The Best Outdoor Experiences Around Sheridan, WyomingSpend a few days exploring Sheridan and the Bighorns with hikes, scenic drives, and river adventures. Grab coffee downtown, hit local trails, paddle or fish at nearby lakes, and wrap evenings with laid-back dinners, craft brews, and lively spots the locals love.AuthorsAFST
DestinationsSheridanItinerary

Day 1

Silver Spur Cafe
Classic local breakfast haunt where everyone knows each other by name. Big plates, strong coffee, and that low-key early-morning buzz of a real neighborhood spot.
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Soldier Ridge Trailhead
Quick drive from town, and suddenly you’re in open foothills with massive views. Loops and side trails let you stretch your legs however you want, from casual stroll to full-on sweat session.
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The Pony Grill & Bar
Downtown gem with zero pretension. Burgers, bison, fries, maybe a cold beer — exactly what you want after stomping the trails all morning.
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Red Grade Trails
Feels a little off the beaten path, even though it’s close to town. Rolling singletrack, open bluffs, forest patches — perfect for hiking, biking, or just getting lost for a few hours.
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Shabby Shack Eatery & Terra’s Kraft Kitchen
Full of personality and clever dishes, this local favorite hits just right. The smoked brisket grilled cheese and house-made pimento mac and cheese are standouts.
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Mint Bar
Old-school, tiny, and full of character. Locals come for the drinks and stay for the stories — you can sit, sip, and watch Sheridan in motion.
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Day 2

P.O. News & Flagstaff Cafe
Feels like a morning ritual in town. Coffee is solid, the crowd is local, and it's a good spot to hang out for a minute before hitting the road for the day's adventures.
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Big Horn Mountains Scenic Byway
Drive it slow, stop when the view demands it, and let the mountains hit you. Pull-offs and tiny forested paths make it feel like you’re uncovering your own secret slice of Wyoming.
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Paradise Falls WY
Short hike, hidden waterfall, quiet vibes. There’s enough shade to hang out, toss rocks in the pool, or just breathe in the canyon.
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Porcupine Falls Trailhead
Steep, a little rugged, and fully worth the scramble. The waterfall is tucked in a canyon that feels private even when others are around.
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El Tapatio Dos
Locally run, authentically Mexican, and no nonsense. Quick, satisfying, and a great way to top off the day with a hearty meal.
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Day 3

Bison Union Coffee Company
Clean, modern, local coffee with a little edge. Great stop for a caffeine hit on the way out the door.
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Sackett's Market
Classic market where you can grab everything from trail snacks to a picnic lunch for the river. Feels more local than a chain, and you’ll find little surprises tucked in the aisles.
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Tongue River Canyon Access
Big canyon, clear water, quiet energy. Perfect for fishing, wandering the banks, or just soaking it in — no crowds, just river, rocks, and cliffs.
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Bomber Mountain Adventures
Bomber Mountain Adventures ATVs, dirt tracks, and a good dose of wild. Not fancy, just all adventure and freedom in the Bighorns.
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The Warehouse Gastropub
Comfort food and solid drinks with a little local flair. Casual enough to feel easy, but you’re eating something better than a typical pub plate.
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Day 4

Java Moon
Another great downtown spot with classic coffee and breakfast, but the vibe is alive — baristas are excellent, and the crowd feels like real Sheridan waking up.
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Fly Shop of the Bighorns
A highly recommended local fly shop with guiding services right out of Sheridan. They can set you up with guided trips on private water nearby, include gear and instruction, and tailor the experience based on skill level.
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Sibley Lake
Tucked into the Bighorn foothills, this little lake feels like your own secret escape. Calm water makes it perfect for canoeing, paddleboarding, or just floating around. There are quiet spots along the shore for fishing, picnics, or hanging out and taking in the hills.
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Le Rêve Restaurant & Raw Bar
Downtown spot with a mix of French-inspired and seasonal dishes, plus fresh seafood and oysters that get a lot of praise. The space is historic, the food is delicious.
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Luminous Brewhouse
A relaxed spot to cap the night with locals and visitors. They pour a rotating lineup of craft beers, from juicy IPAs to creative seasonal brews. The vibe is friendly and laid-back, with indoor and outdoor seating and occasional live music.
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Alternative Trip Option

Eatons' Ranch
If a dude ranch stay is something you’ve imagined, here’s a fully curated experience at one of the oldest ranches in the country. Eaton’s Ranch still feels like a genuine working cattle ranch, with open meadows and sweeping mountain views right outside Sheridan. During the summer, a full slate of activities comes with your stay — from daily horseback rides (easy loops to all-day adventures into the Bighorn National Forest) to fishing in Wolf Creek or the stocked pond, plus trails and open space for hiking or just wandering the property. Meals are part of the rhythm here, with all-day breakfasts, lunch cookouts, and communal dinners in the dining hall that naturally bring guests together. Evenings offer low-key social options: weekly dances, games in the common house, or a cocktail hour on the porch. Extras include trap shooting, archery, swimming, and a small coffee shop and bar, plus plenty of laid-back corners to unwind after a morning on horseback or by the water.
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