A Winter Weekend in the Bighorn Mountains
Snowshoeing, hot springs, and fireside dining — how to plan a cold-weather escape from Sheridan, Wyoming.
Dalton Goodyear · Dec 20, 2025 · 6 min read
Most people think of Wyoming in summer — rodeos, wildflowers, warm evenings on the porch. But winter in the Bighorns is quietly one of the state's best-kept secrets. The crowds disappear, the mountains turn white, and Sheridan's small city charm gets even cozier. Here's how to do it right.
Sheridan in winter is Wyoming's best-kept secret. The trails that were crowded in August are empty. The rates are the best of the year.
Snowshoeing from Dayton and Story
The towns of Dayton and Story sit at the base of the Bighorns, just 20–30 minutes from Sheridan, and serve as the launch point for winter trail access. The Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway (Highway 14A) is plowed year-round to Burgess Junction, giving you direct access to groomed snowshoe and cross-country ski trails through old-growth pine forests.
The Tongue River Canyon Trail, spectacular in summer, transforms into a silent winter canyon walk in the snow. No crowds, no motor noise — just the sound of the river under ice and the occasional bird. Rent snowshoes in Sheridan at Big Horn Mountain Sports before heading up.
Skiing at Antelope Butte
Antelope Butte Mountain Resort is a local gem — a community-owned ski area that reopened in 2017 after years of closure. Located about 30 miles east of Greybull (roughly 1.5 hours from Sheridan), it's not Vail, but that's the point. Uncrowded runs, affordable lift tickets, and a genuine Wyoming ski culture that feels nothing like a resort.
The mountain gets consistent snowfall and offers groomed runs for all skill levels. Day trips from Sheridan are doable — leave early, ski until 3 PM, and you're back in town for dinner. Check their website for operating days (typically Thursday through Sunday in peak season).
Hot Springs Day Trip: Thermopolis
The world's largest mineral hot spring sits 2.5 hours south of Sheridan in Thermopolis, Wyoming. Hot Springs State Park is free to enter, and the State Bath House offers free soaking in the mineral pools — Wyoming law requires a portion of the flow to be free to the public. It's one of the most unusual and genuinely enjoyable day trips in the state.
The drive through the Bighorn Basin in winter is dramatic — wide open sagebrush flats, canyon views, and almost no other cars. Leave Sheridan by 8 AM, soak by late morning, have lunch in Thermopolis, and be back in Sheridan by 5 PM.
| Activity | Location | Distance | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowshoeing | Tongue River Canyon / Burgess Junction | 20–40 min | Free (bring gear) | All skill levels |
| Skiing | Antelope Butte Mountain Resort | 1.5 hours | $40–55 lift ticket | Families, intermediate |
| Snowmobiling | Bighorn National Forest trails | 30–45 min | Rental $200–350/day | Thrill seekers |
| Hot Springs | Thermopolis State Bath House | 2.5 hours | Free | Couples, families |
| Fireside Dining | Downtown Sheridan | Downtown | $–$$ | Everyone |
Road Conditions — Bighorn Mountain Access
Check wyoroad.info or WYDOT 511 before driving mountain passes November–April. US-14 over the Bighorns closes seasonally above Dayton. 4WD/AWD strongly recommended. Carry chains October–April.
Fireside Dining in Sheridan
Winter is when Sheridan's dining scene really shines. A few standouts:
- Frackelton's — Sheridan's most storied steakhouse, in a historic downtown building. The elk and bison dishes are the move in winter.
- Le Rêve — Farm-to-table in a warm, intimate setting. Craft cocktails, seasonal menu, the best date-night spot in town.
- Java Moon — Cozy taproom atmosphere, house-brewed beers on draft, and a solid pub menu. Perfect after a day on the snowshoe trails.
- Blacktooth Brewing Co. — The Wyoming craft beer institution. Live music some weekends, always good pours, always a welcoming crowd.
Where to Base: Downtown vs. Mountain
For a winter weekend, downtown Sheridan is almost always the better base. You're 20–30 minutes from the trailheads, walkable to all the restaurants, and the rental homes tend to be better-equipped for cold weather (heated driveways, covered parking, well-insulated).
Mountain cabin rentals in Story and Dayton are beautiful in summer but can be harder to access in heavy snow without a 4WD vehicle and snow tires. If you're set on a mountain cabin, confirm road conditions before booking.
Wyoming Winter Packing List
- Base layers: Merino wool, not cotton. Wyoming cold is dry and serious below 10°F.
- Insulated waterproof boots: Essential for any outdoor activity.
- Wind layer: Wyoming wind is a variable not on the forecast. A wind-blocking shell matters.
- Hand warmers: Pack extras. Chairlifts and canyon walks will use them.
- Sunscreen: High altitude + snow reflection = sunburn. Yes, even in January.
- Car safety kit: Jumper cables, blanket, small shovel. Standard Wyoming winter protocol.
Stay Near the Mountains
Our mountain-access properties put you 20–30 minutes from everything in this guide. Book direct — no Airbnb fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Winter activities in the Bighorn Mountains include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on groomed trails near Burgess Junction, downhill skiing at Antelope Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling on 300+ miles of groomed trails, and scenic drives through the Bighorn Basin to Thermopolis hot springs. The towns of Dayton and Story serve as launch points for winter trail access, just 20–30 minutes from Sheridan.
Yes. Antelope Butte Mountain Resort is a community-owned ski area located about 30 miles east of Greybull, roughly 1.5 hours from Sheridan. It typically operates Thursday through Sunday during peak season with consistent snowfall and groomed runs for all skill levels. Day trips from Sheridan are doable.
Yes. Thermopolis is approximately 2.5 hours south of Sheridan. Hot Springs State Park is free to enter, and the State Bath House offers free mineral soaking — Wyoming law requires a portion of the flow to be free to the public.