Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Opens June 15 through October 20. Access may be limited by snow accumulation; call ahead to confirm road conditions before visiting.
Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness
This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.
Weed Free Forage Products
The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
Cave Closure and Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-11 Black Mountain Lookout Building Closure
The Black Mountain Fire Lookout building and deck are closed to entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-10 Burgess Junction Visitor Center
Area closure to protect Burgess Junction Visitor Center building.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-01 Medicine Wheel Area Closure
Restrictions in the Medicine Wheel Area.
Forest Special Order 02-02-01-25-02 West Tensleep Corridor
Restrictions to camping and human waste management in West Tensleep Corridor, Forest System Road 27.
Forest Special Order 02-02-03-25-05 Shell Falls Interpretive Site Closure
Shell Falls Interpretive Site trails, pathways, grounds, viewing platform, buildings, parking areas, and road closed to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-25-03 Over Snow and Motor Vehicle Restrictions
Travel management restrictions including S-Areas.
Forest Special Order 02-02-06-24-09 Gravel Pit Area Closures
Burgess and Copper Creek Gravel Pit closures to public entry.
Forest Special Order 02-02-24-02 Occupancy and Use Camping Regulations
Regulations related to camping and use of areas in the Bighorn National Forest.
About
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout stands as one of the few historic fire lookouts in the region available for overnight rental. Constructed in 1950 by the Civilian Conservation Corps at an elevation of 9,600 feet, this lookout served as an active fire detection station until the early 1970s and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The facility offers a primitive but memorable experience with four sturdy walls, a sound roof, one set of bunk beds, and a single vault toilet. There is no running water, indoor plumbing, or electricity. Guests must pack in all water, supplies, and gear for a comfortable stay, and pack out all trash upon departure. The lookout is equipped with lightning protection systems, essential during frequent summer thunderstorms at this high elevation. The panoramic views are the main attraction, stretching from the mountain peaks of Cloud Peak Wilderness across the Powder River Basin. On clear days, visitors can see as far as Devils Tower National Monument. Due to the high altitude, guests should prepare for variable conditions including high winds, summertime temperatures averaging 70 degrees, and nighttime lows dropping to 30 degrees. The surrounding area offers endless opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The town of Buffalo, Wyoming, is 45 minutes away for supplies.
Directions
From Buffalo, Wyoming, take State Highway 16 west approximately 30 miles. Turn right on Forest Developed Road 28 and travel 6 miles north. FDR 28 will dead-end at the lookout. The facility is accessed via a single-lane gravel road passable by most vehicles during dry summer days; 4-wheel drive recommended due to sudden weather changes.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (307) 684-7806 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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