Cloud Peak Wilderness - West Tensleep to Lake Solitude

[@OutsidewithTom]

Very enjoyable video to watch while I ate breakfast. Thank you.

[@BryanDeLay]

You're welcome Tom! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@afrh9042]

Thanks for the video. Subscribed. Hiked this area twice and camped there once. My favorite piece of land in the entire country! Can't wait for summer to go back as much as I can!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks A FRH! Cloud Peak a fantastic wilderness.

[@graydogtreks]

I watch many trail vloggers but you are a cinematographer which makes all the difference.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you very much Nicholas!

[@copycatcarlton]

I have to agree with Nicholas your camera work is very good with good cometary! Thank you for taking us along!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Copycat Carlton!

[@NeilBertucci]

Great video! Doing this same hike in two weeks and this was super helpful. Thank you!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks! Hope you have a great trip.

[@rcz2023]

Awesome video! Thank You

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Rudy! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@brucecarroll4041]

Great to have a new video and another great one at that! Thanks Bryan! Your videos make my To Do List ever longer! :)

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Bruce! Just keep checking off your bucket list.

[@johnnyrussell8729]

Very envious. Wish I could see those places. Thanks for sharing.

[@BryanDeLay]

Glad you enjoyed the video Johnny!

[@spacerx]

Beautiful area. I went to the nearby Lost Twin Lakes in the same wilderness last summer. I'd love to go back and see Mistymoon and Lake Solitude too. I thought about seeing them while I was there, but I decided that I wanted to just relax and enjoy rather than walk non-stop, so I didn't get there. I'd love to climb and find the old airplane wreckage on Bomber too.

[@BryanDeLay]

Cloud Peak is a great wilderness and I been there a few times. I've never been to the plane wreckage, but I've crossed paths with people that were going up there.

[@toddgrant7190]

As I have come to expect: very nicely done. Thank you for uploading your video.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you very Todd!

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

Thanks, Bryan....your videos always stand out amongst all the others. Keep posting and sharing.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks BlackOak Property Maintenance!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Wow! It really pretty there. I did look a bit like the Winds. Glad you got this trip in and the smoke held off.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Catherine! Yes, Cloud Peak is almost as beautiful as the Winds.

[@ChrisfromFL]

So beautiful out there, I completely understand why you take a trip out there each year! Thanks for sharing!!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks ChrisfromFL! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jenstafford7692]

I probably missed you by a week! I camped at West Tensleep Lake and I dayhiked from camp to Mistymoon and back. I encountered many horse riders and many of them were concerned that I was hiking alone. I always find that funny. Next time, I think I’ll backpack this route with an overnight or two. I had no idea that it was so beautiful beyond Mistymoon. Thank you for taking me back and beyond!

[@BryanDeLay]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jen! Definitely you should go beyond Mistymoon Lake sometime.

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Wonderful video Bryan! You definitely captured the beauty of the area. Thanks for taking us along.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Chris! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@johnshaide6954]

Thank you Bryan, you're the best.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks John! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ChristineTX]

Really enjoyed this amazing video! Thanks for sharing your trip. Stunning footage!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you fitbeautyfun! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@JenniferLupine]

Wonderful wilderness! Such amazing rock formations and variety! Beautiful lakes, meadows and trees! Thanks Bryan! 👌👍👍

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Jennifer! The Big Horns Mountains are very beautiful.

[@CDAFishboy]

Thanks for the video. As always informative. I see Mistymoon is a bit more barren than I was reading. And Lake Solitude had trees and I read it was completely barren. I read Mistymoon was quite crowded. But not so much east or west.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks for watching CDAFishboy! Not sure why there is a difference in the videos of the two lakes and the written descriptions.

[@gunnyd2008]

Great video Bryan, thanks !

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Gunny!

[@waterfallmadman]

Incredible country, The Lakes and the waterfall too, very gorgeous. I can never get photos/video of wildlife either, I am always too slow. Ha ha.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks waterfallmadman! Yes, it's a beautiful mountain range.

[@nolanventures473]

Great job on this video. This is one of the most underrated wilderness areas for hiking in Wyoming. We have done cloud peak itself twice. But really enjoy the hike to Mistymoon and the cloud peak wilderness and all it has to offer. Keep up the great work!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Nolan! Yes, Cloud Peak is a great wilderness area.

[@RuggedMile]

We drove through Tensleep on our trip home from Yellowstone in June. We loved the area and are planning a similar hike for next summer! Thanks for sharing this Bryan!👍

[@BryanDeLay]

You're welcome Rugged Mike! Hope you get to do a hike in the Big Horns next summer.

[@DrJohn493]

Impressive scenery along this trail. Thanks for preview. A second 👍.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks John!

[@Far-Beyond-Ordinary]

Excellent video Bryan!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Far Beyond Ordinary!

[@whshome]

Great video and trip Bryan, I'd forgotten how much i liked that area. in 2003 Barbara Allen, John Finger and I hiked in from the same trailhead as you to Mistymoon Lake and spent two nights there, day hiking on the layover day up to the head of the valley just below Cloud Peak to the west.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Will! Before I got to Mistymoon Lake on my third day I saw some people hiking off trail up the valley and I assumed they were going to Cloud Peak.

[@daphnesears2012]

Stunning area and great video. We just got back from the Big Horns and feel in love with the area. You filmed the landscape beautifully. We are from the Southwest part of Virginia and have beautiful mountains as well however this area takes your breath. Ever turn is an "awe" moment. Great video.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Daphne! Yes the Big Horns are very beautiful, a different kind of beauty than the southern Appalachians. East Tennessee is where I live.

[@SectionHikingTheAT]

Looked like a great trip- outstanding video, Bryan! Just beautiful colors and angles. Bravo! 😎👍🏻

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Sweeps! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jamesmarquardt5233]

My favorite wilderness. I have been 12 times and feel every year I don't is one less opportunity in my life. As implied "summer" is only 4-6 weeks long here at best. Plan well, consider ultralight as shown here: tarp, light shoes, no cooking especially if like me at 73 one has creaky joints, but GO. I haven't found anywhere in the world as open and unvisited.

[@BryanDeLay]

Cloud Peak is very nice! I've done 5 backpacking trips there. My first trip was in 2004 and we did the 65 mile Solitude Trail loop in August and it was cold; snowed three times.

[@RapidGW]

As always great stuff

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks PowIdaho!

[@chadroberts44]

Nice, I will probably have to go check out that area. I've only driven through the Bighorns on the way to Sheridan. One time we road camped there and had bear scratches in the dirt by our tent. Never saw the bear but he got ahold of something I'm sure.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Chad! Hope you get to do a backpacking trip in Cloud Peak.

[@mikepeters2130]

Gorgeous scenery and excellent cinematography! Thanks for a worthwhile video! I hope you don't mind my mentioning that the mountain you thought might be Cloud Peak is actually Bomber Mtn, if I'm not mistaken. Bomber is covered by clouds in that shot. Cloud Peak is the dome-shaped peak on the left (the one in the shadow).

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Mike! I don't mind you correcting me at all.

[@IowaHiker]

Awesome video we are hoping g to head out there thus summer

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks IowaHiker! Hope you make to Cloud Peak and have a great time.

[@thomasgodar]

Hi Bryan! So, I'm planning my work hiatus / midlife existential crisis trip, and this is the second of your videos I've come across now. Big Horn has just gotten on my radar. Really enjoyed your Black Hills video and now plan to watch more of your content! I like the way you hike/camp. I'm currently thinking about 3 nights in the Badlands, 3-4 nights in the Black Hills, Black Elk area. Then up and over to Big Horn, Cloud Peak for 3-4 nights. From there, down to WY side of Medicine Bow, specifically the Snowy Range and adjacent areas for another 3-4 nights. That will pretty much wrap it up - but thinking maybe over to Sierra Madre, the WY north bit, for one or two more nights. Eventually making my way to Denver - with perhaps 1-2 nights in the State Forest / Rocky Mountain Parks as I make my way there, and assuming I like either of those places and they aren't too crowded. I expect to shorten or lengthen any hike based on if I am enjoying it. I'll also do a motel stay whenever I feel like it, or should weather encourage it. I'm pretty open ended on the timeline, if I really like a place I might stay a couple days and explore more. Got any advice for me along the lines of, "that spot that night was the most amazing place I've camped"? - considering the four main locations? Badlands, Black Hills, Big Horn, Medicine Bow? Or maybe suggestions on other places I should be looking at considering my flexible timeline? Should add, l live in Minneapolis. Mind if I asked where you are based out of? Thanks in advance! - Tom

[@BryanDeLay]

That sounds like a great trip Tom! For more info about Cloud Peak check out my first Cloud Peak Wilderness video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16pkKOpn6tpfdE. It's only pictures and my editing skills were not that great then, but it's a 65 mile loop on the Solitude Trail. Also I'd suggest that you consider the Wind River Range. There are several videos of the Winds on my channel and it's my favorite place to backpack in the west. It would be really difficult to decide which is the most amazing place I've ever camped. Finally, I live in east Tennessee, which is a great place for backpacking, although it's a different kind of beauty than the west.

[@thomasgodar]

@@BryanDeLay Thanks Bryan! Second person now to suggest Wind River Range. Going to check out that older video!

[@twagn]

Enjoyed👍

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Tom!

[@rtucker51]

Well done.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks BlueLine Trout!

[@markmcreynolds3984]

Great video Bryan, excellent job capturing the scenery. Thanks for sharing!! Interesting bear hang on night three?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Mark! There were not a lot of options for hanging a bear bag on the 3rd night. I had to hang it between two trees that were pretty far apart.

[@chriso5374]

Was there a few days ago. Unfortunately I only made it to Lake Helen. Due mostly to being ill prepared. Too much weight, bad backpack, underestimating the last trail before Lake Helen. I estimated Lake Helen to be 5 1/2 to 6 miles from the trailhead and Mistymoon an additional 1 to 1 1/2 miles. Any insight regarding that Sir? My son had little issue but as mentioned I struggled mightily. Returning in May,June with all 3 sons with a MUCH better plan. Wonderful informative video. I'm disappointed but still incredibly happy that we went. I shall return.

[@BryanDeLay]

Glad you got to do a trip in Cloud Peak. The good news is next time you'll be better prepared. Your miles are about right. Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@chriso5374]

@@BryanDeLay Many thanks.

[@RicG.]

Very nice hike and video. Thanks for sharing! Have been wondering why you prefer to sleep under a tarp vs. in a tent?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Ric! A tarp is lighter than a tent and has more room than a tent. Not including stakes, cords and stuff sack, this DCF tarp only weighs 12 oz. Also if it's raining for hours when I get to camp I'm not stuck in a small tent. There is lots of room and I can still see out and even watch the storm if I want to.

[@kenmcgill9551]

Look like an awesome trip! Thanks for sharing! I’m planning 2 days in the fall to trail run. Looking for recommendations on a route. Any suggestions? I’ll be base camping at west tensleep trailhead. Ideally each run would be 10-13 miles without significant scrambling. I realize elevation gain is inevitable but no need to summit any peaks. Thanks!!

[@BryanDeLay]

I'd suggest you get Trails Illustrated map 720, Cloud Peak Wilderness. Have a fun time this fall.

[@kenmcgill9551]

Thanks for the tip! I didn’t know about these maps. They look perfect for what I need. Keep up the awesome videos and adventures.

[@benjaminkennedy3913]

Wow, awesome video Bryan! I’m planning my first ever backpacking trip to Cloud Peak wilderness next month. Any pro tips?

[@BryanDeLay]

Thank you Benjamin! Some areas can be a little crowed, other than that have fun.

[@CDAFishboy]

Looks pretty dry! I was in the Winds about the same time thru half of Labor Day weekend. I was telling my hiking partner from Ohio that the Winds looked really dry. I was very disappointed for him to not see the wildflowers that are normally there. So what was your pack out weight on this trip

[@BryanDeLay]

Last year was very dry in the Winds and Cloud Peak. My pack weight for this trip was about 25 pounds.

[@allenstocks4943]

As always great video!!! Which camera and mic are you using? Great footage!!!

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks Allen! I'm using a GoPro Hero 8 Black with no additional microphone.

[@allenstocks6074]

Thanks Bryan. Looks and sounds great. Considering getting the Go Pro 9. Hope your doing well

[@nextaidstation3095]

Just wondering how many miles this was round trip? Looking for a hike to do next summer in the Big Horns, but a little pressed for time...

[@BryanDeLay]

It was about 39 miles.

[@LoftusRoadLad]

Difficulty rating? Elevation gain?

[@BryanDeLay]

There are a couple of short steep sections from Lake Solitude to Misty Moon Lake, but overall it's not a very difficult hike. The map I used is Trails Illustrated #720.

[@LoftusRoadLad]

@@BryanDeLay Cheers!

[@LoftusRoadLad]

Maps?

[@ethanphillips889]

Any need for permits when backpacking this Wilderness?

[@ethanphillips889]

Also, amazing video!

[@BryanDeLay]

No permits required Ethan. And thanks!

[@mikepeters2130]

As mentioned, no permits needed. But you do have to pack out your poo for at least most of this trail, and campfires are prohibited (stoves are ok).

[@ethanphillips889]

@@mikepeters2130 really? That’s strange, why’s that? At least for the packing your stool out.

[@mikepeters2130]

@@ethanphillips889 The West Tensleep Corridor sees a lot of traffic (relatively speaking) and the best places for a little privacy is around the lakes, where everybody camps. I assume the logic is that a) they don't want bacteria to find its way into the water and b) people are surprisingly terrible at digging cat-holes, so they may have gotten tired of used toilet paper coming up from the ground. Those are just my assumptions. For a list of wilderness regulations, see www.fs.usda.gov/detail/bighorn/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5162301 The list only states the rules, however. It doesn't say why they are in effect.

[@IowaHiker]

Can you have dogs on this trail?

[@BryanDeLay]

As far as I know dogs are allowed. I saw people hiking with dogs.

[@IowaHiker]

@@BryanDeLay good to know. We've got a weimaraner and a coonhound. I just joined your channel and I've seen you before on Joey's page. I really appreciate your videos. We will be making the trip from des moines to the black hills and the bighorns this summer. Not that many good videos from the those areas on KZbin so I really appreciate your work and all the awesome videos you've made. Thanks!

[@marktweet7395]

What about bears

[@BryanDeLay]

I'm sure they are there Mark, but I've never seen one in Cloud Peak Wilderness.

[@marktweet7395]

@@BryanDeLay good

[@dzjc01]

Love your videos, but let your guard down a little Bryan. Talk to the camera a little more. Starting to sound more like an ad for the chamber of commerce. It's okay to have views that suck, or days that are horrible. Gawd knows that as backpackers, there are days when you can't wait to get to camp and be done with the day.

[@BryanDeLay]

Thanks dzjc01! Your observations are Interesting. To be honest my energy level was a little low on this trip. We got smoked out of the Winds and had to cancel a 5 day trip in the Winds and a 6 day trip in Idaho. So subconsciously I was a little disappointed. Also I had been inhaling a lot of smoke for the previous 6 days and it zapped me physically. So yea I was not on top of my game for this trip.

[@dzjc01]

@@BryanDeLay So sorry to hear about the smoke issues. Yeah, I live and backpack in Colorado and the smoke has been hard to deal with here as well. Really hoping we get some much needed snow this winter.