Sand Creek Road (Thunder Basin National Grassland)

Sand Creek Road cuts a lonely path through Thunder Basin National Grassland’s 573,000 acres of rolling prairie and sagebrush flats. This maintained dirt road leads to scattered historical homestead sites and provides access to some of the most remote country in eastern Wyoming, where antelope outnumber vehicles by hundreds to one. The track passes through the heart of coal country, where massive strip mines create an otherworldly moonscape against the endless grassland horizon.

Easy driving for any high-clearance vehicle, though the road can turn into a muddy mess during spring snowmelt. Summer thunderstorms create washouts and standing water that can strand lighter rigs for days. Best accessed April through October, with dispersed camping allowed throughout the grassland. Bring plenty of water and fuel—services are 50+ miles away. This is solitude country where you’ll see more wild horses than people, perfect for those seeking genuine remoteness in America’s forgotten quarter.