Cloud Peak, Wyoming, isn’t just another mountain on the map. At 13,167 feet, it towers over the Bighorn Mountains, commanding attention as both the range’s highest point and one of Wyoming’s most rewarding alpine adventures. Nestled within the Cloud Peak Wilderness in Bighorn National Forest, it offers hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers a rugged challenge paired with jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re searching for a wild yet approachable peak, Cloud Peak, Wyoming, belongs at the top of your list.
About Cloud Peak, Wyoming
Cloud Peak is more than just a summit. It represents the untamed beauty of the Bighorns — an area often overlooked in favor of Wyoming’s more famous Wind River Range or Grand Tetons. The Cloud Peak Wilderness protects 189,000 acres of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched forests. Within this sanctuary, Cloud Peak reigns supreme. Standing at 13,167 feet, it is the fifteenth most prominent peak in the lower 48 states. The glacier beneath its eastern face — the Cloud Peak Glacier — is one of the last remaining glaciers in Wyoming, adding to the mountain’s significance.
Getting There
Reaching Cloud Peak, Wyoming, is an adventure before you even step foot on the trail. The two primary trailheads are:
- West Tensleep Trailhead (near West Tensleep Lake Campground)
- The most popular route, covering about 23 miles round trip with 5,300 feet of elevation gain.
- Offers access to Mistymoon Lake, one of the most photographed alpine lakes in Wyoming.
- Battle Park Trailhead
- A slightly longer 24-mile loop with 6,000 feet of elevation gain.
- Less crowded but more demanding.
Both trailheads intersect near Paint Rock Creek, from which the final push to the summit begins. Trailheads sit at high elevations (near 9,000 feet), so spend a night acclimating before your hike to reduce altitude issues.
Hiking Routes to Cloud Peak
The most common path to Cloud Peak begins at the West Tensleep Trailhead:
- Day 1: Hike about 7 miles to Mistymoon Lake (elevation 10,000 feet). This is a prime camping spot and staging area for summit attempts.
- Day 2: Push toward Paint Rock Creek and then face the infamous boulder field. Two miles of scrambling over refrigerator-sized rocks test patience and endurance. After 3,000 feet of elevation gain, the summit ridge appears.
- Day 3: Return via the same route, or spend another night at Mistymoon Lake before exiting.
The Battle Park Trailhead offers a loop that incorporates more wilderness miles, ideal for those craving solitude.
Backpacking & Camping in the Cloud Peak Wilderness
Backpacking in Cloud Peak, Wyoming, is about preparation and respect for wilderness regulations. Here are essentials:
- Permits: Free, self-issued wilderness permits are available at trailheads.
- Camping regulations: Camp at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams.
- Food storage: Bear canisters are strongly recommended. While grizzlies aren’t known to frequent the Bighorns, black bears are common.
- Waste: WAG bags or portable toilets are required for human waste to protect fragile alpine waters.
Popular camping spots:
- West Tensleep Lake Campground (drive-in, near the trailhead)
- Mistymoon Lake (backcountry)
- Paint Rock Creek basin (backcountry)
Wildlife & Safety Considerations
The Cloud Peak Wilderness teems with wildlife. Encounters can be magical — or dangerous if unprepared.
- Black bears: Always store food properly and carry bear spray.
- Moose, elk, and deer: Maintain a safe distance — at least 75 feet from moose and elk.
- Wolves and occasional mountain lions: Rarely seen, but respect their space.
Weather is another critical safety factor. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and snow can fall at any time of year. Start summit pushes early in the morning to avoid lightning on exposed ridges.
Climbing & Mountaineering Beyond the Trail
While the standard hike is non-technical, Cloud Peak’s rugged granite walls attract climbers seeking more. Routes vary from long alpine scrambles to technical trad climbs. Surrounding peaks like Black Tooth Mountain and Bomber Mountain add further alpine objectives. If climbing isn’t your focus, the wild landscapes and glacier views provide plenty of reward.
Gear & Preparation
Preparation can make or break your Cloud Peak, Wyoming, adventure. Pack with care:
- Navigation: Map, compass, GPS or Garmin InReach.
- Shelter: Lightweight tent capable of withstanding alpine storms.
- Bear safety: Bear spray, canister, and knowledge of safe storage.
- Clothing: Layered system including a puffy jacket, gloves, and rain gear.
- Essentials: Trekking poles for boulder fields, water filtration system, headlamp, and first-aid kit.
Fitness matters too. The hike is long, strenuous, and often underestimated. Train with elevation gain and long-distance hikes before attempting.
Best Time to Visit Cloud Peak
The best window to climb Cloud Peak, Wyoming is late June through early September. By mid-summer, most snow has melted, but conditions remain unpredictable. September can bring solitude but also early snowstorms. Always check weather forecasts and prepare for sudden changes.
Why Visit Cloud Peak, Wyoming?
So, why should Cloud Peak top your bucket list?
- Solitude: Unlike Yellowstone or the Tetons, the Bighorns rarely feel crowded.
- Scenery: Crystal-clear alpine lakes, sprawling boulder fields, and one of Wyoming’s few glaciers.
- Challenge: A strenuous but accessible peak for strong hikers.
- Reward: Panoramic views stretching across the Bighorn Basin to the Absaroka Range.
Conclusion
Cloud Peak, Wyoming, is more than a summit. It’s a test of endurance, a reminder of nature’s raw beauty, and a call to step beyond the ordinary. The trail is long, the boulder fields unforgiving, and the weather unpredictable — yet the reward is beyond measure. Standing at 13,167 feet, gazing over a sea of rugged mountains and shimmering lakes, you’ll understand why Cloud Peak is not just a hike but an experience etched into memory.
If you’re ready to unplug, embrace challenge, and discover a quieter side of Wyoming, the Cloud Peak Wilderness awaits. Will you answer its call?
