Oglala National Grassland Border Loop

Where Nebraska meets Wyoming and Colorado, the Oglala National Grassland spreads across 95,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie that most drivers never see from the interstate. This 28-mile loop starts near Harrison and follows old ranch roads through country where Oligocene fossils weather out of creek banks and pronghorn still outnumber people. The route gets interesting around Agate Fossil Beds, where two-track roads cross seasonal drainages that can trap unwary drivers in heavy clay.

Easy to moderate difficulty depending on weather — those clay bottoms turn to axle-deep gumbo when wet. Any high-clearance vehicle handles dry conditions fine, but 4WD recommended during spring runoff or after storms. Best seasons are late summer through fall when the ground firms up. No permits needed on public grassland. Dispersed camping allowed, though finding level ground with wind protection takes some scouting. Carry extra fuel and water — services are thin out here, but so are the crowds.