of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Their rich histories, along with the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains, were written by mining booms, ranching, logging and the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. Click on the map (right) to see services and attractions in Encampment and Riverside.
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Scenic Drives

Beginning in Encampment, the Sierra Madre Scenic Loop Tour, includes ten points of historical and natural interest. These include the Bottle Creek Campground (originally a CCC camp), the Halfway House (used during the mining era), the Green Mountain Trail (Continental Divide Trail access point), Hog Park Reservoir (known for its fishing, camping and boating), the Encampment River Trail (main southern access point), the East Fork Trail (dotted with tie hack cabin remnants), Billie Creek Junction (access to Blackhall Mountain Fire Lookout Tower), the Purgatory Gulch Trail (Encampment River access point) and famed Indian Bathtubs (natural rock formation).

The tour ultimately ends in Riverside and can be done in reverse order, if preferred. Click on map (left) for route and a more detailed description about the points of interest. The majority of this self-guided tour is traveled on well-maintained gravel roads.

The Battle Mountain Scenic Drive begins in Encampment on Highway 70, which is also known as the Battle Highway. The drive features several highlights that are unique to the Sierra Madre Range.

Entering the forest six miles west of Encampment, the route passes the turn-off to Hog Park Reservoir before crossing the Continental Divide. Next you’ll find points of interest such as the Thomas Edison Monument, which overlooks Battle Lake, the Battle Pass Summit at 9,955 ft. and the famed Aspen Alley. Aspen Alley is particularly beautiful in late-September when aspen leaves changes from green to hues of gold. Several campgrounds, excellent hiking trails and the Continental Divide Trail-Bridger Peak Access tie into the Highway. The CDT-Bridger Peak access is a designated ORV trail, but is also available to 4WD vehicles and experienced mountain bikers. See VIP’s Snowy Range & Sierra Madre Recreation Map for locations of these points of interest along the highway.

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Lazy Acres Campground & RV Park
Hwy. 230 | P. O. Box 625
Riverside, WY 82325
307-327-5968
www.lazyacreswyo.com
Small, quiet campground on the Encampment River. Shaded, grassy sites with full or partial RV hookups. Cable TV, rustic camping cabin, hot showers, laundry and pay telephone. We also have 4 modern non-smoking motel rooms with A/C. Wireless Internet. Close to restaurants and other services. Open May 15th through October 31st. Reservations recommended.

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The Trading Post
210 Hwy. 70
Encampment/Riverside Jct.
307-327-5720 | FAX 307-327-5927
mkrauterkus@yahoo.com
We’re your year round source for sporting goods equipment and outdoor gear! High QUALITY gasoline, groceries, rotisserie chicken, convenience store items and gifts. COMPLETE feed store, fly store and sporting goods. UNIQUE outdoor gear, clothing and hardware. Open 7 days a week. Summer: 6am-8pm; Winter: 6am-7pm. See also SPORTING GOODS.

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Jack Creek Crew Quarters
325 mi. W. of Saratoga on County Rd. 500 & FS 452
Reservations: 877-444-6777
Brush Creek/Hayden District 307-326-5258
www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/cabinrentals/index.shtml | www.recreation.gov
Located in the Sierra Madre Range with fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails nearby. The Jack Creek Crew Quarters is a large 2-story log facility with a double kitchen (with propane ranges, refrigerators and double sinks), propane generated heat, electricity and water, five bedrooms that sleep up to 15 people with single and bunk beds (no bedding provided), bathrooms on both levels with showers and living room on both floors. Picnic tables & a large charcoal grill is available for outdoor cooking. Rent is $180 per night, June - October.
Click here to see our ad.

Jack Creek Guard Station
325 mi. W. of Saratoga on County Rd. 500 & FS 452
Reservations: 877-444-6777
Brush Creek/Hayden District 307-326-5258
www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/cabinrentals/index.shtml | www.recreation.gov
Located in the Sierra Madre Range with fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails nearby. The Jack Creek Guard Station, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a 1-room log cabin that can sleep up to four people on two sets of bunk beds (no bedding provided). A combination wood & propane cook stove heats it; no indoor plumbing. Rent is $50 per night, June - October. Click here to see our ad.

Sandstone Cabin
26 mi. W. of Encampment on Hwy. 70
Reservations: 877-444-6777
Brush Creek/Hayden District 307-326-5258
www.fs.fed.us/r2/mbr/recreation/cabinrentals/index.shtml | www.recreation.gov
Located in the Sierra Madre Range with fishing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails nearby. An ideal hunting cabin, Sandstone Cabin has solar lights as the primary light source, with a propane backup, propane heat and running water during the summer months. Sleeps 5-6 people in bunk, twin and double beds (no bedding provided). Rent is $80 per night, June - October. Click here to see our ad.

Spirit West River Lodge
1/4 mi. E. Of Riverside | P. O. Box 605
Encampment, WY 82325
888-289-8321 | 307-327-5753
getaway@spiritwestriverlodge.com | www.spiritwestriverlodge.com
Looking for an escape? On the banks of the Encampment River at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, you'll find our charming log lodge which offers that western hospitality you've been looking for. Spacious great room with fireplace 10' home-theater screen; 4 large western bedrooms with private baths; 2 new unique kitchenettes; "come back for more" breakfasts; group meals and accommodations and wireless Internet available. Seasonal recreation, including 1.5 miles of private blue ribbon wade fishing or raft fishing trips with in-house guide. Lots of wildlife here.

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The Trading Post
210 Hwy. 70
Encampment/Riverside Jct.
307-327-5720 | FAX 307-327-5927
mkrauterkus@yahoo.com
We’re your year round source for sporting goods equipment and outdoor gear! High QUALITY gasoline, groceries, convenience store items, fly store and sporting goods. GREAT DEALS in-store on year round outdoor gear! Open 7 days a week. Summer: 6am-8pm; Winter: 6am-7pm. See also CONVENIENCE STORES.

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