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Purgatory Gulch Trailhead

Encampment, Wyoming · Carbon County · Facility

The Purgatory Gulch Trailhead provides access to the Encampment River Trail and Encampment River Wilderness. High clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended and trailers cannot be turned around at the trailhead.Dispersed camping is not allowed within 300 feet of the trailhead but is allowed along the trail as long as the c…

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41.13336, -106.77625
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Purgatory Gulch Trailhead

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High66°F
Avg Low43°F
Peak Rain Chance9%
Humidity42%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality62 · Moderate
Today
☁️
Overcast
55°/41°
💧 9%🌬 22mph
5:37 AM8:31 PM
Sun
Partly Cloudy
62°/38°
💧 1%🌬 22mph
5:37 AM8:32 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
69°/42°
💧 1%🌬 19mph
5:36 AM8:33 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
72°/47°
🌬 18mph
5:36 AM8:34 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
73°/48°
💧 4%🌬 19mph
5:35 AM8:34 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Purgatory Gulch Trailhead

The Purgatory Gulch Trailhead provides access to the Encampment River Trail and Encampment River Wilderness. High clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended and trailers cannot be turned around at the trailhead.Dispersed camping is not allowed within 300 feet of the trailhead but is allowed along the trail as long as the camp is more than 100 feet from the trail, lakes or streams. Nearest facilities are approximately five miles north of the Purgatory/Encampment River trails junction, at the BLM Odd Fellows campground. This campground is on the Encampment River at the north access to the Encampment River Trail.

How to Get There

From WY State Highway 230 one mile east of Riverside,Wy turn onto Carbon County Rd 211. Continue for six miles to the junction with BLM road 409.1B. Turn onto the BLM Road 409.1B and continue two miles to the trailhead.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Purgatory Gulch Trailhead

Heading to Purgatory Gulch Trailhead? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Purgatory Gulch Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Purgatory Gulch Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252155) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Purgatory Gulch Trailhead?

From WY State Highway 230 one mile east of Riverside,Wy turn onto Carbon County Rd 211. Continue for six miles to the junction with BLM road 409.1B. Turn onto the BLM Road 409.1B and continue two miles to the trailhead.