Tongue River Canyon Trail — Complete Hiking Guide Near Sheridan Wyoming
The canyon that surprises everyone. Narrower than it looks on maps. Red and grey limestone walls several hundred feet high.
Dalton Goodyear · April 2026 · 8 min read
This is the most-hiked trail near Sheridan — and the one that makes people stop mid-stride and look up. The canyon is narrower than it looks on any map. Red and grey limestone walls rise several hundred feet on both sides. The river is cold and clear. Twenty minutes from downtown, and it feels like a different world.
Trail Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 7 miles out-and-back (shorter turnarounds available) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation gain | ~700 ft |
| Time | 2–4 hours depending on pace |
| Trailhead | Off Hwy 14, ~20 min from downtown Sheridan |
| Parking | Pull-over area at trailhead |
| Dogs | Welcome on leash |
| Bikes | Not recommended |
| Season | May–October (check snow in spring) |
Getting There
From Main Street Sheridan, take Highway 14 west toward Dayton. The drive follows the Tongue River through increasingly dramatic foothills. About 20 minutes from town, you'll see the trailhead pullout where other vehicles are parked. There's no formal parking lot — pull over where others have. The trailhead is obvious.
What to Expect
The first mile is pleasant but unremarkable — river on one side, hillside on the other. Around mile 1.5, the canyon begins to tighten. The limestone walls close in. The light changes. This is where the trail transitions from "nice hike" to "unforgettable."
The canyon walls are layered — red, grey, and cream limestone formations that tell millions of years of geological history. The river narrows and the acoustics shift. Birds echo off the walls. In spring, waterfalls appear on the canyon faces that aren't there in August.
Continue as far as you like — the full out-and-back is 7 miles, but every mile deeper into the canyon rewards you. The return trip is worth doing slowly. The light is completely different coming back, and you'll notice features you missed on the way in.
Tongue River Canyon is the hike that makes people extend their trip. Twenty minutes from Main Street, and you're standing between walls of limestone that haven't changed in 300 million years.
— Wyo Stays Team
Shorter Options
Not everyone wants a 7-mile day. The 2-mile out-and-back to the first canyon narrowing is excellent — you get the dramatic walls without the full commitment. Families with younger kids often turn around here and feel satisfied.
After the Hike
The canyon sits between Sheridan and Dayton. If you're heading toward Dayton, stop for lunch at one of the local spots. If heading back to Sheridan, Black Tooth Brewing is the right answer — cold beer after a canyon hike is a Sheridan tradition.
The Tongue River Winery is nearby if wine is more your speed.
What to Bring
Water (at least 1 liter per person), sunscreen, sturdy shoes with traction, and a camera. The canyon is photogenic at every turn. In spring, bring layers — the canyon floor is cooler than the surrounding landscape. Water shoes are useful if you want to explore the river.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tongue River Canyon Trail is rated moderate. The path follows the river with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles (7 miles round trip). The terrain is mostly packed dirt with some rocky sections. It's manageable for most hikers with basic fitness. Shorter turnarounds are possible at any point.
Tongue River Canyon trailhead is approximately 20 minutes (about 15 miles) west of downtown Sheridan along Highway 14, heading toward Dayton. The drive follows the Tongue River through the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.
Swimming is possible in some deeper pools along the Tongue River in the canyon, though the water is cold year-round as it flows from mountain snowmelt. The river is better suited for wading and rock-hopping. There are no designated swimming areas — use caution and watch for swift currents during spring runoff.
Yes. Dogs are welcome on Tongue River Canyon Trail but must be kept on leash. The trail can get warm in summer, so bring extra water for your dog. The river provides cooling opportunities along the way.
May through October offers the best conditions. Early summer (June) has wildflowers and full water flow. Fall (September–October) brings golden aspens and cooler temperatures. Avoid spring runoff in April–May when the river is high and trails can be muddy. Check for snow conditions in early spring.
Stay Near the Canyon
Our Dayton and Story properties put you minutes from the trailhead.
Browse Mountain Stays