Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)

Overview

The Cloud Peak Wilderness, situated in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains, offers rugged, high-alpine hunting for mature mule deer. It's a land of granite peaks, glacial lakes, and dense timber, with expansive open basins above timberline. The Bighorns are often overlooked for mule deer compared to western Wyoming ranges, but the Cloud Peak Wilderness holds some impressive bucks for those willing to climb. Access points are numerous around the perimeter of the Bighorns, with trailheads originating near Buffalo, Sheridan, or Ten Sleep. A pack-in of 5-10 miles is typical to reach the prime deer country. Late archery and early rifle seasons (mid-September to early October) are ideal, coinciding with crisp, cool weather before heavy snows. This hunt demands good physical fitness, particularly for traversing steep, rocky terrain at elevations often exceeding 9,000-11,000 feet. Permits are standard Wyoming deer tags; wilderness camping permits are generally self-issue at trailheads or not required. Trade-offs include rapid weather changes, potential for early-season snow, and crowded trailheads on weekends, though the backcountry disperses hunters well.

Why it stands out

Stunning alpine scenery with abundant lakes and dramatic peaks Good numbers of quality bucks, especially in less accessible basins Varied terrain from timbered slopes to open, rocky tundra Relatively shorter pack-ins compared to Thorofare, but equally steep Opportunities for high-elevation glassing for trophy animals

Know before you go

Steep, demanding climbs at high elevations Sudden and severe weather shifts, including early snowstorms Grizzly bears are present, though less common than in western WY Limited water sources in some of the highest, exposed areas Trailhead parking can fill up on popular weekends

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 (#2) Access point: Cloud Peak Wilderness, Buffalo, WY 82834, USA Check current permits, closures and fire restrictions with the managing agency before you commit to dates.

Field notes

• •Stunning alpine scenery with abundant lakes and dramatic peaks
• •Good numbers of quality bucks, especially in less accessible basins
• •Varied terrain from timbered slopes to open, rocky tundra
• •Relatively shorter pack-ins compared to Thorofare, but equally steep
• •Opportunities for high-elevation glassing for trophy animals

Coordinates