Dismal River Sandhills Loop

The Dismal River winds through some of Nebraska’s most untouched Sandhills country, and this loop trail follows the old Texas Trail cattle drive route that brought longhorns north in the 1880s. Starting near Thedford, the sandy two-track climbs over grass-stabilized dunes and drops into hidden valleys where the spring-fed Dismal River runs clear and cold year-round. The route passes the remains of the old Spade Ranch headquarters and several line camps that once housed cowboys during the peak cattle drive era.

Easy to moderate difficulty depending on recent weather—dry conditions make the sand firm and fast, while wet weather can create challenging soft spots that’ll bog down anything without momentum. Any vehicle with decent ground clearance can handle it in good conditions, but 4WD is recommended for peace of mind in the deeper sand sections. Best driven April through October when the meadowlarks are singing and the grass is green. Primitive camping is allowed along most of the route, and the dark skies make for incredible stargazing.