
Drives Wyoming Laramie, Lander and Southern Wyoming
Battle Highway: WY-70
WY 70 · Encampment → Baggs
The drive
WY 70 leaves Encampment and heads west over the Sierra Madre to Baggs, crossing the Continental Divide at Battle Pass, about 9,955 feet. The Continental Divide Trail crosses the pass too.
The Medicine Bow National Forest section of the highway is designated the Battle Pass Scenic Byway. The drive is 55.9 miles and about 1 hr 15 min, with mostly gentle curves and one twisty stretch, and 3,700 feet of climb.
The road is paved throughout and closed in winter.
Along the way
- Encampment
- Battle Pass
- Baggs
Good to know
- WY 70 is closed in winter over Battle Pass, roughly November through April.
- A landslide near milepost 31 destroyed about 1,000 feet of road in 2011 and led to a realignment.
- Hikers resupply in Encampment, the town on the east end of the drive.
Closed by snow from about late November or December to late May. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check WYDOT road closures and conditions.
Questions about this drive
Is Battle Highway (WY 70) open in winter?
No. WY 70 is closed in winter over Battle Pass, roughly November through April.
How high is Battle Pass?
Battle Pass on WY 70 is about 9,955 feet, on the Continental Divide.
How long does Battle Highway take?
Encampment to Baggs on WY 70 is 55.9 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.



