7 Hidden Hiking Trails in Sheridan, Wyoming: Local Secrets Revealed

The Red Grade Trail system offers what I consider the perfect introduction to Sheridan's hidden landscape. Unlike the more trafficked paths in the region, this network of interconnected trails provides a choose-your-own-adventure experience through varied terrain. What fascinates me most are the subtle traces of human history etched into the landscape—from faint wagon wheel ruts to stone circles left by Indigenous peoples centuries ago.

During my research visit, I spent a misty morning hiking the 3.2-mile Hidden Hoot Loop with Pallas. The trail gains approximately 400 feet in elevation, offering stunning views across the plains while remaining accessible to intermediate hikers. I was particularly struck by the acoustic properties of a natural bowl formation about two-thirds of the way up—where even whispered words seem to carry across the space with remarkable clarity.

Before setting out, I applied my trusty natural insect repellent, which kept the summer mosquitoes at bay without the harsh chemical smell of conventional sprays. The scent blends beautifully with the sage and pine that dominate the landscape.

My academic curiosity was particularly piqued by Soldier Creek Trail, a 4.5-mile out-and-back path that receives minimal foot traffic despite its extraordinary geological features. The trail follows an ancient creek bed where erosion has exposed rock layers spanning hundreds of millions of years—a veritable textbook of Earth's history written in stone.

What makes this trail special is the presence of several small caves and overhangs that once provided shelter to both Indigenous peoples and later, to soldiers from nearby Fort Phil Kearny in the 1860s (hence the trail's name). I spent an afternoon documenting the surprising acoustic properties of these natural shelters, finding that even the smallest cave amplifies sound in ways reminiscent of purposefully designed ancient structures I've studied in Greece and Peru.

The trail climbs steadily but not steeply, gaining about 600 feet in elevation. While hiking here, I was grateful for my water filter bottle which allowed me to safely refill from Soldier Creek itself, extending my exploration time without carrying excessive weight.

While technically outside Sheridan proper, this lesser-known approach to the famous Medicine Wheel deserves inclusion for couples seeking a more intimate experience of this sacred site. Most visitors drive directly to the Medicine Wheel parking area, but I discovered a local secret: a 3-mile trail beginning near Bald Mountain Campground that approaches the site from the west, offering solitude and spectacular vistas.

As an anthropologist, I find this approach particularly meaningful as it mirrors the traditional pilgrimage routes used by Indigenous peoples for centuries. The trail climbs gradually through alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer months, eventually offering views that extend for nearly 100 miles on clear days.

The final approach to the Medicine Wheel itself feels ceremonial—an experience entirely different from the standard tourist visit. I recommend packing a lightweight blanket to sit in quiet contemplation at one of the viewpoints along the way. Mine has accompanied me to sacred sites worldwide and provides both practical comfort and a sense of respectful space-creation when visiting culturally significant locations.

My professional interest in architectural acoustics drew me repeatedly to Tongue River Canyon, where the interplay of flowing water and towering limestone walls creates fascinating sound phenomena. While the main trail is fairly well-known, few hikers venture beyond the first mile, missing what locals call the 'Whispering Gallery'—a curved rock formation where sound travels in unexpected ways.

The full trail extends 4 miles into the canyon, following the crystal-clear Tongue River upstream. After the 2-mile mark, the path becomes less defined and requires occasional stream crossings. It was during one such crossing that Pallas and I discovered a small side canyon where our voices echoed with such clarity that it rivaled engineered performance spaces I've studied.

I recommend sturdy water shoes for this trail, as the multiple stream crossings are unavoidable. My Keens provided excellent grip on slippery rocks while draining quickly between crossings—far superior to attempting this route in regular hiking boots that would remain waterlogged.

Perhaps my most treasured discovery near Sheridan was this challenging 6-mile round-trip hike to an abandoned fire lookout tower. Dating to the 1930s CCC era, the tower stands as a testament to early conservation efforts in the region. While the tower itself is locked, the clearing surrounding it offers unobstructed 360-degree views—making it the premier stargazing location in the region.

Pallas and I hiked up one afternoon, carrying camping gear to legally dispersed camp near (not on) the tower site. The trail gains nearly 1,200 feet in elevation through dense pine forest before emerging at the panoramic summit. What makes this experience special is the combination of cultural history and natural splendor—the tower itself represents a fascinating period in American conservation history, while the location offers unparalleled connection with the night sky.

For this overnight adventure, my ultralight tent proved invaluable, offering protection from the elements while weighing under 2 pounds in my pack. For serious stargazers, I also recommend bringing a red light headlamp to preserve your night vision while navigating after dark.

Local ranchers pointed me toward this unmarked gem—a series of natural hot springs nestled in a small valley approximately 7 miles from town. Unlike the developed hot springs in the region, these pools remain primitive and unknown to most visitors. The 2-mile access trail is deliberately unmarked and requires careful navigation.

Out of respect for both the landowners who permit limited access and the delicate ecosystem, I won't provide exact coordinates here. Instead, I recommend striking up conversations with locals at Sheridan's Black Tooth Brewing Company, where friendly residents might share directions if you demonstrate genuine appreciation for conservation principles.

The three interconnected pools vary in temperature from approximately 95°F to 104°F, perfect for soothing tired hiking muscles. The mineral content leaves skin feeling remarkably soft, while the surrounding meadow often hosts deer and elk at dawn and dusk. During my visit, I used my packable microfiber towel which dried quickly between soaks and packed down tiny in my daypack.

My academic interest in human relationships with ancient spaces drew me to this remarkable 3-mile loop trail surrounding Sibley Lake. While the lake itself is a popular fishing spot, few visitors explore the surrounding old-growth forest that contains trees dating back 300+ years. The trail weaves through these ancient sentinels, including several massive ponderosa pines that were already mature when the first European settlers arrived in the region.

What makes this trail particularly special is the presence of culturally modified trees—pines whose bark was carefully harvested by Indigenous peoples for food and medicine, leaving distinctive scars that have healed over decades or centuries. These living artifacts provide tangible connections to traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable harvesting practices.

The trail itself is relatively flat, making it accessible for most fitness levels. I found myself moving slowly, however, as each ancient tree seemed to demand quiet contemplation. For proper identification of these remarkable specimens, I relied on my tree identification guide, which includes special sections on culturally modified trees and their significance.