McDougal Gap--South

What's not to love about beautiful Sheep Creek?

 August, 2019...Thanks to Mountain Man Backcountry Horsemen and Forest Service for clearing and re-routing part of the Wyoming Recreation Trail (WRT) south of the McDougal Gap trailhead!  They also installed the sign below at the pull out.  Parking is recommended at the trailhead same as McDougal Gap--North). (You CAN park at the pull out, but there's not much room. 2 rigs at most.)

This portion of the trail is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  Don't miss it if you're in the area. Plenty of great  free dispersed camping spots.  It has a different feel than the portion referenced in McDougal Gap--North..  Most of the ride is through epic, majestic forest with a smattering of meadow and water feature.  Filled with wildflowers, greenery, ferns, mosses and even some interesting rock formations.  The forest definitely reminds me of those we have hiked in Washington State.  Best kept secret in Wyoming. (And no crowds at all.)

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Track on August 10, 2019:  about 7 miles round trip.  Ascent/Descent=1,050' Min. Altitude=8,199'; Max Altitude=8,474' Trail conditions=90% soft dirt/grass, 6% slightly rocky, 4% moderately rocky or stream crossing.  Perfect for barefoot horses.

Track on September 14, 2019.  We added the trail going down to Sheep Creek Meadow and a couple of little side paths.  Total mileage=between 9 and 10.

Photos do not do this justice! 

This is part of the trail that was re-routed.  Great job!  Now, instead of going over a steep ridge, it just goes around it.

One of the slightly challenging ditch crossings.  The logs were not stable.  I opted to cross at the left and avoid the logs.

Rock features...

I would love to know the story behind this old cabin...

This is a view looking up Sheep Creek Canyon from the road. (where the WRT goes south)

This is the meadow where there is another branch of the WRT which connects with the trail listed above.  It is un-marked and goes south.  I will call this meadow "Sheep Creek Meadow".  That is "Slug Ridge" in the background which is part of Triple Peaks.  

Photo taken on September 14, 2019 as we rode into the meadow from the south.  Day before the open hunt.  Note all the rigs parked on the road.