10 Wintertime Activities in Sheridan County
Wyoming offers a challenge to those who are willing to accept it in the winter months. That challenge is to brush off the cabin fever by experiencing the epic thrills this region of the west has to offer. Whether you are outdoor or indoor, Sheridan County has ample opportunity for you to find your new favorite hobby. Here are ten things to do during the months of the wintry wild west.
1. Sheridan Pathways
The Sheridan Pathways, with multiple access points, offer a convenient spot for biking, jogging, or walking your dog. These paved, winter-maintained trails provide 13 miles of routes to keep you active and build endurance for summer adventures in the Bighorn Mountains. Check out Go Fast Don’t Cry on Sheridan County Travel & Tourism’s YouTube channel and grab a map to plan your outing.
2. Fat Biking
As temperatures drop, biking in the Bighorns doesn’t have to end—fat biking keeps the adventure alive year-round. A fat bike from Sheridan Bicycle Company lets you enjoy trail riding even in winter, offering a fun way to exercise and explore snowy terrain. Try the Nordic ski trail at Cutler Hill for a great fat biking experience.
3. Downhill Skiing
Antelope Butte Mountain Recreation Area, just 62 miles from Sheridan on US-14, offers 23 runs and a 1,000-foot vertical rise for classic winter fun. New to skiing? Try their private or semi-private lessons to hit the slopes with confidence. Between runs, warm up in the lodge, and either rent gear from Adventure Sports Equipment or bring your own. Experience the thrill of downhill skiing in the stunning Bighorn National Forest!
4. Nordic Skiing
Experience the slopes of the Bighorns with Nordic skiing at Cutler Hill and Sibley Lake, two nearby trails offering endless winter fun. Cutler Hill features a 3-mile trail with elevations from 8,100’ to 8,600’, where dogs are welcome. Sibley Lake boasts 15 miles of trails ranging from 7,700’ to 8,400’. Both trails are well-marked with blue diamonds and maps at intersections for easy navigation. Together, they offer 18 miles of scenic skiing to satisfy your winter sport cravings.
5. Winter Fishing
As fall fades and winter sets in, some fishermen hang up their gear, but true enthusiasts embrace the cold and head to the ice. Ice fishing offers unique advantages, like accessing spots typically requiring a boat and enjoying less crowded waters. Popular locations include Lake De Smet, Sibley Lake, Kleenburn Pond, and Tie Hack Reservoir, all promising opportunities to break your personal record. Stay safe by checking ice thickness (at least 4 inches of clear, blue ice is ideal).
For those who can’t part with fly fishing, Sheridan County’s streams offer winter challenges. Unfrozen waters like the Tongue River in Tongue River Canyon, with steady rapids, remain open for fishing. Closer to town, Little Goose Creek and Big Goose Creek provide additional options to reel in a winter catch.
6. Sled Wyo
If high octane speed and mountain views across frozen terrain is the level of adventure that peaks your interest, then look no further than Sled WYO. Experience the mountain in a whole new way through their backcountry tours, scenic tours, and clinics. If you are a pro on a snowmobile, or have never touched a sled a day in your life, Sled WYO can accommodate you. Sled WYO also offers rental pick-up, drop-off, and trailer rental if needed. Either way, the thrills of snow machining can be felt through the elevation gained in the Bighorn National Forest.
7. Skijoring
If you’re missing the excitement of summer rodeo, the WYO Winter Rodeo is here to fill the gap with an epic event centered around skijoring. In this thrilling competition, a horse and rider pull a skier through a course of gates, jumps, and rings as they race for cash, buckles, and prizes. Skiers tackle jumps up to seven feet high, using simple tow ropes attached to western saddles.
The WYO Winter Rodeo features six competition categories: Open, Sport, Novice, Youth, Century, and Snowboard, making it an all-day winter spectacle.
8. Taking a Class
Looking to escape the cold? Try a cooking class at The Cottonwood Kitchen + Home or Verdello Olive Oil & Fine Foods. Learn new techniques to create hearty winter meals, with classes ranging from Italian to Asian cuisine and more. Save your favorite recipes and stock up on kitchen essentials while you’re there. Come hungry—enjoy your culinary creations with family or friends. Classes fill quickly, so register soon and check their websites for additional offerings.
9. Seeing a Live Show
As winter settles in, the show goes on at the WYO Performing Arts and Education Center! Offering a variety of performances, including music, dance, and other popular acts, the WYO provides entertainment to brighten cold days. Built in 1923 as the Lotus, a vaudeville theater, it entertained Sheridan families with live performances and films for nearly 60 years before closing in 1982.
Facing an uncertain future, the community rallied to save this historic landmark. Through dedicated leadership and generous contributions, the theater was not only preserved but also renovated into a stunning architectural gem and a vital performing arts hub for downtown Sheridan. Since reopening in 1989, the WYO has delivered countless hours of entertainment, cultural enrichment, and educational opportunities to the Sheridan area.
10. Mountain Lodges
For a weekend escape in the Bighorn National Forest, hit the backcountry trails and enjoy the snow. Rent a snowmobile at Elk View Inn or Bear Lodge Resort, where staff can guide you to the best tracks. Gear up there or visit Sheridan Sports Stop and Adventure Sports Equipment for winter essentials.
After the adventure, refuel with delicious eats at the lodges. Try Arrowhead Lodge’s smoked pulled pork nachos on US-14, Bear Lodge Resort’s wings, burgers, and homemade pie on US-14A, or Elk View Inn’s Coppermine Restaurant for a must-try meatball sub. Each lodge offers stunning mountain views and cozy accommodations for an extended stay.
Piper Steinmetz | Sheridan County Travel & Tourism | Updated January 10, 2024
