Exploring Wyoming
Wilderness For those who have a streak of Thoreau in their soul the Cloud Peak Wilderness in Wyoming's Big Horn National Forest is just the place. The 190,000 acres that stretches along the backbone of the Big Horn Mountain Range is said to be "at the top of the world." Most of the area is 9,000 feet above sea level, with Cloud Peak towering the highest at 13,175 feet. This is all a result of the last Ice Age activity when 19 glaciers moved away from the spine of the mountains, cutting to bedrock and depositing massive rocks and tons of gravel along the way. The best time to travel into the wilderness is from July to September. Though it may be summer down below, nights are cold and storms are frequent at such a high elevation. Snow can fall any time of year, spring months usually see a great deal of rain and late summer months bring severe lightning storms. The wilderness has loop trails galore and some combinations of those trails can result in hikes that last for a week or even longer. Most hikers access the area by way of four major trailheads off U. S. Highway 16 West. Would-be wilderness users are obligated to register when entering the wilderness. Campfires within 200 feet of lakes, streams and designated trails are prohibited and camping within 100 feet of any water is also forbidden. Motorized vehicles must be left at home. Climbers are urged to travel in pairs and should exercise extreme caution at all times. It's a good idea to check long-range weather forecasts before entering the wilderness and notify family or friends of one's planned routes and expected departure and return times. A "Wilderness" experience is a far cry from a normal outdoor recreation activity. There are no user-friendly trails, bridges or campsites in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. What is there is a great deal of risk and challenge, along with all the solitude anyone can handle. Trail maps are available at sporting goods facilities and Forest Service offices in Buffalo or Sheridan. |
