The view through the windshield after passing Buffalo, Wyoming. In the distance loom the Bighorn Mountains, which rise from around 5,000 feet, in the mostly grass and sagebrush lowlands, to a height of 13,189ft at the summit of Cloud Peak, the tallest point in the range.
Beautiful West Teensleep Lake lies tucked away in the Cloud Peaks Wilderness at Bighorn National Forest. It is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park and is, therefore, heavily used. However, it is also a remote enough location to visit that even during peak season there is enough space to spread out its many visitors with multiple camping options. Whether a developed campground with a parking lot, bathroom facilities and running water, or remote camping anywhere in the 189,000 acres of Wilderness, the Cloud Peak area can accommodate a variety of outdoors options.
The West Teensleep Lake Trailhead leads from the southeast edge of the lake and passes into a lush grass valley. The valley is flanked on either side by mountain regiments carpeted with an upright and proud infantry of Lodgepole Pine soldiers. The vitality of the region was on full display the bright July day these pictures were taken. Melodic bird calls, buzzing insects and trickling water overtones assailed my ears, while my eyes were equally overwhelmed by the sights. The relationship of sunlight to life appeared obvious, as the water flowing throughout the valley and recently melted from snow, was absorbed by the flourishing flora and then passed on as food energy and oxygen to the abundant fauna.
There was plenty of fun to be had in the more rugged sections of the region. I found a number of lichen covered boulders that were easy and fun problems to scamper on. Unfortunately, I only had a few hours to hike and check out the area before I had to leave...
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