With more than 13 miles of trails, Sheridan, Wyoming, provides plenty of opportunities for joggers. The city’s pathway system continues to grow, with new segments opening each year. This northeastern Wyoming city also stands in close proximity to the Bighorn National Forest and Bighorn Mountains, which have numerous trail-running options. Whether you want a short, easy jog or a challenging run through mountainous terrain, you can find what you’re looking for in and around Sheridan.
City Strides
- The Sheridan Pathway runs from Fort Road in the north to Brundage Road in the south, then west, looping around to end at Airport Road. Several spurs branch off along other roads, and the pathway system also links most of the city’s schools and parks. For example, run through Thorne-Rider Park and then jog south to Kendrick Park -- where you can pick up another part of the trail heading east. Some pathway sections are gravel, some concrete and some paved. In addition to jogging, you can walk, bike or in-line skate along these trails. Sheridan continues to expand the paths, constructing new segments to connect more of the city and provide additional opportunities for recreation.
Canyon Charm
- The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area includes 55 miles of Bighorn Lake, which reaches beyond the canyon for another 16 miles. Encompassed by 1,000- to 2,000-foot cliffs, the canyon runs through northern Wyoming and southern Montana. You can jog along the 27 miles of hiking trails that pass through landscapes that include prairie, wetlands and forests.
Mountain Miles
- The Bighorn National Forest has more than 1,500 miles of trails winding through more than 1 million acres of protected land. You can find numerous trailheads in the Sheridan area, although you might have to share routes with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Exercise caution on steep parts of the trails -- ascents and descents can lead to perilous falls, especially if you step on loose rocks or trip over tree roots. In addition to trail-related hazards, the forest houses wildlife like black bears, moose and elk, so make noise as you run to avoid startling animals. If you decide to jog in the national forest, don’t go alone.
Rugged Race
- If you enjoy competition and long-distance routes, you might be interested in joining the annual Bighorn Mountain Wild and Scenic Trail Run, held each June. You can choose from 50-mile, 100-mile, 30-kilometer and 50-kilometer courses that take you over four-wheel-drive roads and trails in the Tongue River Canyon area. The 100-mile run starts at around 4,090 feet, and you gain elevation to reach 10,000 feet. The other three races start start at altitudes between 7,650 and 8,800 feet. Volunteers operate aid stations along all four routes. While the 100-mile course is the most geographically difficult, all pass through mountainous terrain, climb hills and descend into valleys.
