Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Cloud Peak Summit Trail

Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming · 3 min read

Distance
22 mi
Elevation Gain
5,200 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • 13,175-foot summit of Cloud Peak, highest point in the Bighorn Mountains
  • Cloud Peak Wilderness with more than 200 alpine lakes
  • Technical summit requiring ice axe and crampons in most seasons
  • Multi-day wilderness experience through glacially carved terrain
  • High-altitude cutthroat trout fishing in route-side lakes

Overview

Cloud Peak is the defining objective of Bighorn National Forest, the highest point in the Bighorn Mountains at 13,175 feet. The standard route from the West Tensleep Lake trailhead passes through a series of high alpine lakes before reaching the Cloud Peak Glacier, one of the few remaining glaciers in Wyoming, and climbing to the rocky summit with views extending across much of the northern Rockies.

This is not a casual day hike. The technical summit requires mountaineering skills and gear. The approach through the Cloud Peak Wilderness is spectacular in its own right, and many parties do 2-day or 3-day backpacks that visit the high lake basins without committing to the summit itself.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 5.0: Trailhead to First Lake Basin

The trail climbs from the West Tensleep Lake trailhead through open forest and enters the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Multiple alpine lakes appear along this section, each sitting in a glacially carved basin.

Miles 5.0 to 9.0: High Lake Basins

The route gains elevation through progressively higher lake basins above treeline. The terrain is granite and alpine tundra. Views of Cloud Peak and the surrounding wilderness expand at each step.

Miles 9.0 to 11.0: Glacier and Summit

The Cloud Peak Glacier is typically encountered above mile 10. An ice axe and crampons are required here. The summit scramble above the glacier involves exposed Class 3 rock. The summit at 13,175 feet commands extraordinary views.

Miles 11.0 to 22.0: Return

The descent covers the same route. Descending the glacier section requires the same technical skills as the ascent.

When to Hike

Late July through August for optimal conditions. The glacier is at its minimum extent and most stable in August.

Early July snow may still cover the approach trails and glacier conditions are more demanding.

September first winter storms can arrive suddenly. A weather window is essential.

What to Bring

Ice axe and crampons are required for the glacier section. Many hikers carry 3 liters of water; the route has abundant lake water for filtering. Warm layers, rain gear, and a tent appropriate for alpine conditions are essential. A lightweight climbing helmet for the summit scramble.

Trailhead Access

West Tensleep Lake trailhead is on FR-27 off US-16. No fee to hike (as of 2026). Very limited facilities. High-clearance vehicle useful for the forest road.

Nearby

Mistymoon Lake Trail provides the most scenic non-technical lake basin hike in the wilderness from a different trailhead. Hunter Corrals Trail offers a shorter alpine lake approach from the eastern side of the range.

Check current glacier conditions and weather with the Buffalo Ranger District at checking conditions before you go before attempting the summit. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout the wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

West Tensleep Lake trailhead on FR-27 off US-16. Gravel lot with limited facilities.

← Back to Bighorn National Forest

More Trails in Bighorn National Forest

easyout-and-back

Bucking Mule Falls Trail

2 mi150 ft gain
May through October

Bucking Mule Falls Trail is a 2.0-mile out-and-back walk on the eastern escarpment of the Bighorn Mountains to a viewpoint overlooking a 600-foot waterfall plunging into the Tongue River Canyon.

4 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Edelman Pass Trail

9 mi2,200 ft gain
July through September

Edelman Pass Trail is a 9.0-mile out-and-back route through the Cloud Peak Wilderness that crosses the high divide of the Bighorn Mountains to a saddle with views into the western canyon country of the range.

4 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Hunter Corrals Trail

4.5 mi1,100 ft gain
July through September

Hunter Corrals Trail is a 4.5-mile out-and-back route entering the Cloud Peak Wilderness from the eastern trailhead, reaching the first high alpine lake basins through open subalpine forest.

4 min read

easyout-and-back

Medicine Wheel Trail

3 mi200 ft gain
June through September

The Medicine Wheel Trail is a 3.0-mile out-and-back walk on a gated road to Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark on Medicine Mountain at 9,642 feet, one of the most significant pre-European cultural sites in North America.

3 min read

moderate-hardout-and-back

Mistymoon Lake Trail

7.6 mi1,800 ft gain
July through September

Mistymoon Lake Trail is a 7.6-mile out-and-back route through the Cloud Peak Wilderness to a high alpine lake below the Cloud Peak massif, one of the most scenic lake destinations in Bighorn National Forest.

4 min read

moderateloop

Solitude Loop

8 mi1,200 ft gain
June through October

The Solitude Loop is an 8.0-mile circuit through mid-elevation forest and meadow terrain near the eastern approach to Bighorn National Forest, offering ridge views toward Cloud Peak and the Wyoming plains.

4 min read

moderateout-and-back

Tensleep Canyon Trail

5 mi400 ft gain
May through October

Tensleep Canyon Trail is a 5.0-mile out-and-back walk along Tensleep Creek through the limestone canyon walls of the Bighorn Mountains' western escarpment, one of the most geologically interesting canyon hikes in Wyoming.

4 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cloud Peak a technical climb?
Yes. The standard route to Cloud Peak involves a glacier crossing and summit scramble that requires ice axe and crampons skills as well as familiarity with glacier travel. Most parties plan this as a 3-day backpack rather than a day hike.
How long does the Cloud Peak Summit Trail take?
Most parties plan a 3-day trip: day one to a base camp at approximately 10,000 feet (mile 8), day two summit attempt (miles 8-11 each way), day three return. Fit hikers have completed the full 22 miles in a single long day but this requires exceptional fitness and planning.
What gear do I need for Cloud Peak?
In addition to standard backpacking gear, an ice axe, crampons, and knowledge of how to use them are required for the glacier section on the standard route. A helmet is recommended for the summit scramble. Check with the Buffalo Ranger District for current conditions before your attempt.