Page Type: | Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon: | 44.33465°N / 107.22711°W |
GPX File: | Download GPX » View Route on Map |
Activities: | Hiking, Mountaineering |
Season: | Summer |
Elevation: | 11112 ft / 3387 m |
Peak 11112 ft rises to the southwest of Mistymoon Lake in the Big Horn Mountains of northern Wyoming. A trail starts at West Tensleep Lake Trailhead and goes 7.2 miles to Mistymoon Lake, which is often used as a basecamp for those who climb the 13171 ft Cloud Peak, the highest peak of the range. From Mistymoon Lake, easy grassy slopes can be hiked up to reach the summit of Peak 11112 ft.
From Buffalo, Wyoming, drive 46 miles west on Route 16 to West Tensleep dirt road. Drive the dirt road 7 miles north to West Tensleep Lake Trailhead. When I drove the road, it appeared well graded and passable by any vehicle.
After hiking 7.2 miles to Mistymoon Lake, you can go an additional 1.1 miles up grassy slopes to reach the summit of Peak 11112 ft
West Tensleep Trailhead Elevation: 9100 ft
Mistymoon Lake: 10250 ft elevation, 7.2 miles hike
Mistymoon Lake to the summit of Peak 11112 ft: additional 1.1-mile hike
September 8, 2024
Left the hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming at 6:30 AM (sunrise 6:40 AM). Had a 1:15 hour drive to West Tensleep Trailhead. It was very smoky/hazy, I suppose from the nearby grassland wildfires. The parking lot only had two empty spots left, although no one else was there except for my partner Ben. We were planning to establish basecamp at Mistymoon Lake to climb several of the area peaks over the next few days. By the time we got going, it was 8 AM. The big backpacks were feeling heavy. Elevation at the trailhead was 9100 ft.
Got on the trail which went by the West Tensleep Lake and then headed north in and out of a pine forest going up in elevation slowly. Everything had that autumn gold color. The smoky skies added to the orange hue. After 3.4 miles, we took a short break from carrying the heavy backpacks.
After 5.1 miles and at an elevation of 9990 ft, we reached Lake Helen and then Lake Marion. Cloud Peak and Bomber Mountain came to view. We went past 5-6 parties that were going back to trailhead making me hopeful that we could find a good campsite.
At 12.07 PM, 7.2 miles and 10240 ft elevation, we reached Mistymoon Lake.
The best campsite on the west side of the lake was taken. We set camp at a nice grassy place on the south side close to the creek that drained the lake.
Peak 11112 ft from our camp.
After a short nap, we left at 2:00 PM heading toward Peak 11112 ft.
Reached the summit at 2:48 PM and 1.1 mile of hiking. Looking west at Elke Mountain and Middle Paint Rock Creek.
Cloud Peak seen to the north/northeast.
Looking northeast at Cloud Peak, Bomber Mountain and Mistymoon Lake.
Walking down to basecamp. Mistymoon Lake, Cloud Peak and Bomber Mountain.
Peak 12329 ft and Lake Marion.
Mistymoon Lake and Cloud Peak.
Reached our basecamp at 3:40 pm. Spent the rest of the day by the shore of Mistymoon Lake.
Permit boxes are available at trailhead. All visitors must fill out a permit form. No fees.
Summer
Mistymoon Lake.