Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Cloud Peak Wilderness Area, located in the Bighorn National Forest of north-central Wyoming, spans over 189,000 acres. It features dramatic landscapes, including the rugged peaks of the Bighorn Mountains, with Cloud Peak itself ascending to 13,167 feet, making it the highest in the region. The area is characterized by glacier-carved valleys, clear mountain lakes, and expansive alpine meadows. Rich in biodiversity, it supports a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, and black bears, and is a critical habitat for the sensitive pika. Established as a wilderness area in 1984, it offers outstanding opportunities for primitive recreation. There are approximately 100 miles of trails that entice avid hikers and backpackers to explore its remote terrain. Popular activities include backcountry camping, fishing in its clear streams and lakes, and snowshoeing in winter. Due to its altitude, the area experiences heavy snowfall, often persisting into early summer, making late summer to early fall the best time to visit. Cloud Peak Wilderness Area encompasses few man-made features, preserving its natural state and providing a true wilderness experience for visitors.
