The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. A trail report covering the 23-mile trek to Cloud Peak, with travel tips for hikers and notes on responsible recreation. Lakes and some other areas are often rocky, so hikers are advised to use care when deer, moose and elk as well as numerous small species of animals and birds. 4x4 with high clearance is REQUIRED. But it lifted me up in a way I simply cant explain. Motorized watercraft are not allowed on Sibley, which ensures it is a quiet place to cast a line and catch brook, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Named for the tallest mountain in the Bighorn National Forest - Cloud Peak at 13,167 feet - the area is blanketed in snow for a large part . If you intend to hike into the Cloud Hikers and backpackers should also Lakes and some other areas are often rocky, so hikers are advised to use care when walking. A bighorn sheep atop a mountain cliff in the Angeles National Forest near the "Bridge To Nowhere" and near the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. After another 1,500 feet of gain over the next mile and a half, we were ready for a break and nearing the final ridge to the summit. We used the Gaia iPhone app to navigate and track our route, saving our Garmin for weather updates. Sheridan serves as the epicenter of festivals and events in Northern Wyoming. Start this mostly alpine loop from Hunter trailhead, then climb an off-trail route over Angeline Pass to Mirror Lake. It is located on the east end of the Bighorns and is the largest lake in the Sheridan area. The path soon becomes easier, as all the little trails merge Highway 16 to Hunter Creek Road exit, then immediate left on FR 391. Hikers may see many species of wildlife including And a good nap. offices are open Monday through Friday, Sibley Lake is located off US Highway 14 in the Bighorn Mountains. As I sat down to photograph the alpenglow on the face of Cloud Peak, it finally registered: I just hiked that, and thats the highest peak Ive ever done. We observed the animal from a safe distance (its recommended to stay at least 75 feet from moose, elk and deer, and 300 feet from bears and wolves), and we hiked another half a mile before finding a suitable spot to pitch our tent. 364 Bighorn Mountains Premium High Res Photos Browse 364 bighorn mountains stock photos and images available, or search for bighorn mountains wyoming to find more great stock photos and pictures. Montana regulations for boating, camping and fishing apply. The highest peaks within the Bighorns are located in Wyoming in the 1.12 106 -acre (4,500 km 2) Bighorn National Forest. Day hiking opportunities abound on the Bighorn National Forest. We found hints of a trail on the left side of the bowl, but it eventually disappeared and we resumed trudging over boulders. The 12-mile-long reservoir is set against the scenic red shale and juniper canyons and open prairies of southeastern Montana, about 20 miles north of Sheridan on highway 314. The park's runner-up is Cloud Peak Summit via Battle Park Trailhead, which will get you 1,865 m of elevation gain. streams and mountain lakes on the Forest. Trail Info: Buffalo Ranger District, Bighorn National Forest, (307) 684-1100. Planning is important, but knowing your limits is equally crucial for safe and stress-free adventures in the backcountry. If so, tell me about your adventures in the comments! Bighorn National Forest 2013 Eastside 2nd St. Sheridan, WY 82801 307-674-2600 With sincere appreciation for the technical advice of the . Maybelle Lake is a gorgeous secluded mountain lake in the Bighorn Mountains. For 27 miles along the spine of the Bighorn Mountain Range, the 189,039 acre Cloud Peak Wilderness preserves many sharp summits and towering sheer rock faces standing above glacier-carved, U-shaped valleys. The canyon and falls are located along the western end of the Big Horn Scenic Byway. From ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. To reach this beautiful spot, there is a 1.6-mile hike from the Trail 79 trailhead. The peak stands at an elevation of 13,167'. While in the area, be sure to keep an eye out for Wyoming wildlife like moose, bears and elk. inal plan was to start the trek to Cloud Peak around 5 a.m., with 1 p.m. as our turnaround time. I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. Bighorn sheep are the most common, but the area is also home to coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, and deer. We got up with the sun and warmth to get coffee started and then took on the day from there. Bass, crappie, catfish, and other warm water species inhabit lakes at lower elevations, generally off-Forest. Manual registration boxes are provided at trailhead locations. Cloud Peak is the highest peak in the Bighorn Mountains. But much to our delight, there wasnt a cloud in the sky, the wind was mild, and all weather reports showed perfect conditions into the night. Pictured is the 1.5-mile trail from the ranger station leading up to the Medicine Wheel. Trump is trying to stop Pence from testifying before grand jury, Statin alternative? Park Reservoir is stocked with brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Yep, us too. Located in north-central Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountain Range can be enjoyed by all ages. We stored all food and toiletries in our bear canister, which was kept far from our campsite. What is the longest fishing trail in Bighorn National Forest? Catch crappie, walleye, and northern pike. One of the most scenic trails in Wyoming, the hike to Lake Helen, is a bit of a hidden gem that's tucked away near the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Hikers may see many species of wildlife including It's about an hour and a half on dirt roads from Sheridan, and you don't want to be walking the extra mileage to the trailhead. The Tongue River (North & South) has black bullhead, brook and rainbow trout depending on which drainage you fish. Hikers and backpackers should also This trail is 11.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,060 ft. Campgrounds are also conveniently located throughout the forest. Why this ax murder case fascinates, Weather: 10+ reported dead; millions warned of winter weather, Watch Jake Gyllenhaal's viral weigh-in, fight at UFC 285 for 'Road House', Woman in Washington state claims $754.6 million Powerball jackpot, Cultures come together in joyous wedding dance, How Disney World, Disneyland made 'it's a small world' more inclusive, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Water levels vary with seasonal changes in rainfall and irragition use. The waters are fast so plan your strategy to catch the big one. You will find brook, brown, grayling, and rainbow trout in the Goose Creeks. To the west, the mountain layers glowed under the low sun and seemed to go on forever. Conveniently located halfway between Mt. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is located in the Bighorn National Forest. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Have you hiked to Lake Helen, Bomber Mountain, Cloud Peak, the James T. Saban Lookout Tower, or Misty Moon Lake? Check out this short video from Leave No Trace with the full scoop on how to use one and how they work to neutralize human waste. The next morning, it was (unfortunately)time to head back to town. Trail, topographic and National This page last updated on December 05, 2021 Fishing is a given with the abundant lakes and streams in the Bighorns, and trout is the name of the game. Mountain Resorts along U.S. Highway 16. Allow a full day of alpine excitement for the summit side trip. If you're looking for elevation gain, Bighorn National Forest has you covered. Meadowlark Lake at Big Horn Expect to encounter vast boulder fields. Both are available for rent if you dont need all the bells and whistles of a traditional cabin, like plumbing. At 13,167 feet, this summit would be a high point for me, too. What happened this week? COVID update: Bighorn Smokehouse - Temp. Located in the north-central region of the state, Bighorn National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres, including 189,000 acres in the stunning Cloud Peak Wilderness. The Bighorn Mountain Range is about 150 miles long and 30 miles wideand endlessly amazing. You may see bald eagles, woodpeckers, hawks, vultures, blue herons, cactus wrens, cardinals, quail, or thrashers. The Bighorn Mountains are a collection of peaks belonging to the Rocky Mountains. There are also over 200 lakes in the Big Horn Mountains such as Willow Lake pictured above and Romeo Lake pictured at the right. How many fishing trails are in Bighorn National Forest? According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for fishing in Bighorn National Forest is Tongue River Canyon, which has a 4.7 star rating from 441 reviews. Clear Creek just north of Buffalo, Wyoming along the Clear Creek Hiking . There are particular regulations regarding the use of motorized vehicles and Visitors experience a diverse landscape - from grasslands to alpine meadows, clear lakes to glacial carved valleys and rolling hills to sheer mountain cliffs. I chose to do it in two nights and three days because I wanted to appreciate the stunning alpine scenery, but mostly because I didnt want to hike 7.5 miles with an overnight pack immediately after summiting Cloud Peak. The first is a former fire lookout station and the second was formerly a forest service guard station. The very next thought? Campers get to enjoy the Bighorns from the ground up especially if they are tent camping. Pucn, Chile is often touted as the adventure capital of the country - and after taking a look at all of the outdoor adventure possibilities it is easy to see why. I didnt want to be rushed, so I opted to do the hike as a two-night backpacking trip via the West Tensleep Trailhead. One way to enjoy the Bighorn Mountains is to take a scenic drive along the Big Horn Scenic Byway which follows Hwy 14. Within three minutes I threw on a puffy jacket and gloves, and after hanging out for another twenty minutes, we started the journey back down. backpacking in the Bighorn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest can be obtained by We peeked over the edge on the east and marveled at the Cloud Peak Glacier below. Bempedoic acid just passed a key test, Patrick Mahomes' brother accused of assault by restaurant owner, waiter, See the most outrageous Oscar looks of all time, Florida school assault: Defense says teen not competent for trial. A guide to the Killpecker Sand Dunes in Wyoming, Best Trail-to-Tavern Adventures in Wyoming, A Guide to Hiking With Your Dog in Wyoming, how to be safe around wildlife through this article. Travelers hunting for breathtaking panoramic views will find them in the Bighorns, and several of the most beautiful vistas can easily be enjoyed on the Bighorn Scenic Byway. This epic mountain is located between Mt. Bighorn Mountains Region Lakes & Streams Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. and plenty of film. Lake - along the trail from Circle Park Trailhead off of US HWY 16 West of Buffalo, contacting the National Forest Offices listed below. Once you get to the turn where the trail changes from a general NE direction to the NNW up to the lake, a high clearance vehicle with 4 wheel drive is going to be a must. walking. You can find several large boulders that will fit a tent, however. Set aside five days, and you'll have time for side trips to Cloud Peak or the sheer cirque surrounding the Lost Twin Lakes. Scenery is spectacular, so be sure to bring a camera Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Not only could we sleep in, but wed be able to watch the sunset near the top. Please explore responsibly! Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, north of Lovell, Wyoming via Route 37: Lake DeSmet, just north of Buffalo, Wyoming along Interstate 90. Year-round fishing is excellent, with brown and rainbow trout, rock bass and yellow perch all living in the lake. Some years the snow doesnt melt in the Bighorns until July, which is great news for winter recreation lovers. This hike was the definition of humbling. Heres How it Went. I learned the hard way to keep one eye on the weather in this rugged, remote wilderness where storms brew quickly. deer, moose and elk as well as numerous small species of animals and birds. The Bighorn Mountains are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains extending approximately 200 miles. Our rough plan was to start at Coffeen Park, head over Geneva Pass and set up a base camp at Robin Lake in order to explore Sheepherders Basin. Governor Dodge State Park is the perfect all-season getaway. Forest. We navigated one of several goat trails around the waterfall, and from there we followed a more visible path for a mile, marked by the occasional cairn. Sunset was a treat. Bighorn National Forest - Hiking:Backpacking Backpacking From crystal clear high mountain lakes to valley floors covered in wildflowers, backpackers can enjoy the Bighorn National Forest from the many trails the Forest has to offer. A picturesque alpine lake surrounded by towering pines, Sibley is a great recreation destination, and a fine place to spot moose early in the morning (or late in the evening). FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. In the age of social media where we're seemingly inundated with photos of the same hikes and lakes and mountain views over and over again, it's refreshing to find places that are still relatively unknown. Page. The next morning I filled out a free, self-issued wilderness permit at the trailhead, and we were off. After seven miles and about 1,150 feet of gain, we arrived at Mistymoon Lake, and our quest to find a campsite was interrupted by a bull moose sighting. Junket or fact-finding? Whether seen while seated in a comfortable car or while standing in sturdy hiking boots, these mountains offer views not to be missed. There are particular regulations regarding the use of motorized vehicles and Hike up Piney Creek Trail and make a day of fly fishing. Some of these include camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, skiing and picnicking. The new We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Come out and enjoy the myriad recreational opportunities, including boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, wildlife spotting, fishing, and more. Each mountain is unique in its own right. is advisable to remain on the trails. right. This range outside of Sheridan (and the Cloud Peak Wilderness within) hides a bevy incredible backpacking, lakes, and hardly any people. Get ready for a bit of a backpacking adventure on this 10.3-mile loop trail that takes you to one of Wyoming's most stunning hidden treasures. Peak Wilderness Area, you are required to register at the trailhead before you begin your The most popular game fish at Bighorn Lake is the walleye. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The Medicine Wheel was used by the Crow youth for fasting and visions. exercised when viewing unpredictable animals such as moose. Cold, clear mountain water rushes down the canyon from high in the Bighorns. Flickr/Kent Landerholm. 7. Fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard or simply unwind on the banks and enjoy a picnic lunch. Set aside five days, and youll have time for side trips to Cloud Peak or the sheer cirque surrounding the Lost Twin Lakes. When my hair began to rise and static electricity rattled my ice axe, I quickly figured out what was up. from Circle Park Trailhead off of US HWY 16 West of Buffalo, Wyoming. Rotary Park Fairgrounds Pond was developed by the local Rotary Club as a place for families to enjoy the outdoors. Cloud Peak Wilderness, at the glaciated core of the Bighorn Mountains, is filled with distractions: lakes brimming with gullible trout, long glacially carved valleys ideal for easy walking, and enough nontechnical routes up 12,000-foot peaks to satisfy any summit junkie. Find more information on how to be safe around wildlife through this article. Resume the loop with a steep climb over Florence Pass before returning through the broad meadow of Soldier Park. When it Rains, it Pours in Colorados Elk Mountains, A National Park Ranger Reveals the Secrets of the Job. Too often, I spend my time in the backcountry moving fast, never stopping for long. Even under the shadow of Cloud Peak, the glacial lakes were exquisite hues of blue and aqua. One of Americas Least-Visited National Parks May Start Requiring Reservations, Dont Fall for These 8 Common Survival Myths. A 58-mile stretch from Dayton to Shell on US-14, the byway takes viewers by Shell Falls, where 3,600 gallons of water per second plunge over the 120-foot falls. The area within the Bighorn Mountains consists of mountain meadows, grass prairies, evergreen forests, rugged alpine peaks, desert land, waterfalls and dramatic canyons. We have interpretive trails, some that overlook beautiful waterfalls. Registration assists Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Elisabeth Brentano is a writer and photographer based in California, but her passion for nature takes her all over the world to produce travel and environmental content. Nordic skiers will find miles of groomed trails, including the 15 miles of trails and a warming hut along Sibley Lake Trail. The Bighorn National Forest and surrounding areas hold outstanding fishing opportunities, whether it be along quiet mountain streams, wading rivers or boating and float tubing on reservoirs or high mountain lakes. to this Photo Gallery Meadowlark Ski Lodge near Ten Sleep is another downhill skiing and snowboarding location, complete with a lodge with a restaurant. I need to spend more time in Wyoming, and maybe next year Ill even tackle my first 14er. This lake is named after a Belgian priest, Father DeSmet, who came to Wyoming in 1840 as a missionary to the Flathead Indians. Additional information on hiking and If it werent for marquee destinations like the Wind Rivers and the Tetons, the Bighorns would be Wyomings premiere hiking attraction. Finding the actual trail at the trailhead can be difficult, as multiple, well-worn paths head off into the woods. CLOSED has updated their hours, takeout & delivery options. Recreation knows no bounds in the Bighorn Mountains. Here, rocks form a circle with spokes extending out from a central cairn. Romeo Lake - Sibley Lake Campground is located at Sibley Lake along the Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14) near the Burgess Junction at an elevation of 7,900 feet. Hiking could be the Bighorns middle name, with hiking trails around every twist and turn. Though it is a bit long and strenuous, the Misty Moon Trail to Lake Helen is a great hike if you want to really get a taste of the Cloud Peak Wilderness area in the Bighorn Mountains! The nearest seating is all outdoors, but its worth enduring the cold for the brisket . obey all Forest Service fire restrictions and regulations when hiking in the National Immerse yourself in the relaxing, picturesque, peaceful surroundings of Bighorn Lake, located roughly 50 miles west of Burgess Junction on scenic US Highway 14A. For 27 miles along the spine of the Bighorn Mountain Range, the 189,039 acre Cloud Peak Wilderness preserves many sharp summits and towering sheer rock faces standing above glacier-carved, U-shaped valleys. What is a WAG bag? Yingling, Owner/Webmaster of BighornMountains.Com, Return to The Bighorn mountains provide a stunning backdrop to all sorts of outdoor adventure, and they draw thousands of visitors every year. The byway is a 58-mile paved road that stretches over the crest of the Bighorn Mountains. For tips on how visitors can minimize impact and help protect Wyomings beautiful public lands, please visit the WY Responsibly page. 20 North Tisdale Avenue After perusing the topo map we decided to diverge from that plan and check out a few lakes off-trail. It took all day, and a few times I didnt know what was burning more, my lungs or my legs. Maps: Combine Cloud Peak Wilderness, #720 ($8.99, Trails Illustrated, 800-962-1643) with The Cloud Peak Wilderness Trail Guide ($14.95, Adventurous Traveler Bookstore, 800-282-3963). Love Wyoming? Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway: Ten Sleep to Buffalo boasts the most elevation gain for fishing trails with 2,201 m of total ascent. If you're looking for a beautiful hiking trail in Wyoming, you've . Binoculars are also handy for viewing wildlife and scenery at a In addition to headlamps, snacks and layers, we carried Garmin InReach GPS devices, a portable power pack, a first aid kit and maps. Explore the most popular fishing trails in Bighorn National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Almost as soon as you crest the pass you get a great view of Black Tusk and a few lakes below. The Bighorn National Forest boasts a bountiful selection of day hikes. Another route starts at the Battle Park Trailhead, with approximately 6,000 total feet of gain over the course of a 24-mile loop. Meadowlark Lake is a small lake at the foot of Meadowlark Ski Area, about 20 miles NE of the sleepy town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming at 4200 ft. Snowcovered Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming on May 31. Immerse yourself in the relaxing, picturesque, peaceful surroundings of Bighorn Lake, located roughly 50 miles west of Burgess Junction on scenic US Highway 14A. She enjoys camping, hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, and photography in the states public lands with her husband and two children. At over 12,500 feet, this isnt the kind of place you want to make a mistake, especially if the weather isnt in your favor. Bighorn Canyon National Yes, Ijumped in, obviously. Cloud Peak Byway along Highway 16, (referred to by locals as The Sweet 16), takes drivers through Ten Sleep Canyon and over Powder River Pass, offering a view of the highest point in the Bighorns the 13,167-foot Cloud Peak. hike. Get lost in the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming's wildest frontier. A volunteer . Rough it in U.S. Forest Service-owned lodging like Sheep Mountain Lookout or the Muddy Guard Cabin. We stuffed our food waste in the bear can, cozied up under our sleeping bags and didnt bother setting an alarm. Where: 390 miles (61/2 hours) north of Denver. 4h 4m Great trail up to East Tensleep Lake. Ranger District By: Kyle Frost + Save to a List. When we arrived back at a familiar tarn, we refilled our water and took a quick dinner break, and within an hour we were at camp. The next morning, we took it pretty easy. I was pleased to see plenty of signage reminding hikers to camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and to bring Waste Alleviation and Gelling (WAG) bags or portable toilets for human waste. There are also over 200 lakes in the Grab your pack, water bottle and hiking shoes and enjoy one of these fantastic trails: Alden Creek Trail - #072 Antler Creek Trail - #110 Bear Gulch Trail - #020 Big Goose Canyon Trail - #017 Big Goose Cutoff Trail - #111 Bighorn Reservoir Trail - #625 Bishop Mine Trail - #624 Forest Service and emergency officials in locating lost or injured personnel. Follow FR 391 as far as you feel you can go. Where was that humming sound coming from? hike. Most trails are well marked and it The Bighorn Scenic Byway meets up with the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway, which leads to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark a sacred site for Native Americans. Natural lakes, including the Upper and Lower Medicine Lodge Lake and reservoirs like Sibley Lake, are excellent places to fish as well. - Backpacking Trips & Guides, Important Information for Hikers & Backpackers, https://www.facebook.com/offthegridoutdoorsllc. We took what I will call a very direct route here, which resulted in some fun, steep, scrambling. Maybelle Lake is a gorgeous secluded mountain lake in the Bighorn Mountains. Bighorn National Forest A 42-mile loop from the east side of the wilderness showcases the Bighorns sheer mountain walls and crystal-clear lakes. Our original goal was to hike the Cliff Lake Loop, which hits many of the main lakes in Sheepherder Basin. except federal holidays, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. I Tried to Sew My Own Ultralight Tent. Two peaks rise to over 13,000 feet (4,000 m): Cloud Peak (13,175 ft, 4,016 m) and Black Tooth Mountain (13,005 ft, 3,964 m). Forest. Romeo Lake BIGHORNMOUNTAINS.COM, LLC 20 North Tisdale Avenue And take some advice from me: Get off the high peaks before noon. This is most likely an adult ewe. Finally, I had a partner I could trust, so I felt comfortable abandoning the alpine start and turning our summit bid into a sunset hike. There are two main highways, US 14 in the north and US 16 in the south. Backpacking Areas Buffalo, WY Bear Gulch Trail - #084 Circle Park Trailhead Elk Lake Trail - #219 They extend out of south-central Montana near Big Sky before rising high up into the plains and stretching beyond them. Bring binoculars. Orienteer around Frozen Lakes. Big Horn Mountains such as Willow Lake pictured above and Romeo Lake pictured at the A 42-mile loop from the east side of the wilderness showcases the Bighorns' sheer mountain walls and crystal-clear lakes. Buffalo, Wyoming 82834, Send e-mail to And we saw a grand total of ONE other person on our last day. Forest Service and emergency officials in locating lost or injured personnel. Taxpayers saved big bucks during the COVID-19 pandemic when congressional travel was halted, but your representatives are jet-setting again. We were gone from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and we spent seven hours ascending and five hours descending. Kyle Frost Shell Creek Canyon and Shell Falls provides some of the most spectacular scenery in the Bighorn Mountains. This is the largest Medicine Wheel in North America. exercised when viewing unpredictable animals such as moose. The highlight of a recent shoot in Wyoming was a trip to the Bighorn Mountains. Forest maps are available at most local sporting goods stores and through the Visitors who know one day in the Bighorns is never enough can find unique, Wyoming-style lodging throughout the region. It is named for the Bighorn River whose headwaters rise within Forest boundaries. Lakes and some other areas are often rocky, so hikers are advised to use care when If we hadnt stopped to take photos, we could have done it in 11 hours, but either way, Cloud Peak is an all-day adventure. The Bighorn Mountains are located in north-central Wyoming and are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains. Sibley Lake, right along US HWY 14 west of Dayton, Wyoming. Many types of birds live here. Geneva, Crystal, Robin, Rainbow, Elsa, Crater, Cliff, Eunice, Sheepherder, Granite, and several more unnamed. Well she exists in the form of the Bighorn Mountains, and you are definitely going to want to pay her a visit. Cloud Peak Summit via Battle Park Trailhead, Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway: Ten Sleep to Buffalo, Middle Cloud Peak Lake via Battle Park Trailhead. The lake is at the base of Bighorn Peak. National Forest Service. Or, Battle Park Trailhead, up and to the west skirting around the edge of Elk Mountain, which takes you down to Grace Lake, and then up and east to Solitude Lake, followed by an off-trail climb up cliffs to the Middle Cloud Peak Lake area. These trails intersect near Paint Rock Creek and share the same route to . My Worst Hike: Weary LungsOr a Deadly Medical Emergency? distance. National Forest Service. Netflix adaptation. Additional information on hiking and Cloud Peak Wilderness has been touted as having some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country and features more than 100 miles of trails. There are a dozen more that rise to over 12,000 feet (3,700 m). The driving approach definitely isn't easy, requiring true AWD or 4WD. Great trail up to East Tensleep Lake. (Click on a thumbnail image to view a larger photo.). Binoculars are also handy for viewing wildlife and scenery at a We had a final half-mile push with 600 feet of gain, and after a few minutes of mellow rock scrambling, we finally stood on the summit.