Thorofare Road — Yellowstone’s Most Remote Backcountry Drive via Two Ocean Plateau
Most remote road in the lower 48.
Deep in Yellowstone’s southeastern corner, the Thorofare Road pushes south from the Bridger Lake trailhead through lodgepole pine and open sage benches toward Two Ocean Plateau — a place so far from the nearest road that it holds the title of most remote point in the contiguous United States. The track itself is rough two-track, crossing the upper Yellowstone River drainage repeatedly before dying out where only horse traffic continues. Cub Creek crossing comes early and can run knee-deep in June runoff. By mid-July it settles to a manageable ford. The landscape is unreal — thermal features steam in distant meadows, bison herds drift across the flats, and grizzly sign is everywhere on the trail margins.
This is not a day trip. Plan three to four days minimum, carry all your water or treat from the river, and be aware that cell service disappears the moment you leave the South Entrance corridor. A high-clearance 4WD is minimum, but a long-travel suspension helps on the embedded rock sections. Permits are required for overnight camping in the backcountry zone. NPS fuel sources are distant — top off in Jackson or Cody. Go in July through September. What you get is legitimately one of the most isolated and wildlife-rich drives in North America.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Jackson, WY |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Yellowstone National Park |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.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
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to run Thorofare Road without getting stranded?
High-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable — think lifted truck or serious SUV with lockers if you can manage it. Stock crossovers and street-tire builds will get eaten alive by the soft terrain and water crossings. Run at least 33s and carry a recovery kit; there's no one coming to help you out here.
When does Thorofare Road actually open each year, and what closes it?
July through September is your realistic window — snowpack at elevation and saturated ground keep this corridor impassable well into summer most years. Early July access depends entirely on that year's winter; check with Yellowstone NPS directly before you plan. Snow can return by late September, so don't push the shoulder seasons on a 3-4 day trip.
Do I need a permit to drive Thorofare Road, and what are the camping rules inside Yellowstone?
Yes — backcountry permits are required for any overnight camping in Yellowstone, and they're site-specific, not open-ended. Permits can be reserved starting April 1 each year through the NPS backcountry office; walk-up permits exist but availability is tight for Thorofare. Day-use driving doesn't require a permit, but camping without one will cost you a citation.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings along the Two Ocean Plateau approach are the biggest wildcard — depths vary by snowmelt year and can run thigh-deep or higher on a stock-height rig in early season. The terrain itself is relentlessly remote rather than technically gnarly, but soft ground, ruts, and downed timber after weather events can turn sections into real work. The hardest part is honestly the commitment — 28 miles from help with zero cell service and no bailout.
Where do I fuel up, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Jackson, WY is your last reliable fuel stop before heading into this corridor — top off there, no exceptions. Depending on your exact entry point, you're looking at a significant drive before you even hit the trail, and there is zero fuel inside the park on this route. If your rig gets single-digit MPGs off-road, carry a spare fuel can.
Trail track
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