If you’ve never hiked in the Cowboy State, you don’t know how amazing it is to get out there and experience Wyoming’s natural beauty firsthand. Hiking here can be awe-inspiring, breathtaking, and humbling all at once. There are tons of hiking trails in every part of the state, and we may be biased, but all of them are gorgeous. If you’re looking for a recommendation for one of the most beautiful trails, though, Cloud Peak is right up there. A trek along this hiking trail is a spiritual experience that will put you in touch with Nature.
Cloud Peak is in the Big Horn Mountain Range.
Amy Meredith/Flickr
It’s a prominent high point as mountain peaks go, and is the third highest in the entire state.
Nels Olsen/Flickr
The highest point of the peak is 13,166 - so high, it’s visible from many places within the state and even from Montana.
Carrie Jones/AllTrails
The elevation means you’re likely to encounter a bit of snow no matter what time of year you hike, even during the summer months.
Jarose389/YouTube
The trail is about 22 1/2 miles out and back. Although it’s seen enough traffic over the years to be well established, it isn’t recommended for beginners.
Jarose389/YouTube Parts of the trail are flat and easy to walk, but many sections are over rocky terrain or up steep inclines - the elevation gain is over 5,720! - and are more difficult to maneuver.
Still, the beauty of Cloud Peak makes it one of the most popular places to hike in Wyoming.
Jarose389/YouTube
Not only will you see wildlife including elk, deer, and moose, and enjoy the awesome sights such as wildflowers, pines, and mountain lakes…
Jarose389/YouTube
…you’ll have the opportunity to get your feet wet and become a true Wyoming explorer.
Jarose389/YouTube
When you’re up this high, away from it all, you can take a deep breath and relax. Nature is the only sound you’ll hear.
Gavin Marvel/AllTrails
The variety of scenery you’ll see along the way is astounding. The creativity and beauty of it all transform this hike from an outdoor sport to an enlightening experience.
Jarose389/YouTube
Though this trail can be hiked in a day, you might find you want to stay a bit longer.
Jarose389/YouTube There are over 150 miles of hiking trails in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, providing numerous hiking opportunities.
An overnight stay will give you the opportunity to extend your enjoyment of the magnificent Wyoming wilderness.
aaron bilodeau/AllTrails Just take a look at some of the beautiful sights you’ll see at Cloud Peak:
What other Wyoming trails have you hiked that make you feel at one with Nature?
Amy Meredith/Flickr
Nels Olsen/Flickr
Carrie Jones/AllTrails
Jarose389/YouTube
Parts of the trail are flat and easy to walk, but many sections are over rocky terrain or up steep inclines - the elevation gain is over 5,720! - and are more difficult to maneuver.
Gavin Marvel/AllTrails
There are over 150 miles of hiking trails in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, providing numerous hiking opportunities.
aaron bilodeau/AllTrails
Just take a look at some of the beautiful sights you’ll see at Cloud Peak:
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