Exploring Big Horn National Forest in Wyoming
To say Big Horn National Forest caught us off guard would be an understatement. We were trying to find a route to get us to Yellowstone National Park from Devil’s Tower National Monument and we wanted to split up the drive. Turns out Buffalo, WY is about smack dab between the two.
Unexpected Beauty
I can see why people around the Buffalo area are keeping Big Horn National Forest a secret, but I apologize because I am going to share it with the world! (ok, maybe just the few that follow our blog) Big Horn National Forest caught us by surprise for that very reason though. Unless you are from the area or somewhere reasonably nearby, the National Parks really do hog all the attention for most of Wyoming.
Sure Devil’s Tower National Monument is cool and I SUPPOSE Yellowstone National Park has a couple things going for it as well, but this has to be one of the most under-rated places we have visited thus far.
We only got to visit a VERY small portion of this forest, but the parts we did see really captured our eyes and took our breath away.
Circle Park Trailhead
Our adventure from within Big Horn National Forest starts at the Circle Park Trailhead. Locals must know about the area pretty well because the parking lot was packed when we got there. There was literally one non-RV spot left and we took it without a smudge of regret. (Had to enter in a do not enter area to park there, but please do not sue us).
The views just getting up to this parking lot already made the trip more than worth it. The snow capped mountains in the distance and all the wild flowers and pines in the foreground make it a perfect place to get those epic photos you’ve been wanting all your life. Just us? Well, you are missing out.
This trail says it is about 3 miles round trip (out and back), but I think it might be a tad more. Mainly because I have no idea whether or not we took part of the loop, or just the straight shot to Sherd Lake. (Take a map unlike us).
Views from “Trail 46”
Although I still can’t tell you if we were truly on trail 46 or some other path, we made it to what I believe is Sherd Lake. Anyways, the views are ABSOLUTELY amazing once you get up to the lake. Until that point you will mostly be trying to glance between some thick pine trees (which is beautiful in its own way).
There is a false lake (…false peak?) before you actually reach Sherd Lake though. So if you see a lake covered in vegetation and looks a bit swampy, keep pushing forward because you aren’t to the epic views yet.
We ALMOST stopped right once we got to lake, being satisfied with our current views at the time. We didn’t though and I am glad we continue to swing around south a bit to see all different angles of the magnificent mountain peaks. I can only assume they were Bighorn Peak and Darton Peak off in the distance, but I cannot confirm or deny it.
Either way, it is absolutely beautiful and you won’t regret the extra quarter mile added to your hike.
Tips, Tricks, and Warnings
- Wear hiking shoes or boots or some kind. This is a really rocky trail and there were many locations where we could twist our ankles in some awkward positions.
- Bring a map. I thought my AllTrails app would lead me in the right direction, but silly me didn’t download the map beforehand. No cell signal = no map.
- I believe there might be black bear in the area, so probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring bear spray just in case. We didn’t really see much wildlife while exploring, but I’m sure it certainly exists.
- There is some barb wire along this trail I’m assuming to detour wildlife or something from certain regions of the forest, but you will have to either move it or duck around it. You do have to go through/around it though in order to continue on with the trail up to the lake.
- Bring a camera. Even if you don’t THINK you like taking photos, this place may just change your mind.
OTHER “NEARBY” ADVENTURES
Scotts Bluff National Monument
Favorite Hike at Rocky Mountain National Park
Alluvial Fan Rocky Mountain National Park
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
