Bighorn Mountains, WY

Rt. 14 to the west

 The Bighorn Mountains in Northern Wyoming jut abruptly from the rolling plains below. Two highways cut through the range: Rt.s 14 and 16 climb up and drop back down in bicycle-friendly fashion. There are five total climbs, each around 4500 ft. from bottom to top. Each climb shall be described in some detail below.

Route 14 from West: Starting steeply in a scenic canyon, you gradually climb out onto the open hills at higher elevation. A bathroom/parking lot 10 miles in also has a drinking fountain. The top of the climb is somewhat shallower but grades are fairly consistent throughout. Quite a slog at 18 miles in length. As you leave the canyon the surrounding mountains tower above, providing the best views.

Climbing Granite Pass out of the canyon (Rt. 14)

Route 14 from East: Another gradual climb, this road sticks to the side of the mountain. A number of twists and turns make lovely descending towards the bottom of the climb. The red road leads up into the mountains and then along the side of a deep valley. The last few miles include two smaller descents that are sure to discourage if discovered unexpectedly.

Route 14A: The toughest climb I've ever done. A 3.5 mile section at 10% in the middle makes lower gearing a near necessity. Unfortunately, I did not have such a luxury and my knees paid the price. As did my bike - the rear wheel's hub axle sheared apart near the top and required an early descent and new rear wheel. Approach this climb with a lightness of body, not mentality.  The descent is also challenging and I stopped frequently to cool my brakes. The best climb in the Bighorns, the curves and views take 14A to the next level of ascending. But bring low gears!

Route 16 from West: Another long, gradual climb. Starting out in a large valley, there are only a couple switchbacks before the ascent straightens out. Water can be found in campgrounds along the way but not directly by the road. Rollers near the top mean the average gradient betrays the steepness of some sections. Not a particularly difficult climb but takes time. I didn't do this ride (broken bike) but my brother did and reported back.

Rt. 16: Powder River Pass

Route 14 from East: Neither my brother nor I rode this but we drove down and took notes. Some very steep sections and several major descents hide a quite challenging climb. Hard to establish a rhythm with the changing grades. Very steep extended beginning. Steep again at the top. Make sure to recover a bit on the descents when you can.

Granite Pass

Trail to Mistymoon Lake

Rt. 14 from the East

Rt. 14A: the mountains that lay ahead

Switchbacks on Rt. 14A

Camping by Mistymoon Lake

View from Cloud Peak

Strava Files:
Bighorns Day 1: Granite Pass (Rt. 14) from both sides. Stopped early from the East because of a hornet in my jersey whose stings made breathing difficult.
Bighorns Day 2a: Rt. 14A - hard climb but you just keep pushing. Careful on the descent!
Bighorns Day 2b: Hike in to Mistymoon Lake - nice 6 mile hike. Bring bug repellent in summer: clouds of mosquitoes.
Bighorns Day 3: Climbing Cloud Peak from Mistymoon Lake and hike back out. Lots of climbing large boulders, no discernible trail most of the time.
Bighorns Day 3 Daniel: Powder River Pass from West. Scenic start, steepest through the middle. Rolling at top.

Author atop Cloud Peak