Cloud Peak is a Wyoming thirteener and the highpoint of the Big Horn Range. It is the third highest range highpoint in the state and one of the Ultra-prominence points of the United States.

The mountain, a Wyoming landmark, is visible across great distances and from other mountain ranges of Wyoming and Montana as well as being visible from populated areas. It is the centerpiece of the Cloud Peak Wilderness and its giant east face harbors the largest glacier in the range (the Cloud Peak Glacier). Though the SW Ridge is a long scramble, there are big wall climbs on both the East and SE faces.

The peak (and the SW Ridge route) are among the most popular ascents in the state. It is common to see several parties a day attempting the climb during the summer climbing season (July and August).

The north summit (12855') is known as "Kramer Point".

NOTE: The summit register on this peak is broken (July 06). If you are heading up, please restore. If you need help with this, just ask.

Speed ascent: Cloud was recently (4Aug06) tagged in 2:58 from West Tensleep trailhead.

Roads and Trails

The most popular approach is from the trailhead at West Tensleep Lake. From Buffalo, Wyoming take Highway #16 west to Deer Haven Lodge, just past Meadowlark Lake. Turn right onto FS #27 and follow seven miles to road end. (Deer Haven Lodge can also be reached by following US #16 east from Tensleep).
The Mistymoon Trail is followed for 8.5 miles to the Paintrock drainage and base of SW Ridge.
It's actually shorter to reach Mistymoon Lake from Battle Park trailhead. The drive is further but the road is still passable by auto. This trailhead, in fact, is currently being improved.
Cloud Peak is generally a 2 1/2-day climb from the trailhead.

Management and Regulations

Cloud Peak is managed by Bighorn National Forest.

Permit boxes are located at the trailhead. There is no fee for the wilderness permit. Aside from rescue location, the permit delineates the rules of wildrness use and travel in this hevaily used area. One of the main points is that there are no campfires permitted in this region. You must use backpacking stoves.

Note:
You can not camp adjacent to Lake Helen (or within 100 feet of Marion Lake or Mistymoon Lake).

Season & Conditions

The Big Horn Mountains melt out earlier than other Wyoming ranges. They also get snowstorms as early as the last week of August. Mosquitos appear in clouds from late June to mid-August. Afternoon/evening thunderstorms are frequent. A webcam illustrates current weather in the Cloud Peak Wilderness well south of Cloud Peak.

Sources/Bibliography

Bonney, O.H. (1977). Guide to the Wyoming Mountains, 3rd Ed.; Swallow Press. Chicago,IL.
Molvar, Erik (1999). Hiking Wyoming's Cloud Peak Wildreness; Globe Pequot Press. Guilford, CT.

Images



[ View Gallery - 26 More Images ]