- Region
- Wyoming
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- backpacking, hiking, camping
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit, camping, and acces…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Bighorn National Forest
Plan with verified data
Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40) trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Bear Country Food StorageBear country: canister, Ursack or hang, and the local rules.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
How to get there
Cloud Peak Wilderness is in Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming. The Cloud Peak Skyway runs through the forest and offers views of the Bighorn Range. Confirm a specific wilderness trailhead and its approach roads with Bighorn National Forest visitor maps and current conditions before traveling.
- Cloud Peak Wilderness Recreation Region
The Forest Service’s destination-specific planning area for the wilderness. This is a regional orientation point, not an identified trailhead; confirm the entry point for the intended outing.
- Cloud Peak Skyway Recreation Region
A regional scenic-road corridor through Bighorn National Forest with views of the Bighorn Range. Confirm any road-to-trail connection separately; the corridor name does not establish a wilderness entrance.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Wyoming · United States · Season: Fall hunting seasons
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
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
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40), United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 44.3986, -107.2020
- Latitude (DMS)
- 44° 23′ 54.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 107° 12′ 7.2″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40), not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Cloud Peak Wilderness, situated in the heart of the Bighorn Mountains, offers rugged, high-alpine hunting for mature mule deer.
Key takeaways
- Region: Wyoming
- Country: United States
- Best season: Fall hunting seasons
- Good for: backpacking, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing
- Coordinates: 44.399, -107.202
Intended uses
- backpacking
- hiking
- camping
- wildlife viewing
Climate suitability
Fall hunting seasons
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
Animals around Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)
Cloud Peak Wilderness and the Bighorn landscape
Cloud Peak Wilderness protects 191,914 acres within Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest. Managed as a primitive area since 1932, it became designated wilderness under the Wyoming Wilderness Act in 1984. The surrounding forest rises between the Powder River and Bighorn Basins, placing the wilderness within a mountain landscape of high country, streams, and rocky peaks. This is a destination to plan around a specific backcountry objective rather than a general forest recreation checklist. The national forest offers many activities, but forest-wide opportunities should not be treated as activities allowed everywhere inside the wilderness. Likewise, the forest’s more than 1,200 miles of trails describe the wider forest, not Cloud Peak Wilderness alone. Start by distinguishing the wilderness boundary from the surrounding recreation regions.
Choosing an approach and an outing
The Cloud Peak Skyway is a scenic route through Bighorn National Forest with views of the backbone of the Bighorn Range. It provides a useful landscape overview, but a scenic drive and a wilderness approach are different parts of trip planning. Before setting out, identify an actual trailhead, check its road access, and match the intended walk to a current visitor map. The Forest Service maintains separate information for the Cloud Peak Skyway and Cloud Peak Wilderness recreation regions, along with visitor maps and guides. Use those resources to establish a continuous route rather than assuming a regional name identifies a trail entrance. No specific trailhead, wilderness itinerary, mileage, or difficulty rating is established here, so the regional options below are orientation aids rather than navigation instructions.
Conditions, preparation, and management
Prepare for a mountain outing with layers, weather protection, navigation tools, drinking water, and a way to treat additional water. Rocky high country calls for an itinerary that leaves room to adjust to weather and the group’s pace. Check Bighorn National Forest’s current conditions, alerts, and fire information before departure; a general recreation listing is not a substitute for a current assessment of access or restrictions. Confirm permit requirements and applicable rules directly with the Forest Service before finalizing the trip. For planning under the Units 39/40 label, verify the relevant unit boundaries and regulations separately rather than assuming they match the wilderness boundary. Keep wildlife viewing at a distance, minimize impacts around streams, and choose an objective suited to the available daylight and equipment.
Route options
- Cloud Peak Skyway
A scenic drive through Bighorn National Forest for views of the range’s backbone. Treat it as a landscape-viewing option, not a route into the wilderness interior.
- Cloud Peak Wilderness
A backcountry destination requiring a separately verified itinerary. Select a mapped trail and confirmed access point with Bighorn National Forest guidance before committing to a hike; no specific trail sequence is established here.
Sample itineraries
- Cloud Peak Wilderness Day Hike · 1 day
Plan an out-and-back hike focused on Cloud Peak Wilderness mountain scenery. Confirm a suitable trail and access point with Bighorn National Forest before departure. Choose a turnaround based on conditions and the group’s pace rather than committing to a summit.
- Cloud Peak Wilderness Overnight · 2 days
Use two days for a conservative backpacking trip in Cloud Peak Wilderness. Confirm access, camping requirements, and a route with Bighorn National Forest. Keep the first day manageable, allow time to explore mountain scenery, and return the following day.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent
Treat this high-elevation mountain landscape conservatively during seasonal transitions. Check weather and trail conditions before choosing an outing; do not assume access or hiking conditions from the season alone.
Summer
Conditions-dependent
Plan mountain hikes around current weather, trail conditions, and fire danger. Carry layers for changing conditions and check Bighorn National Forest alerts before departure.
Fall
Conditions-dependent
Keep itineraries flexible as mountain conditions change. Pack insulation, allow a conservative turnaround, and confirm access before committing to an overnight trip.
Winter
Conditions-dependent
Bighorn National Forest offers winter recreation, but that does not establish winter access for a particular wilderness route. Confirm local conditions and choose an outing suited to the group’s winter skills and equipment.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent | Treat this high-elevation mountain landscape conservatively during seasonal transitions. Check weather and trail conditions before choosing an outing; do not assume access or hiking conditions from the season alone. |
| Summer | Conditions-dependent | Plan mountain hikes around current weather, trail conditions, and fire danger. Carry layers for changing conditions and check Bighorn National Forest alerts before departure. |
| Fall | Conditions-dependent | Keep itineraries flexible as mountain conditions change. Pack insulation, allow a conservative turnaround, and confirm access before committing to an overnight trip. |
| Winter | Conditions-dependent | Bighorn National Forest offers winter recreation, but that does not establish winter access for a particular wilderness route. Confirm local conditions and choose an outing suited to the group’s winter skills and equipment. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, camping, and access requirements with Bighorn National Forest before visiting Cloud Peak Wilderness.
Official source: Bighorn National Forest | Recreation · Verified September 18, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Fire danger: check the current Bighorn National Forest fire status and restrictions before departure; do not assume campfires are appropriate.
- High-elevation terrain: keep the pace conservative and leave room to shorten the trip if the group struggles.
- Rocky mountain terrain: choose footing carefully and avoid committing to terrain beyond the group’s abilities.
What to pack for Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40)
- Current forest map and route information
- Offline navigation with backup
- Confirmed access and conditions information
- Insulating layers
- Weather-resistant outer layer
- Sturdy footwear suited to rocky terrain
- Drinking water and water treatment
- Food and extra snacks
- First-aid kit and headlamp
- Shelter and sleeping equipment for overnight trips
Cloud Peak Wilderness (Units 39/40) FAQ
- What is Cloud Peak Wilderness?
- Cloud Peak Wilderness is a 191,914-acre wilderness in Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming. Managed as a primitive area since 1932, it was established under the Wyoming Wilderness Act in 1984.
- What kind of landscape should visitors expect?
- Expect a mountain setting with rocky peaks and high-elevation streams. Plan for terrain and weather rather than assuming a wilderness outing will resemble roadside recreation elsewhere in the forest.
- Where should trip planning begin?
- Start with Bighorn National Forest’s current conditions, alerts, and visitor maps. Confirm the specific trail, access point, and camping requirements before setting a route or overnight objective.
- Does forest-wide recreation guidance apply inside the wilderness?
- Do not assume every activity offered across Bighorn National Forest is allowed in Cloud Peak Wilderness. Check wilderness-specific rules with the managing agency.
- How should Units 39/40 be used for planning?
- Confirm the intended unit designation and boundaries with the relevant managing agency. Do not use the unit numbers alone to determine wilderness access, hunting rules, or trip requirements.