Steamboat Point Hike Wyoming: A Classic Bighorn Trail Guide
August 6, 2026 · 6 min read read · Wyo Stays Journal
A short, steep climb to a dramatic limestone outcrop overlooking the Bighorn Mountains, this trail runs roughly 1 to 1.5 miles round trip with about 600–800 feet of elevation gain. It's rated moderate to difficult for its length because of the steep pitch, but it's manageable for most hikers with decent fitness in under two hours.
We point guests here when they want a big payoff without committing to a full-day mountain hike. It's close to Highway 14, easy to find, and the view from the top — layered ridgelines and open sky in every direction — feels disproportionate to how little time it takes to get there.
How Hard Is the Steamboat Point Hike Wyoming Trail?
The Steamboat Point hike Wyoming trail is moderate to difficult, mainly because of the grade rather than the distance. The trail climbs steeply and steadily to the rock formation, with some loose scree and rock scrambling near the top. Sturdy shoes matter more than fitness level here — this is not a trail for flip-flops or worn-out sneakers.
Most hikers complete the round trip in 60–90 minutes at a relaxed pace, longer if you stop often for photos, which you will want to do. A few quick facts before you go:
- Round trip runs about 1 to 1.5 miles with 600–800 feet of gain.
- Expect loose scree and a short rock scramble near the summit.
- Budget 60–90 minutes at a relaxed pace.
- Early morning starts beat the afternoon thunderstorms common in midsummer.
Where Is the Trailhead?
Steamboat Point sits along US Highway 14, on the Bighorn Scenic Byway route between Dayton and Burgess Junction, roughly 30–35 minutes west of Sheridan by car. The pullout and trailhead are visible from the highway, marked by the distinctive rock formation itself rising above the tree line.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Round-trip distance | ~1–1.5 miles |
| Elevation gain | ~600–800 ft (estimate) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to difficult (short but steep) |
| Typical time | 60–90 minutes round trip |
| Drive from Sheridan | ~30–35 minutes via US-14 |
| Best season | Late spring through fall (snow lingers into June some years) |
When Is the Best Time to Hike Steamboat Point?
Late June through September is the safest window, once snow has cleared from the upper trail and the highway pass is fully open for the season. Locals know early morning is best in midsummer — you beat the afternoon thunderstorms that build over the Bighorns almost daily in July and August, and you get better light for photos from the top.
If you're planning a broader trip through the mountains, this pairs naturally with a full day driving the Cloud Peak Skyway, since Steamboat Point sits right along that same route.
Weather in the Bighorns can turn fast even on a bluebird morning. Locals check the forecast for Burgess Junction, not just Sheridan, since conditions at 8,000+ feet along US-14 run cooler and change quicker than in the valley. A trail that looks clear at 9am can have a thunderstorm rolling through by 1pm in July, which is another reason we push guests toward an early start.
What Will I See From the Top?
Sweeping views of the Bighorn range to the west, the Tongue River valley below, and on clear days, visibility stretching well into the Bighorn Basin. The rock formation itself is the main attraction — layered sedimentary rock that looks almost architectural, which is part of why it's one of the most photographed spots along the byway.
Most visitors linger at the top for 15 to 20 minutes taking photos before heading back down, and the descent generally moves faster than the climb since the loose scree that slows you on the way up works in your favor going the other direction. Bring a jacket even on a warm morning — the exposed rock at the summit catches wind that the trailhead below rarely sees, and the temperature swing between the parking pullout and the top can be noticeable even in July.
Wyo Stays is a licensed, insured Wyoming vacation rental brokerage, and our team fields more questions about this trail than almost any other quick Bighorn hike, mostly because the view-to-effort ratio is hard to beat anywhere else on the byway.
It can work for older kids and reasonably fit beginners, but the steep, loose sections near the summit call for caution and closer supervision than a flat nature trail. If you're traveling with young children or anyone unsteady on uneven ground, treat the top scramble as optional and turn back if conditions feel unsafe. We'd rather guests enjoy the lower two-thirds of the trail than push for a summit that doesn't feel right that day.
For an easier introduction to Bighorn hiking with the family, see our fall hiking guide for lower-elevation options with less exposure, or our earlier-season spring hiking guide for trails that open before Steamboat Point clears of snow.
What Should I Bring?
Bring more water than you think you need — the exposed rock holds heat and there's no shade on the upper trail. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are worth it given the loose footing near the top. A light jacket is smart even in summer, since wind picks up fast once you're exposed on the ridge, and Bighorn weather changes quickly. A trekking pole or two also helps on the loose scree near the summit, especially on the way down when footing gets trickiest.
Steamboat Point sits along the same corridor as several other Bighorn attractions worth combining into a day trip — the drive continues toward Burgess Junction and eventually the high country near Cloud Peak Wilderness. Our Sheridan Vacation Guide has more on stitching together a full Bighorn Mountains day, and browse our Sheridan-area stays if you need a base 30 minutes from the trailhead. Check current availability at book.wyostays.com before your hiking dates fill up.
Book direct at wyostays.com for a Sheridan-area stay that puts you 30 minutes from the trailhead, with real local knowledge on trail conditions instead of a generic OTA listing. Book Direct — No Channel Fees and put the savings toward a proper pair of trail shoes if you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How hard is the Steamboat Point hike? A: It's rated moderate to difficult for its short length, with a steep, sometimes loose trail leading to a rock scramble near the top. Sturdy footwear matters more here than overall fitness level.
Q: How long does the hike take? A: Most hikers complete the roughly 1 to 1.5-mile round trip in 60–90 minutes, longer with photo stops.
Q: Where is the trailhead located? A: Along US Highway 14 on the Bighorn Scenic Byway, about 30–35 minutes west of Sheridan between Dayton and Burgess Junction.
Q: Is Steamboat Point good for kids? A: It can work for older kids and fit beginners, but the steep, loose upper section requires caution. Treat the summit scramble as optional depending on conditions and comfort level.
Q: What's the best time of year to hike it? A: Late June through September is the most reliable window, once snow clears from the trail. Early morning hikes in midsummer help you avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the Bighorns.
Book direct at wyostays.com — skip the OTA fees and stay with a team that actually knows which trailheads are worth your time this season.