Overview
Hunter Corrals is the eastern gateway into the Cloud Peak Wilderness lake country in Bighorn National Forest, the most accessible trailhead for day hikers wanting a taste of the high alpine environment without the multi-day commitment of the Cloud Peak summit. The trail climbs through subalpine forest to the first lake basin, a clear alpine lake set in a glacially carved granite bowl above 9,000 feet.
The name references the historic corrals used by outfitters running horse-based hunting trips into the wilderness, a practice that continues today. The trailhead area still shows signs of this history in the broad parking and stock-loading area at the trail start.
The Route
Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Trailhead to Wilderness Boundary. The trail begins at Hunter Corrals on FR-26 and climbs steadily through mature Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. The grade is consistent but never severe. Wildflower meadows open between the trees in July, with paintbrush, lupine, and columbine providing color along the lower trail. The wilderness boundary is marked at approximately mile 1.5 with a register box. Sign in and indicate your intended destination: the wilderness ranger program uses this data for land management.
Miles 1.5 to 2.25: Into the lake basin. Above the boundary, the forest begins to thin and open. The grade steepens briefly on the approach to the basin rim, then eases as the lake comes into view. The first lake sits in a granite cirque carved by glaciers during the Pleistocene, its bowl holding cold, clear water throughout the summer. Snowfields may linger on the north-facing walls of the cirque into August in heavy snow years. The surrounding talus and tundra support pikas and marmots; both are frequently heard and often seen near the lake shore. This is the natural day-hike turnaround point and a rewarding destination for the effort required.
Miles 2.25 to 4.5: Return to trailhead. Descend the same route through the forest. The return moves faster than the approach and takes most hikers 1 to 1.5 hours.
When to Hike
July through September is the accessible season. The forest road (FR-26) typically opens in late June depending on the snowpack year. Call the Bighorn National Forest office for current road status before making the drive.
August is the most reliable high-country window. The lake basin has clear, accessible shoreline and the wildflowers in the cirque meadow peak during the first two weeks of the month. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible on any summer day; plan to be off the upper terrain by early afternoon.
September brings quieter trails and cooler temperatures. Fall color arrives in the aspen stands below the wilderness boundary by mid-month. First snow at this elevation can arrive in late September.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for this half-day outing. The lake provides a filterable source if needed. Layers are worth carrying even in midsummer; mornings at 9,000 feet start cool and wind can pick up at the lake basin rim. Sun protection matters at this elevation. If you plan to fish, bring a valid Wyoming fishing license.
Trailhead Access
Hunter Corrals trailhead is on FR-26 off US-16 near Meadowlark Lake, approximately 16 miles west of Buffalo on US-16. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). A vault toilet is available at the trailhead. The forest road is gravel and passable for standard passenger cars in dry conditions. Cell service is absent; download offline maps before leaving Buffalo.
Nearby
Mistymoon Lake Trail provides the most scenic non-technical wilderness lake walk in the Bighorn high country, a longer and more rewarding full-day route. Cloud Peak Summit Trail departs from a nearby trailhead for the full summit objective and requires an overnight commitment.
Check road opening status and current trail conditions at checking conditions before you go before your trip. Review bear canister requirements for any overnight camping in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Practice Leave No Trace principles throughout.