This Little Known Hiking Path in Wyoming is Our Favorite First Hike of the Year

As you head north in Wyoming toward Southeast Montana, the landscape transitions from the soft undulations of prairie to the imposing crags of the Bighorn Mountains. This region, a crossroads between the high plains and the outskirts of the rugged Rockies, offers a variety of natural features. You'll find everything from open grasslands to thick forests, waterfalls, and alpine ridgelines — an ever-changing backdrop for visitors and mid-winter hikers looking to set an adventurous pace for the new year. 

In a state known for its vast, rugged landscapes and popular backcountry routes, lesser-known local spots can all too often get overlooked when searching for winter hiking trails in Wyoming. The good news is we are here to change that and uncover the quieter corners of the Cowboy State with a peaceful trek along the Soldier Ridge Trail in Sheridan. Come with us to kick off the year with this underrated hike in Wyoming.

Just outside of Sheridan, tucked into the lower foothills of the Bighorns, the Soldier Ridge Trail System offers an ideal opportunity to step into the lush, wind-swept wilds. It’s one of those areas that feels like a hidden gem in Wyoming, offering solitude, natural beauty, and just enough of a challenge to get your heart pumping, all without venturing too far from town.

There are quite a few little-known hiking paths in the system, ranging from the interconnected Kicking Horse Trail to the exceptionally green Double Eagle Trail. But for those looking to start the new year with a majorly rewarding outdoor experience, the main Soldier Ridge Trail is a fantastic choice! What I enjoy most about this trek is that it offers an immersive journey into Wyoming’s wide-open landscapes, where quiet grasslands meet dreamy hilltop overlooks and views of the Bighorns stretch across the horizon — all without being too overwhelming.

At around eight miles total, the Soldier Ridge Trail is both beautiful and rejuvenating yet still feels substantial — it's a hidden gem for trail runners in summer! For winter hikers, though, the snow-dusted trail, with its occasional patches of ice, offers a slight layer of challenge but is perfectly doable even for novices.

As you climb, the trail rewards you with increasingly expansive views of the surrounding foothills, valleys, and distant mountain peaks. The higher you go, the more you realize that while Wyoming’s vastness can be humbling, it’s also incredibly peaceful — especially when you find yourself nearly alone on the trail in winter’s quieter months. And yes, it's open year-round!

The gradual ascent takes you through meandering, exposed grazing terrain and finally up to Soldier Ridge itself, where a bench awaits for a quick breather. I'd recommend carving out time to reflect on the year ahead here. After all, peaceful moments to ourselves can feel like unfamiliar territory. In contrast to some of the region’s more crowded hikes, Soldier Ridge offers a sense of isolation that’s hard to find in more popular destinations, so you'll really get to enjoy the views to the fullest.

Despite being so low-key, the stunning panoramic views at the ridge are a payoff worth the effort it takes to layer up and brave the cold. From the top, you’ll have a wide-angle view of the Bighorn Range, with its rugged peaks and distant blue hues. On a clear day, the sight is dramatic — the quiet majesty of the mountains stretching off into the distance, almost as if they’re suspended in time.

The terrain varies as you make your way up the ridge, requiring a mix of steady steps and careful footing (this is cow and rattlesnake territory after all!). But rather than huffing and puffing to reach the overlook bench, instead, you’ll feel that satisfying exhaustion that comes with a hike done well and a camera roll full of pretty sights along the way. The quiet rhythm of your footsteps, the crisp air filling your lungs, and the steady climb to the ridge all work in tandem to help you focus, reflect, and recharge for the year ahead.

For those looking to start the year on the right foot (pun intended), Soldier Ridge offers just enough hike to feel like an accomplishment. But no matter the season, with or without snow blanketing the ground, the quiet here is intoxicating, and the ridge views are magnificent. Whether you’re reflecting on the past year or looking ahead to your next Wyoming adventure, Soldier Ridge provides the perfect space to do both and have fun along the way. Plus, it's a pretty special place to catch a sunrise or sunset! Talk about a dreamy landscape in Wyoming!

For more information on the Soldier Ridge Trail in Wyoming, make sure to download AllTrails+, where you'll have access to offline maps and more. Also, if you have any recommendations for more low-key hikes, make sure to let me know by filling out this nomination form. And before you leave for this or your next trek, check out our ultimate hiking packing list to ensure you have everything you need for the journey.

If you are searching for even more outdoor adventure to add to your bucket list this year, check out our list of the most incredible hiking trails in Wyoming. Or when you're feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more exhilarating trails in Wyoming.