Lonesome Highway — Centennial Road to Meeteetse via the Wood River Bench and Oregon Basin
Badlands, oil fields, and forgotten Wyoming.
Meeteetse sits at the edge of the Absaroka foothills like something the 20th century forgot to finish visiting. This route drops south from the Greybull area onto Bureau of Land Management dirt, following the Wood River Bench through pale-yellow badlands that smell of sage and crude oil — the Oregon Basin field has been pumping since 1912, and you’ll pass the nodding donkeys before the road climbs back into open grassland. The track runs along unmarked two-track through the Pitchfork Ranch country before descending into Meeteetse via the Greybull River corridor. Watch for pronghorn in the basin flats and black-footed ferret survey signs near Oregon Basin — one of the few confirmed wild populations in the U.S. recovered here in 1981.
This is a straightforward high-clearance run — two-track dirt and gravel, no technical obstacles, but deeply isolated. A stock truck or SUV with good all-terrain tires handles it fine. Mud closes sections after rain or in early spring; the bench roads drain slowly. No permits. Fuel and food only in Meeteetse (population ~300) or Cody (32 miles north). Water: carry everything you need. Dispersed camping on BLM land throughout. Cell service is nonexistent until you hit Meeteetse proper.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 34 mi / 54.7 km |
| Duration | Half day to full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5800 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Meeteetse, WY |
| Land manager | BLM Cody Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Cody Field Office |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this route without modifications?
Yes. The trail is rated moderate and a stock 4WD with decent ground clearance handles it fine in dry conditions. Lifted rigs aren't required, but you need high clearance — a Subaru or stock crossover won't cut it.
When does this route typically open and close each year?
May through October is the reliable window. Wyoming badlands dirt turns to axle-sucking gumbo when wet, and early spring or late fall storms can close this road fast. Don't push it after October without checking conditions first.
Do I need a permit to drive through or camp on this route?
No permit required. The route crosses BLM land managed by the Cody Field Office, and dispersed camping is allowed under standard BLM rules — 14-night stay limit, leave no trace. No fees.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The Wood River Bench and Oregon Basin cuts are the most demanding — loose dirt two-track, exposure on bench edges, and ruts after rain. Nothing technically extreme, but the remoteness is real. A flat tire or mechanical issue out here means you're solving it yourself; no traffic, no cell service, no bailout.
Are there any water crossings, and how much fuel do I need?
There are water crossings on this route that can vary with season and recent weather — scout before committing in spring runoff. Fill up before you leave Cody or Thermopolis; Meeteetse is a small town and fuel availability can be limited, so don't count on topping off there to get you out.
Trail track
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