Tensleep Creek

A Ribbon of Life Through a Mountain Canyon

Flowing gently through the dramatic limestone walls of Ten Sleep Canyon and into the valley below, Ten Sleep Creek is one of Wyoming’s most scenic and peaceful waterways. Cold, clear, and alive with trout, this small mountain stream winds its way through a landscape of towering cliffs, pine forests, and open meadows offering a little something for everyone who loves wild water, whether you’re a fly angler, hiker, camper, or simply a seeker of quiet places.

A Creek for Anglers and Dreamers

For many visitors, Ten Sleep Creek is all about trout fishing. This spring-fed stream stays cool and clean year-round, providing ideal habitat for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Anglers can find success both in the narrower upper stretches of the creek within the canyon and in the wider, meandering sections near the town of Ten Sleep.

Casting into a deep pool beneath a canyon wall or drifting a dry fly through a riffle near a shady bend — it’s the kind of fly fishing that feels personal, simple, and restorative. The creek is relatively uncrowded, and access is easy along much of its length, especially from the pullouts along Highway 16 and near Leigh Creek Campground.

A Path Through Wild Beauty

Even if you’re not fishing, Ten Sleep Creek is a constant companion as you explore the canyon. Hikers and climbers will cross it on their way to trailheads and crags. Campers will fall asleep to the sound of its rushing water. And for wildlife, it’s a vital thread through the ecosystem — deer, moose, birds, and even the occasional bear rely on its banks.

The creek is especially photogenic in early morning light, with steam rising from the cold water and golden sun hitting the tops of the canyon walls. In summer, wildflowers and lush grasses line its banks, creating a vivid contrast against the gray stone of the surrounding cliffs.

From Mountains to Valley

Ten Sleep Creek begins high in the Bighorn Mountains and travels down through Meadowlark Lake, into Ten Sleep Canyon, and finally through the ranchlands and cottonwood groves surrounding the town of Ten Sleep. Along the way, it ties together some of the region’s most iconic destinations — from high alpine trails and lakes to rock climbing routes and hidden campgrounds.

For those staying at Meadowlark Lodge or Deer Haven, the creek offers nearby spots for a morning walk or evening cast. And down in town, it runs right past the brewery and through shady parks, where you can dip your feet after a long day outdoors.

A Quiet Constant

In a landscape shaped by big skies and dramatic cliffs, Ten Sleep Creek is the quiet thread that weaves it all together. It’s not a big river or a headline destination — but that’s part of its magic. It invites you to slow down, step carefully, and notice the small wonders: the flash of a trout, the flutter of an aspen leaf, the cool splash of water on your hands.

Whether you’re here to fish, explore, or just listen, Ten Sleep Creek offers a connection to the land that’s as deep as it is gentle — a reminder that even the smallest waters can carve great beauty.