Thunder Basin Grassland Trail
High plains crossing through America's largest grassland
Thunder Basin Grassland Trail cuts across 70 miles of Wyoming’s high plains through America’s largest national grassland, following ranch roads and BLM routes that parallel historic emigrant trails. The route connects Douglas to Wright through rolling sagebrush country where pronghorn antelope outnumber people 100 to 1, passing genuine Oregon Trail ruts at several unmarked crossings near Glenrock. Coal trains rumble past on the nearby Union Pacific mainline, a reminder that this empty-looking country drives much of America’s energy production.
This is easy driving for any high-clearance vehicle, though the route can turn into a muddy mess during spring storms or summer thunderstorms. Stock clearance is fine, but carry extra fuel as services are sparse between Douglas and Wright. Best season runs April through October, avoiding winter’s brutal winds and summer’s scorching heat. The grassland offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities, and the night sky here ranks among the darkest in the lower 48. Perfect for overlanders who appreciate wide-open spaces and genuine solitude.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 72 mi / 115.9 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5400 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Douglas, Wyoming |
| Land manager | Thunder Basin National Grassland |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Thunder Basin without any mods?
Yes. Stock high-clearance is all you need — this is a dirt two-track across rolling grassland, not a rock crawl. AWD crossovers are borderline; ground clearance matters more than lockers here.
When does the trail get snowed out and when does it reopen?
April through October is the reliable window. Spring mud can close sections in March-April after snowmelt, and early fall storms can show up in October. Summer afternoons bring fast-moving thunderstorms that can turn the clay surface slick fast.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp in Thunder Basin National Grassland?
No permit required for vehicle travel or dispersed camping. It's USDA Forest Service land — follow Leave No Trace, don't block livestock gates, and respect any posted grazing or wildlife closures.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
Nothing technical — the challenge is the remoteness, not the terrain. The trail is 72 miles of exposed high plains with minimal landmarks, so navigation and self-sufficiency matter more than driving skill. Getting stuck in wet clay with no cell service is the real risk.
How far is it between fuel stops, and is there any water along the route?
Douglas is your best fuel point before heading out; there are no services on the route itself. Carry enough fuel for 150+ miles to be safe, and pack all your own water — there's no reliable potable water on the trail.
Trail track
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