Cloud Peak Wilderness

Located in the Big Horn National Forest of north-central Wyoming, the 189,000 acre Cloud Peak Wilderness (CPW) stretches along the backbone of the Bighorn Mountain range. The Cloud Peak Chapter of Wilderness Watch is actively involved in the preservation of this magnificent area. Thanks to the chapter for sharing their love and knowledge.

During the last Ice Age, nineteen glaciers moved away from the spine of the Bighorns, cutting to bedrock and depositing gravel and boulders along their path. Most of the area is 9,000 feet above sea level, with Cloud Peak towering highest at 13,175 feet. . Mule Deer, Elk, Black Bear, and Mountain Lion inhabit the wilderness area.

Recommended travel season for the wilderness is usually from July to September. Even then, nights can be cold and storms are frequent. The wettest months are April, May and June, and severe lightning storms are common during the drier months of July, August and September. Snow can occur in any month of the year.

The wilderness has many loop trails and some trail combinations can result in hikes lasting a week or longer. Over 70 percent of wilderness users access the area via the trailheads off US Hwy. 16. These trailheads are: West Tensleep, Battle Park, Hunter, & Circle Park. For a more solitary wilderness experience, the Wilderness Watch Chapter strongly suggests that trips be planned using alternate routes.

Registration is mandatory for when entering the wilderness. Campfires within 300 feet of lakes, streams and designated trails are prohibited and camping within 100 feet of any water is prohibited. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the wilderness area. Regulations are subject to change.

Mountain climbers are urged to travel in pairs and use extreme caution at all times. Climbers should be aware of long-range weather forecasts and plan their trips accordingly. Also, they should inform relatives of their planned routes and expected departure and arrival times. Climbers must pre-register with the Forest Service at the District Offices.

The Cloud Peak Chapter advises all visitors to realize that there is a difference between a "Wilderness" experience and an outdoor recreational experience. Outside of wilderness you will encounter well-maintained trails with bridges, designated campsites and user-friendly facilities. In contrast, wilderness offers the highest degree of risk, challenge and the opportunity of solitude. By choosing to be in the wilderness you are actively seeking adventure and have opted to be responsible for your own safety. You will need a certain amount of skill and experience to meet the wilderness challenge. Management dictates that the resource has priority over the user. Therefore user regulations will reflect resource protection.

Please follow Leave No Trace! camping principals and ethics. Contact the Wilderness Coordinator at the Forest Service for new, special or revised regulations and other information.

For more information contact: The Big Horn National Forest

UPDATE from Cloud Peak Wilderness Watch - Summer 1996: Tensleep Entrance has been jammed with people. To find solitude, you need to find routes other than the Solitude Trail and head to higher elevations. Check out alternative semi-primitive non-motorized recreational opportunities in the Bighorn mountains to help ease the strain on the wilderness itself. Fire danger is very high. Please cook with stoves and avoid open fires!