Relish the inspiring natural beauty of Wyoming with a backpacking trip in the famous Bighorn Mountains. With miles of trails, plenty of camping sites, and stunning vistas, adventurers will have no shortage of pristine white wilderness to explore.
From majestic Cloud Peak Wilderness to scenic picnic areas, this natural hideaway promises innumerable opportunities for outdoor exploration and discovery. Along with breathtaking views, succeeding in your journey promises an unforgettable experience.
The people of Wyoming can be certain of only one thing: death. But two other wonderful benefits come with living in this majestic state: low taxes and spectacular wilderness backpacking. The Bighorn Mountains offer a unique combination of solitude, mountain vistas, and challenging terrain, making them the premier destination for an unforgettable outdoor experience.
With over 189,000 acres of Cloud Peak Wilderness, 30 campgrounds, three US Scenic Byways, 10 picnic areas, eight lodges, thousands of miles of streams and rivers, and 1,200 miles of trails, the Bighorn National Forest is a backpacker’s paradise. From wildflower meadows to towering granite peaks, it’s no wonder that the Bighorns offer some of the most sublime Wyoming experiences around.
The highest peak in the Bighorns is Cloud Peak, a 13,171-foot giant that boasts the greatest topographic prominence in the state–a whopping 7,077 feet of prominence. This means that Cloud Peak towers over much of the surrounding landscape, making it an awe-inspiring sight for anyone fortunate enough to witness it!
Standing tall above the rest of the Bighorns, Cloud Peak is a majestic 13,171-foot giant. It holds an impressive distinction as the peak with the greatest topographic prominence in the state, reaching an incredible 7,077 feet. Its stunning presence is sure to leave any onlooker in awe of its unparalleled grandeur!
From the West Tensleep Trailhead, located at 9,101 feet in elevation, hikers set off on a two-day adventure to experience Cloud Peak’s breathtaking beauty. Hikers in the south of Buffalo were not forgotten! Hikers packed as lightly as possible to ensure comfort during their journey and filled out the necessary backcountry permit before setting off. The trailhead provides easy access to some of the wildest parts of the wilderness, and is close to several mountain lodges, US Highway 16, and countless lakes and streams famed for fishing.
At the first stream crossing, visitors could see evidence of previous visitors and were impressed by the vista beyond. By climbing the first rock face, they got some stunning photos, skipped stones across the lake, and identified different types of animal scat. Misty Moon Trail #63 was an amazing journey that they will never forget!
The Misty Moon Trail #63 was an unforgettable journey, and the first stream crossing revealed evidence of previous visitors. As they climbed the first rock face, they were rewarded with stunning views and even skipped stones across a lake while identifying different types of animal scat. It was a truly amazing experience!
After savoring freeze-dried dinners that surprisingly tasted delicious, the party settled in for a well-deserved rest. Nick filled the night with stories of adventurers who had previously attempted and achieved feats that few ever dared. With great pride, the group decided they would not be joining those noble ranks on this particular journey.
The alarm sounded at 5 a.m., and the adventurers rose with excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. After enjoying a hearty breakfast and plenty of coffee to give them energy for the day, they set out to make their summit. All around them, the mountain was transformed into a mesmerizing moonscape due to the low clouds and soft rain. Despite the rugged terrain and sideways sheets of rain, the party continued on their journey with great enthusiasm and humorous banter.
As the sun rose and burned away the clouds, they were greeted with awe-inspiring views that stretched as far as the eye could see. They hopped over small rocks and boulders as big as school buses and followed a path marked by old cairns along a knife’s edge which dropped hundreds of feet on either side. After some fun racing on their daypacks, they reached their destination: the summit of Cloud Peak. At 13,179 feet, the adventurers stood in admiration of the majestic mountain and its shimmering glacier lakes below. It was a moment of pride, knowing that such an ancient giant lay right in their backyard, and people from all around the world came to experience it. The group shared a collective joy as they snapped a photo to commemorate their incredible journey.
From its low taxes and phenomenal outdoor opportunities to its unparalleled mountain vistas and rugged wilderness trails, Wyoming offers an incredible experience that no other state quite delivers. From gorgeous wildflower meadows in summer to winter ski trails, from the highest peak of Cloud Peak to countless rivers and streams — no one can resist the beauty of what Wyoming has to offer. Visitors should take advantage of this amazing opportunity and explore what Wyoming has to offer while enjoying all the benefits and sights that come with being within this unique and majestic state.
