Are You Adventurous at Heart? Explore Stargazing, Dude Ranches, and More in Wyoming

Just outside Bighorn National Forest, Sheridan, Wyoming, embodies a true four-season city deeply rooted in its Old West heritage. With a multitude of outdoor adventures and winter sports to enjoy in its expansive landscapes, along with a vibrant craft scene, visiting Sheridan is like stepping into the living history of gunslingers, cattle drivers, and artisans from the dawn of the American West.

During winter, Sheridan’s backcountry flourishes, providing the ultimate opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate through stargazing, moonlit skiing, and warm campfires under new blankets of snow. Preserved parks like Cloud Peak Wilderness and Sibley Lake make perfect spots for rock climbing, ice fishing, or watching Wyoming’s wildlife in its natural environment (safely, of course). For both collectors and casual shoppers, the handmade, high-quality crafts found in downtown Sheridan’s boutiques reflect the rich culture that thrives here, keeping the legend of the West vibrant and alive.

Stargazing in Sheridan

As night descends on the Great Plains, you might be tempted to explore one of Sheridan’s vibrant pubs or distilleries, or retreat to your snug bed in one of the city’s historic inns. However, the breathtaking experience of gazing up at the constellation-filled skies is truly unmatched.

Fortunately, you don’t have to venture far to witness this beauty, as millions of stars sparkle just beyond the Sheridan city limits. The Fort Phil Kearny State Historic Site, a former military outpost pivotal in Red Cloud’s War (1866-1868), now serves as a vast State Park housing the SkyLab observatory, where visitors can peer deep into the cosmos.

Even without modern tools, in this land free from light pollution, countless opportunities arise to contemplate the celestial wonders above. The Tongue River Canyon is ideal for rock climbing and fly fishing by day (with eagle sightings at Welch Ranch), and it transforms into a stunning location for star watching at night. Similarly, Sibley Lake hosts the Black Mountain Nordic Ski Club during winter, featuring various night events like Moonlight Ski gatherings. Additionally, the Red Grade Trails, situated 8,000 feet above sea level, provide excellent options for night biking beneath the vast cosmic sky, while Cloud Peak Wilderness offers hikers fantastic viewpoints from its many trailheads.

Outdoor escapades and dude ranch experiences

For those eager to challenge themselves, the aptly named Solitude Loop Trail presents backpackers with 60 miles of open terrain to traverse in the Cloud Peak Wilderness over 4-6 days. This route provides excellent opportunities for alpine ice and rock climbing—specifically for the most skilled climbers—along Thundercloud Arete and the East Ridge of the Merlon, a steep granite face adjacent to Cloud Peak.

The Bighorn Scenic Byway is a driveable path that winds through the stunning canyons and waterfalls of Bighorn National Forest, offering plenty of trails like the one from Dayton to Shell that are worth exploring on foot. Sibley Lake features a moderate 2.3-mile hike from Nordic Trails to the Warming Hut, making it an excellent spot for trout fishing and moose sightings. Further north, near the Montana border, Amsden Creek and Kern’s Wildlife Habitat Management Areas provide fantastic opportunities to see Wyoming’s diverse wildlife, including mule deer, elk, and up to 80 species of birds.

Unsure of how to navigate all this natural beauty? Bighorn Mountain Guides are available to ensure you make the most of your experience in the region. For aspiring cowboys and cowgirls, Eatons’ Ranch, Canyon Ranch, and Double Rafter Cattle Drives offer excellent introductions to western life, albeit with a more gentle approach.

Exploring handmade crafts

For generations, Sheridan’s artisans have been equipping adventurers with essential gear to tackle the challenges of the great outdoors. To prepare for your own journey into Wyoming’s wilds, King’s Saddlery stands as a trusted source for ropes, saddles, hats, and various tack, while King’s Museum unveils the rich history of this vital American craft.

For knives and holsters that combine beauty with reliability, KAW Rawhide & Steel draws on Kevin Wiley’s two decades of crafting expertise. Meanwhile, Tom Balding Bits and Spurs has been providing horses and riders with top-quality handmade gear since 1984.

As a key addition to the unmissable Brinton Museum, The Brinton Leather Shop showcases the astonishingly detailed leather creations of master carver Jim Jackson, perfect for anyone seeking a unique belt, purse, or wallet. To complete your look, check out Western Grace, featuring Jesse Call’s bespoke clothing line.

To experience the creative energy that Sheridan ignites in its residents, make your way to Red Bison Studio and SAGE Community Arts. Here, you’ll discover an array of handmade ceramics and fine art that capture the spirit of the West, ready to bring that essence into your home.

There are countless ways to embrace adventure in Sheridan, whether it’s encountering Wyoming’s magnificent wildlife, gazing up at the stars, wandering through breathtaking wilderness, or tapping into the vibrant creativity that flourishes here.