- Region
- Wyoming
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- backpacking, hiking, camping
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm permit requirements with the manag…
Plan with verified data
Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101) trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
How to get there
The Thorofare Wilderness is located in northwest Wyoming, encompassing parts of Yellowstone National Park and a designated wilderness area in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It is considered the most remote wilderness in the Lower 48 states, with no direct road access to many areas. Access is primarily via trails, often requiring long trips by horse, foot, or sometimes skis.
- Nine Mile Trailhead (5K5)
This trailhead is on the eastern side of Yellowstone Lake. It is the starting point for the Thorofare Trail, a 33.1-mile, one-way route into the wilderness.
- Thorofare Trailhead (6K2)
This remote trailhead is at the eastern boundary of Yellowstone National Park and the southern park boundary, but it is not accessible by road. It serves as the endpoint for the Thorofare Trail, requiring a planned return or transport arrangement.
Photo: G. Edward Johnson / CC BY 4.0 Thorofare RoadThis is a 28-mile difficult backcountry drive through Yellowstone National Park, starting from the Bridger Lake trailhead and pushing south toward Two Ocean Plateau. A National Park Service backcountry permit and a high-clearance 4WD vehicle are required.
- South Fork drainage near Cody
One route into the Thorofare from the national forest side starts at a trailhead in the South Fork drainage near Cody. This route requires approximately 30 miles of travel to reach a campsite within the wilderness.
- Turpin Meadow Trailhead
This trailhead provides access to a backcountry route that follows the North Buffalo Fork Trail to the intersection with the Gravel Creek Trail, leading to the Thorofare Cabin Trail. It is a long out-and-back route in the Teton Wilderness that reaches the border of Yellowstone National Park.
Sources: wyoparks.wyo.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage · U.S. National Park Service. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Wyoming · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Overview
The Thorofare is the epitome of Wyoming's high-country mule deer hunting. Nestled between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, this vast, remote wilderness requires a multi-day pack-in to even reach its fringes. The setting is classic Greater Yellowstone ecosystem: sprawling meadows, timbered ridges, and alpine basins, all cut by the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. What makes it special is its sheer size and remoteness; pressure from road hunters is non-existent. Access is primarily from the east via Dubois or Cody, requiring a lengthy horse pack-in or a serious backpacking trip over numerous passes. Ideal season is the late archery or early rifle season before heavy snows, typically late September through early October. This is for experienced backpack hunters with excellent physical conditioning and advanced navigation skills. Permits are standard Wyoming deer tags, but wilderness permits may be required for camping in certain areas, which are generally free but must be acquired. Trade-offs include extreme weather variability, long packing distances, and significant grizzly bear encounters. Being self-sufficient and carrying bear spray is non-negotiable.
Why it stands out
Vast, roadless wilderness with minimal hunting pressure
Potential for mature, old-growth bucks
Spectacular scenery, often compared to the Tetons or Yellowstone's interior
Excellent opportunities for combined elk and deer hunts
Experience true solitude in the Lower 48's most remote wilderness
Know before you go
Extreme remoteness and multi-day pack-in/pack-out
High density of grizzly bears, requiring constant vigilance
Unpredictable and severe mountain weather, even in early fall
Demanding physical exertion and navigation skills required
Limited cell service and no easy bail-out points
Planning notes
Where: Wyoming, United States Best season: Fall hunting seasons Good for: Backpacking, Hiking, Camping, Wildlife Viewing Featured on: Top 10 High-Country Mule Deer Backpacking Units in Wyoming (#1) Access point: Thorofare Trl, Wyoming 82414, USA
Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.
Field notes
- Vast, roadless wilderness with minimal hunting pressure
- Potential for mature, old-growth bucks
- Spectacular scenery, often compared to the Tetons or Yellowstone's interior
- Excellent opportunities for combined elk and deer hunts
- Experience true solitude in the Lower 48's most remote wilderness
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 44.3202, -110.1818
- Latitude (DMS)
- 44° 19′ 12.7″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 110° 10′ 54.6″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Thorofare is the epitome of Wyoming's high-country mule deer hunting.
Key takeaways
- Region: Wyoming
- Country: United States
- Best season: Fall hunting seasons
- Good for: backpacking, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing
- Coordinates: 44.320, -110.182
Intended uses
- backpacking
- hiking
- camping
- wildlife viewing
Climate suitability
Fall hunting seasons
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)
Destination identity needs confirmation
Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101) is the requested destination in Wyoming, United States, but its precise boundaries and the meaning of the unit numbers are not established here. Those details matter before choosing an approach, identifying the responsible land manager, or applying any access rules. Do not assume that a wilderness name and a numbered unit describe the same administrative area. Start by confirming the destination’s official name and matching the intended travel area to an agency map. Until that identification is secure, a specific trailhead, itinerary, or managing agency cannot responsibly be assigned. This profile therefore leaves unverified access and route details unlisted rather than presenting them as usable trip instructions.
Access and route planning
A usable Thorofare itinerary needs a confirmed starting point, a mapped route, and an identified endpoint. No destination-specific approach road, trailhead, trail connection, or route distance is established here, so driving directions and suggested itineraries are intentionally left unspecified. Before arranging transportation, ask the responsible land manager to verify that the proposed access point serves the exact area intended. Then check the route’s length, terrain, and current condition against the group’s abilities and available time. Avoid assigning a difficulty rating from the destination name alone. Likewise, do not treat a place elsewhere in Wyoming or Yellowstone as a Thorofare access point without confirming the connection. These are planning steps, not a verified route description.
Permissions and practical preparation
Confirm permit requirements and any applicable fees with the managing agency once the destination boundaries are identified. No destination-specific permit terms, reservation procedures, or fees are established here. General Wyoming park information should not be treated as authorization for travel in an unidentified management unit. The same caution applies to seasonal access: no reliable travel window or current closure status can be assigned to this destination here. Before departure, obtain local guidance on conditions, water availability, wildlife precautions, and appropriate equipment for the chosen route. Keep those questions tied to the actual itinerary rather than to the unit numbers alone. A confirmed map and agency contact are the next useful steps toward a complete trip plan.
Sample itineraries
- Pre-trip planning: confirm the destination · 1 day
Planning only, not a field itinerary. Confirm what “Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)” identifies, its boundaries, and its managing agency before choosing an access point. A destination-specific route and travel duration cannot be established here.
- Pre-trip planning: verify a proposed route · 1 day
Planning only, not a field itinerary. Once the destination is confirmed, ask the managing agency to verify access, route conditions, camping requirements, and seasonal suitability. Set the trip length only after checking the route and the group's capabilities.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Not established
Destination-specific spring conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current route conditions before scheduling travel.
Summer
Not established
A summer travel window is not established. Do not assume access or route suitability based on the season alone; confirm conditions with the managing agency.
Fall
Not established
Destination-specific fall conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and the suitability of the proposed route before committing to dates.
Winter
Not established
Winter access and travel conditions are not established. Obtain destination-specific guidance before considering a winter itinerary.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Not established | Destination-specific spring conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and current route conditions before scheduling travel. |
| Summer | Not established | A summer travel window is not established. Do not assume access or route suitability based on the season alone; confirm conditions with the managing agency. |
| Fall | Not established | Destination-specific fall conditions are not established. Confirm seasonal access and the suitability of the proposed route before committing to dates. |
| Winter | Not established | Winter access and travel conditions are not established. Obtain destination-specific guidance before considering a winter itinerary. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm permit requirements with the managing agency for the exact destination and proposed activity.
Official source: Wyoming State Parks, Historic Sites, & Trails - Permits & Fees · Verified September 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- The destination boundaries and meaning of “Units 100/101” are unverified; do not use that label alone for navigation or regulatory decisions.
- Access points and routes are unverified; no field itinerary can be recommended safely here.
- Destination-specific hazards and seasonal conditions are not established; obtain a current safety briefing before travel.
What to pack for Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101)
- Verified destination map and boundaries
- Managing agency contact information
- Confirmed access and route information
- Current conditions briefing
- Equipment checklist matched to the verified route and season
- Confirmed permit and reservation instructions
Thorofare Wilderness (Units 100/101) FAQ
- What does “Units 100/101” identify?
- Its meaning is not established here. Confirm the designation and boundaries with the managing agency before using it to plan access or determine applicable rules.
- Which trailhead should be used?
- No destination-specific trailhead or access route is established. Obtain a verified map and agency access guidance before selecting a starting point.
- How many days should a trip take?
- A field duration cannot be established without a verified route and access details. The one-day entries above are planning sessions, not recommended wilderness trip lengths.
- Are permits or reservations required?
- Confirm requirements directly with the managing agency for the exact route, activity, and overnight plan. No destination-specific permit or reservation terms are established here.
- What wildlife precautions are needed?
- Destination-specific wildlife information is not established. Ask the managing agency about wildlife precautions and food-storage requirements before finalizing equipment and camping plans.