Wild West Wilderness: Exploring Sheridan's Bighorn Mountain Trails & Vistas

Nestled at the foot of the Bighorns, Sheridan combines authentic Western charm with all the practical amenities families need for a mountain adventure. The town itself deserves at least a day of exploration before heading up into the mountains.

Start at King's Saddlery downtown—part working tack shop, part museum—where my step-kids were mesmerized by the intricate leather craftsmanship and collection of historic saddles. The Sheridan WYO Rodeo (mid-July) offers another immersive Western experience if your timing aligns.

For accommodations, I recommend bypassing the chain hotels for the historic Sheridan Inn where Buffalo Bill once auditioned acts for his Wild West Show. For families needing more space, consider the large vacation rentals available throughout the area, which provide room to spread out after long days of hiking.

Before heading up the mountain, stock up on supplies at the Sheridan Farmers Market (Thursdays in summer) and Good Health Market for trail snacks. My occupational therapist tip: Sheridan's Sportsman's Warehouse offers affordable trekking poles that can be game-changers for family members with joint issues or balance concerns.

The beauty of the Bighorns lies in their variety—offering everything from wheelchair-accessible boardwalks to challenging summit hikes. For families with mixed abilities or younger children, I always recommend starting with these gems:

Tongue River Canyon Trail: This gentle 2-mile (one-way) path follows the river with minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for families with small children or those using mobility aids. The canyon walls provide shade during summer afternoons, and the river access points offer natural cool-down spots.

Sibley Lake Loop: At just under a mile on a well-maintained path circling a picturesque mountain lake, this trail includes several accessible fishing platforms. My partner's daughter caught her first trout here last summer, a memory she still talks about constantly.

Bucking Mule Falls Trail: At 4 miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain, this trail rewards hikers with spectacular waterfall views. The path is wide enough in most sections to walk side-by-side, facilitating those important trail conversations that seem to happen naturally in the mountains.

For families with older children seeking more challenge, the 7.5-mile Medicine Mountain/Medicine Wheel trail offers both physical challenge and cultural significance. The ancient Native American medicine wheel at the summit provides an opportunity to discuss indigenous history and spiritual practices.

Don't forget proper footwear—I've seen too many family hikes cut short by inappropriate shoes. The hiking boots have been my go-to recommendation for clients and family members alike, offering ankle support without requiring extensive break-in time.

As an occupational therapist specializing in adaptive recreation, I'm passionate about helping families with diverse abilities experience wilderness together. The Bighorns offer several excellent options for those with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities.

The Shell Falls Interpretive Site features a fully accessible quarter-mile paved trail with ramps leading to spectacular waterfall viewpoints. The visitor center staff are notably helpful with accessibility information and have tactile exhibits for visually impaired visitors.

For families managing sensory processing challenges, the quieter North Highway (US-14A) access points typically have fewer visitors than the more popular South Highway (US-14) areas. The Burgess Junction Visitor Center makes an excellent sensory-friendly rest stop with clean, spacious restrooms and indoor exhibits for when outdoor stimulation becomes overwhelming.

If someone in your family uses a wheelchair or mobility device, consider renting an all-terrain wheelchair for your visit. While not locally available in Sheridan (yet—I'm working on changing that!), the beach wheelchair can handle many of the smoother Bighorn trails when brought from home.

My professional tip: Always call the Bighorn National Forest office (307-674-2600) before your trip to get current trail conditions and specific accessibility information. Rangers can recommend trails that match your family's specific needs and abilities.

While the mountain trails are undoubtedly the star attraction, Sheridan offers plenty of other family-friendly activities to round out your week-long adventure.

The Brinton Museum in nearby Big Horn combines Western art with beautiful grounds perfect for picnicking. Their collection of Native American artifacts provides cultural context for the landscapes you'll be exploring.

After a day of hiking, treat the family to Kendrick Park Ice Cream Stand—a local institution serving generous scoops since 1949. The adjacent park has a small but fascinating wildlife exhibit featuring bison and elk.

For rainy days, Sheridan Stationery, Books & Gallery on Main Street has an excellent children's section with local-interest books. I found a beautiful picture book about Wyoming wildlife here that my step-daughter now knows by heart.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore Sheridan's vintage and thrift stores—a personal passion of mine since meeting my vintage-dealer partner. Bought Beautifully offers fair-trade gifts with global impact, while Windrider Vintage has unique Western wear that makes for memorable souvenirs.

For family dining, Cowboy Café serves hearty portions in a kid-friendly atmosphere. My step-son still talks about their buffalo burger as the best he's ever had. For picnic supplies, stop by Sackett's Market for their famous sub sandwiches—perfect for packing in your insulated backpack cooler for trailside lunches.

The Mint Bar—while primarily a saloon—welcomes families during daytime hours and offers an authentic glimpse of Western bar culture with its impressive wildlife mounts and historic photos.

The Bighorns demand respect when it comes to weather and wildlife—two factors that can make or break a family adventure. Even in summer, mountain temperatures can swing dramatically, with afternoons bringing thunderstorms and evenings requiring layers.

My occupational therapy background has taught me the importance of proper gear for comfort and safety. Always pack the rain jacket for each family member—afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly in the mountains. I've learned this lesson the hard way!

For wildlife viewing (and safety), a good bear spray is essential. While bear encounters are rare, being prepared prevents panic. Store it in an accessible holster, not buried in your backpack.

The Bighorns host impressive wildlife including moose, elk, black bears, and mule deer. Bring children's binoculars so younger family members can safely observe animals from appropriate distances. The Junior Ranger program available at visitor centers includes excellent wildlife identification activities.

Water safety deserves mention too—mountain streams run cold and fast even in summer. The water filter allows safe drinking from streams when your water bottles run low, preventing dehydration on longer hikes.

Lastly, sun protection is crucial at higher elevations. Beyond sunscreen, consider sun protective clothing for children, as reapplying sunscreen during active days can be challenging.