Overview
Edelman Pass sits on the main divide of the Bighorn Mountains in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, Bighorn National Forest, separating the eastern drainage toward Buffalo and Sheridan from the western canyon country above Tensleep. The route crosses some of the most elevated terrain accessible by maintained trail in the wilderness and delivers the classic Bighorn high-country experience: granite, tundra, and sky with 360-degree views from the divide.
The pass sits at approximately 11,500 feet and provides one of the few vantage points in the forest where both flanks of the range are simultaneously visible. To the east, the high plains of northeastern Wyoming recede into the distance. To the west, the Tensleep Canyon drainage cuts through the red rock below. The combination of altitude, isolation, and visual drama makes this one of the more rewarding high-country routes in the Bighorn Range.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 3.0: Trailhead to upper lake basin. The trail begins at the FR-27 trailhead shared with the Mistymoon Lake approach and climbs through mature Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir into a broad upper basin. Several small lakes sit in granite basins along the first three miles, fed by snowmelt through July. The trail crosses creeks and passes wetland meadows where elk and mule deer are frequently seen in early morning. Pay attention to trail junctions in the lake basin area as routes split toward different wilderness destinations.
Miles 3.0 to 4.5: Lake basin to Edelman Pass. Above the lakes, the terrain opens onto tundra and boulder fields. Vegetation drops below knee height within half a mile of the pass. The trail becomes less distinct on the rock and tundra surface; look for cairns and maintain your intended bearing. The climb from the basin floor to the pass gains roughly 1,200 feet in 1.5 miles, with the steepest sections in the final half-mile. Wind can be significant at the pass regardless of conditions below treeline.
Miles 4.5 to 9.0: Return to trailhead. Descend the same route. The tundra sections move quickly on descent. Allow adequate time to clear the exposed section before any afternoon storms develop.
When to Hike
Mid-July through early September represents the accessible window in most years. Snow can block the upper approach into mid-July in heavy snow years. Confirm current conditions with the Bighorn National Forest office before planning your trip.
August offers the widest stable weather window, though afternoon thunderstorms remain possible on any summer day. Plan to be off the exposed pass by noon as a general target.
September brings the first autumn storms. The wilderness is quieter and the wildflower season transitions to fall color in the basin, but winter conditions can arrive suddenly at this elevation. Carry emergency insulation and expect cold mornings.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for this route. The lakes and streams in the approach basin provide filterable water throughout the season. A reliable filter or purification method is worth carrying given the length of the day.
Carry a warm insulating layer and waterproof shell regardless of forecast conditions. Temperatures at 11,500 feet can drop 20 to 30 degrees below trailhead temperatures. Sun protection is critical on the open tundra. Poles help on the rocky descent. Start early: most afternoon lightning develops between 1 and 4 p.m. on summer days.
The pass itself is fully exposed. Descend immediately if a thunderstorm is approaching. Do not wait to see how it develops.
Trailhead Access
The Edelman trailhead is on FR-27 near West Tensleep Lake, accessed from US-16 west of Tensleep on the western side of the range. The trailhead is shared with the Mistymoon Lake route. The road is gravel and passable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). No facilities at the trailhead. Download offline maps before leaving pavement; cell service is absent throughout.
Nearby
Mistymoon Lake Trail shares this trailhead and offers a shorter, lower-elevation destination in the same lake basin. Cloud Peak Summit Trail is the forest's premier high-country challenge, with the option to combine routes for a multi-day wilderness traverse.
Check current trail and road conditions at checking conditions before you go and review bear canister requirements for any overnight trips in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout the wilderness.