Cloud Peak Wilderness Loop

[RockyMntCol]

Hi all,

I'm working at putting together a 4 day 40ish mile loop through the cloud peaks wilderness that touches some of the highlights of the wilderness - map linked at the end.

I have a couple of main questions and I'm also looking for general feedback:

• How is the 4x4 road to Paint Rock Lake coming from the south? Cold Springs Road. I have 4Runner and I'm debating this more direct route vs. the longer route around the north.
• Dropping into Cloud Peak Lake from Cloud Peak - Can I get down the snowfield with only microspikes? Do I need microspikes or can I go around the snowfield?
• Bear safety - Debating on carrying bear spray and ursack vs. bear canister. I realize there are no grizzly bears here.
• Camp sites - planning to camp at marked locations - Mistymoon Lake, Middle Cloud Peak Lake, and Lake Elsa.
• Any significant deadfall that I should be aware of? Any insights that may derail my plans?

Click here to view on CalTopo

 

[Pringles]

I can’t address much of what you’ve asked about, but they are finding grizzlies in the Bighorns now. So whatever bear precautions you take, consider grizzlies might be in the equation.

 

[Dan Ky]

Hi all,

I'm working at putting together a 4 day 40ish mile loop through the cloud peaks wilderness that touches some of the highlights of the wilderness - map linked at the end.

I have a couple of main questions and I'm also looking for general feedback:

• How is the 4x4 road to Paint Rock Lake coming from the south? Cold Springs Road. I have 4Runner and I'm debating this more direct route vs. the longer route around the north.
• Dropping into Cloud Peak Lake from Cloud Peak - Can I get down the snowfield with only microspikes? Do I need microspikes or can I go around the snowfield?
• Bear safety - Debating on carrying bear spray and ursack vs. bear canister. I realize there are no grizzly bears here.
• Camp sites - planning to camp at marked locations - Mistymoon Lake, Middle Cloud Peak Lake, and Lake Elsa.
• Any significant deadfall that I should be aware of? Any insights that may derail my plans?

Click here to view on CalTopo

Hi @RockyMntCol, how was your trip in the Cloud Peak Wilderness? I am going there on Sept 8 for several days, planning to do the Edleman Creek area trail 025, then around 038 . How was your experience with the camp sites? And bears - I'm trying to decide whether to do a cannister. Any info would be great.

 

[futurafree]

Hi @RockyMntCol, how was your trip in the Cloud Peak Wilderness? I am going there on Sept 8 for several days, planning to do the Edleman Creek area trail 025, then around 038 . How was your experience with the camp sites? And bears - I'm trying to decide whether to do a cannister. Any info would be great.

I entered from the Hunter's Trailhead from the southeast and was very pleased with the easy access and perfect roads and short distance from Buffalo. I came across some outfitters who said the first grizzly was seen maybe the year before and was instantly shot and killed. I don't remember seeing any sign of bears and would think you'd be on the local news if you actually saw a grizzly there. I just used my Ursack like usual. Not all the connector trails on maps exist, but it wasn't a problem. I also cut across from Lake Elsa to Kearney Lake Reservoir off trail and it was exciting and shortened the route. Several groups at Willow Park reservoir, but maybe it was the weekend and close-ish to a road.

 

[Dan Ky]

I entered from the Hunter's Trailhead from the southeast and was very pleased with the easy access and perfect roads and short distance from Buffalo. I came across some outfitters who said the first grizzly was seen maybe the year before and was instantly shot and killed. I don't remember seeing any sign of bears and would think you'd be on the local news if you actually saw a grizzly there. I just used my Ursack like usual. Not all the connector trails on maps exist, but it wasn't a problem. I also cut across from Lake Elsa to Kearney Lake Reservoir off trail and it was exciting and shortened the route. Several groups at Willow Park reservoir, but maybe it was the weekend and close-ish to a road.

Thanks @futurafree . Sounds like you had a great trip.