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- Cloud Peak
13,167 ft · Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming
Cloud Peak
Cloud Peak is a 13,167 ft peak in the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming. The standard route is the Via Mystymoon Trail: 22 mi, 5,337 ft of gain, Class 2.
Cloud Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,167 ft4,013 m
- RouteVia Mystymoon TrailClass 2
- Distance22 mi5,337 ft gain
- Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeBighorn MountainsWyoming
Climbing the Via Mystymoon Trail
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take US-16 west into the Bighorns and drive to the West Tensleep Lake area for the Mistymoon Trail. This is a long Class 2 route best done as an overnight, with miles of trail to Mistymoon Lake before a boulder scramble to the summit. Expect thin, high-altitude air, loose talus, and snow near the top into midsummer. Afternoon storms are frequent and dangerous on the open summit, so camp high and start your summit push before dawn. Carry a filter, warm layers, and navigation tools, as this is remote high country far from help. A free self-issue Cloud Peak Wilderness permit is required at the trailhead register.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Emergency Bivy
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
- Stream crossing
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- Low visibility
Quests with Cloud Peak
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Cloud Peak?
Cloud Peak is 13,167 feet (4,013 m) tall. It is in the Bighorn Mountains, Wyoming.
How hard is it to hike Cloud Peak?
The Via Mystymoon Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 22 miles with 5,337 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Cloud Peak?
Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Via Mystymoon Trail, covering 22 miles with 5,337 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Cloud Peak?
The Via Mystymoon Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 22 miles with 5,337 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Cloud Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cloud Peak reaches 13,167 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Cloud Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 13 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Cloud Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Cloud Peak?
The Via Mystymoon Trail starts at about 9,110 feet, roughly 4,057 feet below the summit.
Climb Cloud Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list