When the Cloud Peak Wilderness was established in 1984, it set aside nearly 200,000 acres of pristine vehicle-free wilderness for hikers and campers to enjoy. To this day, many consider a trek through Cloud Peak to be the best hike near Buffalo, Wyoming, no matter which trail you end up taking. One exciting and fairly short trail starts off at the Circle Park trailhead and takes you to see two scenic alpine lakes: Sherd Lake and Long Lake of Wyoming.
The Cloud Peak Wilderness in the Bighorn Mountains is a backcountry hiker’s paradise. With no roads for miles, you’ll have nothing but yourself and the trail to enjoy.
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
One of the best lake hikes in Wyoming takes you to both Sherd Lake and Long Lake, and it’s a pretty underrated trek.
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
You’ll likely have company on the way to Sherd Lake, as this is considered one of the most rewarding hikes near Buffalo, Wyoming.
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
It’s not the simplest hike in the state, but the views along the way are worth any effort exerted. These Wyoming lakes are spectacular, and everyone should make the effort to check them out.
Alltrails / Heide Kaser
Sherd Lake makes for a perfect picnic destination on your way to see Long Lake.
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
If it’s hot out, you can wade in the crystal clear alpine waters, too! This is one of the best lakes in Wyoming.
Alltrails / Clayton Hanson
From the trailhead, stay on Trail #46. Once you get to Sherd Lake, take Trail 47 for until you discover Long Lake!
Alltrails / Heide Kaser
The rocky shoreline of Long Lake isn’t great for setting up camp, but if you bring your fishing poles, you’ll certainly reel in some dinner.
Alltrails / Zach Blazek
Overall, this gorgeous hike is about 6 miles out and back, and you’ll catch breathtaking views of alpine lakes and of Cloud Peak itself on the way! These are two of the best lakes in Wyoming and you’ll be glad that you took this hike.
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
You’ll soon understand why many consider the trek to Sherd Lake and Long Lake to be the best hike near Buffalo, Wyoming! Head out for a day in the woods… and don’t forget your bear spray!
Alltrails / Heidi Greer
Alltrails / Heide Kaser
Alltrails / Clayton Hanson
Alltrails / Zach Blazek
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Address: Sherd Lake, Wyoming 82834, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Long Lake, Wyoming June 18, 2022 Christy Articola What else is there to do near Buffalo, Wyoming? This part of the state is rich in both beauty and history. Besides exploring Wyoming lakes in this area, you can also enjoy this area by swimming, eating well, horseback riding, drinking local brews, visiting museums, and camping. Check out this post that tells about some of the activities you and your companions might enjoy in Buffalo: There’s a Reason This Little Town Is A Favorite Of Wyoming Natives And You’ll Love It Too What other lakes are there to see and hike to in the Cloud Peak Wilderness? If you like Sherd Lake and Long Lake in Wyoming, then you’ll love Willow Lake also. This is one of the bluest and clearest lakes in Wyoming. It’s an eight mile round-trip hike but it’s well worth it! Learn more about it here: This Hidden Lake In Wyoming Has Some Of The Bluest Water In The State Can you recommend some other hikes in the Bighorn National Forest area in general? The Bighorn National Forest is beautiful and massive. There are countless trails here that you will love. You might enjoy a trip out to Shell Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state at 120 feet tall. Or you might like taking a hike to Crazy Woman Canyon, a spot that is vastly different than anywhere else in the state. Also, Bighorn National Forest is absolutely breathtaking in the fall! There is so much to see and do in Bighorn National Forest - you might as well come back to this area year after year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Long Lake, Wyoming
June 18, 2022
Christy Articola
What else is there to do near Buffalo, Wyoming? This part of the state is rich in both beauty and history. Besides exploring Wyoming lakes in this area, you can also enjoy this area by swimming, eating well, horseback riding, drinking local brews, visiting museums, and camping. Check out this post that tells about some of the activities you and your companions might enjoy in Buffalo: There’s a Reason This Little Town Is A Favorite Of Wyoming Natives And You’ll Love It Too What other lakes are there to see and hike to in the Cloud Peak Wilderness? If you like Sherd Lake and Long Lake in Wyoming, then you’ll love Willow Lake also. This is one of the bluest and clearest lakes in Wyoming. It’s an eight mile round-trip hike but it’s well worth it! Learn more about it here: This Hidden Lake In Wyoming Has Some Of The Bluest Water In The State Can you recommend some other hikes in the Bighorn National Forest area in general? The Bighorn National Forest is beautiful and massive. There are countless trails here that you will love. You might enjoy a trip out to Shell Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state at 120 feet tall. Or you might like taking a hike to Crazy Woman Canyon, a spot that is vastly different than anywhere else in the state. Also, Bighorn National Forest is absolutely breathtaking in the fall! There is so much to see and do in Bighorn National Forest - you might as well come back to this area year after year!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
This part of the state is rich in both beauty and history. Besides exploring Wyoming lakes in this area, you can also enjoy this area by swimming, eating well, horseback riding, drinking local brews, visiting museums, and camping. Check out this post that tells about some of the activities you and your companions might enjoy in Buffalo: There’s a Reason This Little Town Is A Favorite Of Wyoming Natives And You’ll Love It Too
What other lakes are there to see and hike to in the Cloud Peak Wilderness?
If you like Sherd Lake and Long Lake in Wyoming, then you’ll love Willow Lake also. This is one of the bluest and clearest lakes in Wyoming. It’s an eight mile round-trip hike but it’s well worth it! Learn more about it here: This Hidden Lake In Wyoming Has Some Of The Bluest Water In The State
Can you recommend some other hikes in the Bighorn National Forest area in general?
The Bighorn National Forest is beautiful and massive. There are countless trails here that you will love. You might enjoy a trip out to Shell Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the state at 120 feet tall. Or you might like taking a hike to Crazy Woman Canyon, a spot that is vastly different than anywhere else in the state. Also, Bighorn National Forest is absolutely breathtaking in the fall! There is so much to see and do in Bighorn National Forest - you might as well come back to this area year after year!
