Lonesome Highway — Centennial Road to Dubois via Sheridan Pass and the Wind River Badlands
Painted badlands, sage, and a forgotten Shoshone pass.
Leaving the Centennial country south of Cody, this route climbs through the Washakie badlands on Wapiti Valley’s southern edge before threading Sheridan Pass at roughly 7,200 feet — an unmarked divide that funnels wind like a rifle barrel year-round. The descent into the Wind River drainage follows Torrey Creek Road past eroded hoodoo formations in burnt orange and grey, colors that look painted on by someone with too much time. You drop into the Dubois Valley with the Wind River Range’s snowy cirques filling the windshield. Total run is around 65 miles from the junction north of Meeteetse to Dubois, and you’ll cross two seasonal creek drainages where the road drops to unimproved dirt for extended stretches.
A capable stock 4WD handles this in dry summer conditions; add mud or snow and it earns its difficulty rating fast. The Sheridan Pass segment turns slick clay in rain and has no maintained escape route for 20 miles. Best window is late June through October. Fuel in Meeteetse (limited) or Cody before you go — Dubois has a full station. No permit required. Dispersed camping along BLM land through the badlands sections. Cell service drops to nothing past the last ranch east of Dubois for the final 30 miles. Shoshone National Forest and BLM Cody Field Office share management.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 65 mi / 104.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Dubois, WY |
| Land manager | BLM Cody Field Office / Shoshone National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Cody Field Office Shoshone National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and will get through under normal conditions. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires will have more comfort on the rougher sections near Sheridan Pass, but it's not required.
When does the route typically open and close for the season?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can block Sheridan Pass into late May, and early fall storms can close it fast — check conditions with the BLM Cody Field Office before heading out if you're running the shoulders of the season.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp along this route?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping on BLM land is free and no reservation is needed — follow Leave No Trace and standard BLM 14-day stay limits. Sections crossing Shoshone National Forest may have additional fire restrictions depending on the season.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The approach to and descent from Sheridan Pass is the crux — expect loose surface, some rutting, and limited room to maneuver if you meet oncoming traffic. It's not technical rock crawling, but soft ground after rain can get slick fast and the exposure on the descent demands attention.
There's no cell service — how far is the nearest fuel and water on this route?
Dubois is your last reliable fuel stop on the south end; top off there. There are water crossings along the route but treat anything you collect — there's no potable water infrastructure out here. Carry enough for the full 65 miles plus a buffer; the nearest help is a long walk if something goes sideways.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.