Thorofare Road — Yellowstone’s Most Remote Backcountry Drive via Bridger-Teton
Edge of the lower 48's last true wilderness.
The Thorofare region at the southeast corner of Yellowstone is the farthest point from a road in the contiguous United States — over 30 miles from the nearest paved surface by any route — and the Forest Service roads through Bridger-Teton National Forest that approach it from the south are genuinely isolated. Forest Road 30160 and the Two Ocean Plateau access route run southeast of Yellowstone’s boundary from the Moran Junction area through Teton Wilderness, crossing the upper Yellowstone River drainage and passing through dense lodgepole forest, open meadows thick with elk, and stream crossings fed by snowmelt well into July. The road is narrow, deeply rutted in places, and subject to blowdown from the regular windstorms that rake the high plateaus above 8,000 feet.
This is serious grizzly country — carry bear spray and know how to use it. High clearance 4WD is required; the crossings on the upper tributaries run fast and cold through late summer and can be hub-deep on a full-size rig. No cell service exists anywhere in this corridor. The Bridger-Teton NF requires a permit for overnight camping in some wilderness-adjacent zones — check current regulations with the Blackrock Ranger District. Best window is late July through mid-September before early snow closes the high routes. You won’t see another rig for days, and that’s exactly the point.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 44 mi / 70.8 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9120 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Moran, WY |
| Land manager | Bridger-Teton National Forest, Blackrock Ranger District |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| 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 Tacoma or 4Runner handle Thorofare Road, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance truck like a Tacoma or 4Runner can manage this route, but expect it to be tested. Rock ledges, rutted two-track, and water crossings mean low-range will get used — a lift helps but isn't mandatory if your approach angles are decent and you're not dragging frame.
When does Thorofare Road actually open, and can I run it in June?
July through September is the realistic window. June access is typically blocked by snowpack at elevation and severely softened roads that'll swallow rigs whole — the Forest Service often gates sections until July. Check current conditions with the Blackrock Ranger District before you commit.
Do I need a permit to drive and camp on Thorofare Road?
Yes. You're in Bridger-Teton National Forest, and dispersed camping requires compliance with specific fire and camping regulations for this district. No fee-based permit for the drive itself, but confirm current requirements with the Blackrock Ranger District at the BTNF website — rules tighten during fire season.
What's the hardest section, and what am I actually dealing with?
The sections closest to the Yellowstone backcountry boundary push the most — deep rutted mud, off-camber shelf road, and water crossings with no bridges. The crossings vary by snowmelt and recent rain; mid-summer they're typically passable but can run thigh-deep on a bad year. One bad line here and you're self-recovering in a place where no tow truck is coming.
There's zero cell service — what's the nearest place to fuel up before heading in?
Moran, WY is your last real stop, but fuel options there are extremely limited. Top off in Jackson before you leave — it's roughly 30 miles from the trailhead and has multiple gas stations. Budget fuel math carefully; 44 miles of technical terrain burns more than highway driving.
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.