Wyoming

Wide country, sparse population, and a scene that exists on the strength of a few devoted clubs. BoomTown Motocross outside Gillette, LCRA MX (Laramie County Riders Association), Powder Basin up in the Powder River country, Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs. Most Wyoming tracks live above 5,000 feet, some above 6,000, and the bike feels every foot. Soil is mostly hardpack with sagebrush-flat sandy patches. Season runs late May through September; the shoulder months are unpredictable enough that even the locals don't trust the forecast. Wind is the year-round factor and locals plan around it. The Mountain States series brings riders in from Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. Drives between tracks are real; some weekends mean four hours each way and the regulars treat that as normal. Pro-level events don't reach Wyoming but the local club racing is serious. The scenery makes the long drives easier than they should be. Bring layers for early-morning starts even in July.