20 minute drive to trailhead FROM DOWNTOWN SHERIDAN

Red Grade Trails System is a looping, non-motorized, year-round hiking and biking trail located on State and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. The trail system is funded entirely by grants and annual membership donations to Sheridan Community Land Trust.

Red Grade Trails start at approximately 7,800 feet and is 5.7 miles in length. It is of easy to moderate difficulty. As you go, you will wind through mixed conifer and aspen forest along the drainage of a year-round flowing stream, switch-back across an open bluff with exposed rock outcropping, sweep down into a prairie grass meadow, and climb up a steep gully to fantastic vistas. The trail offers stretches of shade in the warmer months, and on clear nights it allows spectacular views out along the face of the Bighorns, the valley and the city below.

Additionally, two gravel parking lots are available for trail users at the Base and Springs trailheads.

Dogs are welcome, although horses are prohibited on this current stretch of trail. Plans for equestrian and additional biking and hiking trails in the vicinity are underway.

Click for more info on the history of the trail and what you might see.

During mud season, partial trail closures may be implemented to protect the trail and the natural resources in the area. For closure information, call 307-673-4702 or check Sheridan Community Land Trust’s Facebook page.

Directions and Facilities:

Travel south on Highway 335 for approximately 10 miles from the intersection of Brundage Lane and Coffeen Avenue. The last half mile is a well maintained gravel road. High clearance is not necessary, although during winter months four-wheel drive is often required to reach the Base parking area.

Two parking areas (Base and Springs) and a restroom facility are available. A dog station is also located on the trail, although visitors are encouraged to pack out all refuse, including pet waste. Camping and fires are not allowed on State Land. Dispersed camping is allowed on Forest Service Land further up Red Grade road.

Please be courteous and use the bags provided to clean up after your dog.

Soldier Ridge Trail: Located in the foothills of the Bighorns, this 4-mile, non-motorized trail is perfect for a sunrise walk with your dog, trail run, horseback ride, or mountain bike ride. It offers beautiful 360 degree views and is located convenient to Sheridan. Bring a windbreaker during colder months and extra sunscreen and a hat during the summer as the trail follows the exposed ridge.

The Soldier Ridge Trail is located where pavement turns to gravel at the end of W 5th St., about a 5 minute drive from downtown Sheridan. When the road becomes gravel, take the second left (first left is a private driveway) and cross a cattle guard. Turn right into the trailhead parking area.

The Classic Soldier Ridge Trail is 4.1 miles and w completed in 2013. Ths trail was made possible through generous gifts from the Don Roberts Family and ERA Carroll Realty and was a combined conservation and recreation project. Read more about the two conservation easements that protect 1,154 acres along Soldier Ridge, a prominent landmark, on our Conserved Properties page.

Directions: From Sheridan, travel west on 5th Street (Hwy. 330) – about five minutes from downtown Sheridan. When the pavement turns to gravel, take the second left and cross a cattle guard. Turn right into the trailhead parking area.

Hidden Hoot Trail: This 3 mile lollipop trail traverses shaded draws, wetlands, and sweeping views of the Bighorns. It is perfect for running, hiking or for a bike ride.

Hidden Hoot connects to the Sheridan Pathway system for a wonderful opportunity to “get out in nature” while being in town.

Direction: From Sheridan, travel west on 5th Street just past the Y gas station to Blacktooth Park on your left. Park in the Park’s lot and travel the Sheridan Pathway south for 0.7 miles. Take a left through the gate onto Hidden Hoot.

This trail is the final 18 miles of the world renowned Bighorn Trail Run!  Runners competing in 100 mile, 52 mile, 32 mile and 18 mile distances descend the canyon in mid June. 

Most folks do this trail as a short in/out, going no more then the quarter mile to the bridge at the Tongue River Cave Trail and then turning back. This short section is definitely worth it, but there's more to offer for the more committed.

From the parking lot, you start out surrounded by huge limestone walls. The first two and a half miles of the trail runs along the river. Once you see the canyon in the distance, the river will cut south, and you'll stay higher in the open field in order to avoid the canyon.

After another mile, you'll cross Horse Creek. From here you'll power uphill through some patchy forest and then cruise on some relatively flat terrain. At around eight miles, you'll cross the north branch of the Tongue River and then enter the forest. The forest opens up into a large open field. The next dirt road you meet, turn left and ignore all the turn-offs until you arrive out at Highway 14.  

Black Mountain Lookout Trailhead leads to the historic Black Mountain Fire Lookout which was constructed in the 1930's. There are no facilities at this trailhead and parking is limited. The trail to the lookout is rated difficult.  Black Mountain Lookout Trail is a 3.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Dayton, Wyoming that features beautiful wild flowers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from June until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.