If you’re looking for a classic Wyoming mountain getaway, the west side of the Bighorn Mountains above Ten Sleep offers some of the state’s best camping, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. This three-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience the high country while still enjoying the small-town charm of Ten Sleep and nearby Worland.

Before You Go: Stock Up on Supplies

The last full-service communities before heading into the mountains are Worland and Ten Sleep.

In Worland

Worland is the largest community in the area and the best place to purchase:

• Groceries and camping food
• Ice and coolers
• Fishing tackle and bait
• Fuel
• Camping supplies
• Firewood (when permitted)

You’ll also find restaurants if you want a hearty meal before heading into the mountains.

In Ten Sleep

Ten Sleep makes an ideal final stop before climbing the mountain.

Be sure to:

• Top off your fuel tank
• Pick up any forgotten groceries
• Grab snacks and drinks
• Check local weather conditions
• Purchase fishing licenses if needed
• Grab any other additional supplies

The drive from Ten Sleep up the mountain via the spectacular U.S. Highway 16 Scenic Byway is one of Wyoming’s most scenic mountain routes.

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Day 1: Scenic Drive, Meadowlark Lake, and Camp Setup

5

Morning

Depart Ten Sleep and begin the climb through Ten Sleep Canyon. Allow extra time for photographs as towering limestone cliffs rise above the road.

Popular viewpoints include:

• Pullouts throughout Ten Sleep Canyon
• Scenic overlooks near Powder River Pass
• Wildflower meadows in early summer

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic near Meadowlark Lake.

The lake sits at over 8,000 feet elevation and offers beautiful mountain scenery with easy shoreline access.

Afternoon Fishing

Spend the afternoon fishing at Meadowlark Lake.

Anglers commonly pursue:

• Rainbow trout
• Brook trout
• Cutthroat trout

The lake is family-friendly and provides excellent opportunities for shore fishing.

Camp for the Night

Choose a nearby campground such as:

• Meadowlark Lake Campground
• West Tensleep Campground

Evening

Watch for:

• Mule deer
• Moose
• Wild turkeys
• Bald eagles

Enjoy a campfire if conditions and restrictions allow.

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Day 2: Cloud Peak Wilderness Exploration

6

Early Morning

Have breakfast at camp and head toward the western trailheads near the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Hiking Option: Lost Twin Lakes

The hike to Lost Twin Lakes is among the most popular day hikes in the area.

Highlights include:

• Alpine lakes
• Mountain streams
• Wildflowers
• Granite peaks

Bring:

• Plenty of water
• Bear spray
• Layers for changing mountain weather

Lunch

Enjoy lunch lakeside.

Afternoon

Continue exploring the wilderness area or return to camp and spend the afternoon fishing nearby streams and lakes.

Popular fishing waters include:

• South Fork of the Powder River
• West Tensleep Lake area
• Numerous small alpine lakes

Evening

Return to camp for a relaxing evening under exceptionally dark skies.

The Bighorns offer outstanding stargazing opportunities, with the Milky Way often visible on clear summer nights.

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Day 3: West Tensleep Lake and Scenic Return

Morning Fishing

Start early at West Tensleep Lake.

The lake is one of the region’s premier fishing destinations and serves as a gateway to the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

Species may include:

• Rainbow trout
• Brook trout
• Cutthroat trout

Midday Sightseeing

Take time to enjoy:

• Lake overlooks
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography opportunities

Keep an eye out for:

• Moose
• Deer
• Marmots
• Mountain birds

Lunch

Enjoy a final mountain picnic before packing camp.

Afternoon

Break camp and descend through Ten Sleep Canyon.

Before heading home, stop in Ten Sleep for:

• Ice cream
• Coffee
• A meal at a local restaurant
• Souvenirs from local shops

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What to Bring

Camping

• Tent and rainfly
• Sleeping bags rated for mountain temperatures
• Camp stove
• Water containers
• Bear-resistant food storage

Fishing

• Wyoming fishing license
• Rod and tackle
• Landing net
• Polarized sunglasses

Hiking

• Hiking boots
• Trekking poles
• Bear spray
• Rain gear
• Sunscreen

Weather Note

Even during summer, temperatures above 8,000 feet can drop into the 30s and 40s overnight. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so always pack extra layers and rain gear.

This itinerary combines some of the best experiences the west side of the Bighorns has to offer: dramatic canyon scenery, high-country lakes, trout fishing, wilderness hiking, wildlife viewing, and peaceful camping in one of Wyoming’s most beautiful mountain ranges.

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