Drive Over Cloud Peak Scenic Byway

We needed to get out and get our mountain fix so we drove along US Route 16 (Cloud Peak Scenic Byway) up into the Big Horn Mountains and down to Ten Sleep on the other side.  We had visited Ten Sleep before on June 28, can't believe it has been 7 weeks since we were here - seems so much longer ago.  We did get to visit Ten Sleep's Pioneer Museum today which we did not do last time.

Smoke from Idaho wild fires

As we started out heading west out of Buffalo, we first stopped at ACE hardware to get some pieces parts for a project Dave wants to tackle.  While in there there were Forest Service Fire Fighters in line ahead of him and the cashier joked to them to take their smoke and get out of here.  They said the smoke is from Idaho, not here in the Big Horns.  And smoky it is!  We were shocked that we could not see the mountains at all.  Our goal for the this trip was to scout out potential hiking trails in the mountains to do later in the week.

Meadowlark Lake

A lake, mountain and boat - I loved it!

Absolutely gorgeous views even though the smoke obstructed a lot of the long distance.  Dave said he was affected by the smoke in the air, I only smelled the pine scent and sage.  Zig zag up into the mountains and came to Meadowlark Lake.  How very pretty.  I remember back a couple of months ago when I went to a local stylist to get my hair done, she said she often drives up to Meadowlark for picnics and just taking in the scenery.  Now I can see why - just stunning.  We think we will come back here with a picnic lunch and do hiking right along the lake.  We were at 9,666 feet elevation, the temperature was in the low 50s and very welcome.

Twisty turn road - notice smoke?

Lots of activities - ATV, biking, motocross biking

Gorgeous (Ten Sleep Creek)

Stopped along the way to read signage, just take in the views.  Got into Ten Sleep and toured the museum.  Had a nice conversation with the staff member about mountain lions.  She said that on her ranch (sheep is what they do) 3 mountain lions came into their back yard and killed 9 sheep that day and over a couple week's time a total of 43 sheep were slaughtered.  It was a momma lion teaching her 2 babies how to hunt.  She said that they have trouble with mountain lions and wolves, bears are rarely seen.

Powder Horn Canyon

Did not see any

Traveled back over the mountains and was wowed still by the views.  And would not want to bring the RV over the pass - very steep coming back into Buffalo.

At Powder Horn Summit, 9,666 feet.  Snow fences - snow gets 10 feet deep

Heading east to Buffalo over pass - 8% grade down - steep

Chain/cable runaway ramp - never seen this before

Hello hawk!

Need to be aware of mountain lion if we hike in mountains

Seen better days - old barn in Ten Sleep

Along Ten Sleep Creek