Thunder Basin Grassland Trail

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.