Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout
Currently closed for the season. Opens June 15 and operates through October 20. Access may be limited depending on snow accumulation. Reservations are required via Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit, 2-person maximum occupancy.
Flood Watch issued July 21 at 12:59PM MDT until July 23 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Riverton WY
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, south central, southwest, and west central Wyoming, including the following areas, in central Wyoming, Casper Mountain, Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range, Lander Foothills, Natrona County Lower Elevations, Owl Creek and Bridger Mountains, Southwest Bighorn Basin, Upper Wind River Basin, Wind River Basin, Wind River Mountains East and Wind River Mountains West. In north central Wyoming, Bighorn Mountains Southeast, Bighorn Mountains West, Northeast Johnson County, Southeast Bighorn Basin and Southeast Johnson County. In northwest Wyoming, Absaroka Mountains, Cody Foothills, Jackson Hole, North Bighorn Basin, Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and Yellowstone National Park. In south central Wyoming, East Sweetwater County, Flaming Gorge and Rock Springs and Green River. In southwest Wyoming, South Lincoln County. In west central Wyoming, Salt River and Wyoming Ranges, Star Valley, Upper Green River Basin and Upper Green River Basin Foothills. * WHEN...Until late Wednesday night. The most likely period of possible flooding is Wednesday afternoon through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Slow moving showers and thunderstorms and abnormally high moisture in the air can bring locally heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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.
About
Sheep Mountain Fire Lookout is one of the few historic fire lookouts in the Bighorn National Forest region available for overnight rental. Constructed in 1950 atop Sheep Mountain at 9,600 feet elevation, this CCC-built structure served as an active fire lookout until the early 1970s. Today it offers a unique lodging experience with panoramic views stretching from the peaks of the Cloud Peak Wilderness across the Powder River Basin, with Devils Tower visible on clear days. The lookout is a primitive facility equipped with one twin bunk bed, a table with two chairs, a small cabinet, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and cleaning supplies. There is no electricity, no indoor plumbing, and no potable water. A vault toilet is located near the lookout. Guests must bring all water, bedding, a cookstove, cooking and eating utensils, lanterns, and trash bags. The surrounding area offers opportunities for ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Access is via a single-lane gravel road (Forest Road 28) that dead-ends at the lookout. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to variable road conditions. Summer temperatures average 70°F but can drop to 30°F at night. Lightning storms are frequent; the lookout is equipped with lightning protection systems, and guests should stay indoors and avoid touching metal furnishings during storms.
Directions
From Buffalo, WY, take Highway 16 west approximately 28-30 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 28 and continue to the end of the road where the lookout is located. The road is a single-lane gravel surface; 4-wheel drive is recommended.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | |
| USFS Sheep Mountain Lookout |
Availability
Photos
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