I’ve always been drawn to the peace and solitude that only the mountains can offer. The Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, with their rugged landscapes and untouched beauty, hide some of the most secluded neighborhoods I’ve ever encountered.
Tucked away in this majestic range are communities where life moves more slowly, and nature is at your doorstep. From hidden canyons to expansive ranch lands, these ten neighborhoods provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
10. Shell – A Scenic Canyon Retreat
Shell is a small, unincorporated community located in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, with a population of around 83 residents. The area is known for its proximity to Shell Falls, a stunning natural waterfall, and the surrounding Shell Canyon, which offers hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities.
Shell’s primary industries are agriculture, ranching, and tourism, as the area is popular with visitors looking to explore the region’s natural beauty. Despite its small size, Shell is a quiet retreat for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle with easy access to outdoor activities.
The community’s secluded feel is due to its location within the Bighorn Canyon, surrounded by rugged terrain and far from larger towns or cities. Residents enjoy the area’s tranquility while just a short drive away from the larger city of Sheridan.
Where is Shell?
Powder River Pass sits along US-16, approximately 25 miles east of Ten Sleep, at an elevation of around 9,666 feet. When I’m heading there, I enjoy the scenic drive through the Bighorn National Forest, where the road climbs steadily to the pass. The area is characterized by its sweeping vistas and crisp mountain air.
Access to properties near the pass often involves turning onto forest service roads, which can be rugged and are sometimes closed in winter. The journey is part of the adventure, leading you to a place where the sky feels slightly closer.
9. Burgess Junction Area – High Mountain Retreats
The Burgess Junction area has always been a favorite of mine for its high mountain retreats surrounded by dense forests and rugged terrain. The secluded cabins and homes here provide a perfect getaway far from urban hustle.
I enjoy the sense of community among the few residents, all sharing a love for the natural beauty that envelops them. With activities like snowmobiling in the winter and hiking in the summer, there’s always something to connect you with the great outdoors. The sparse population adds to the area’s charm and peacefulness.
Where is Burgess Junction?
Burgess Junction is located at the intersection of US-14 and US-14A in the northern Bighorn Mountains. I usually reach it by driving west from Dayton, Wyoming, on US-14. The area is a gateway to numerous recreational opportunities within the Bighorn National Forest.
The junction itself is at an elevation of about 8,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures and stunning alpine scenery. Access to residences off the main highways often requires traveling unpaved forest roads, immersing you in the mountain environment.
8. Wolf – Quiet Living in the Heart of Nature
Wolf is a tiny community that offers quiet living surrounded by nature’s finest. With only a handful of residences scattered among the foothills, I’ve found it to be a place where ample space and privacy are the norms. The area’s lush meadows and tranquil streams make everyday life like a retreat.
Hiking trails and fishing spots are abundant, allowing residents to indulge in outdoor activities whenever they please. The minimal population here fosters a tight-knit community where neighbors know and look out for one another.
Where is Wolf?
You’ll find Wolf along US-14 east of the Bighorn Mountains, about 12 miles west of Sheridan. I take US-14 west from Sheridan when I visit, enjoying the gradual transition from rolling plains to mountainous terrain. The community of Wolf is unincorporated, with properties tucked away from the main road.
The proximity to the mountains and the town of Sheridan provides a unique blend of seclusion and convenience. Access to the surrounding natural areas is easy, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
7. Saddlestring – Mountain Seclusion at Its Finest
Saddlestring embodies mountain seclusion like no other place I’ve been. The large ranches and cabins are spread across vast terrains, offering residents a deep sense of being away from it all. Natural barriers like hills and forests enhance privacy, making it a perfect escape for those seeking solitude.
I appreciate the authenticity of life here, where the pace is slow, and the connection to the land is strong. The community is small, and the expansive properties ensure that everyone has space to enjoy the beauty of the Bighorns.
Where is Saddlestring?
Saddlestring is located along US-16/US-20 in Johnson County, west of Buffalo, Wyoming. When heading there, I take US-16 west from Buffalo into the heart of the Bighorn Mountains. The area is known as the home of the historic HF Bar Ranch, one of the oldest dude ranches in the country.
Access to residential properties often means venturing off the main highway onto dirt roads that wind through the countryside. The journey immerses you in the scenic landscapes that make this area so special.
6. Hyattville – Hidden Valleys and Rural Charm
Hyattville is a charming community tucked into a hidden valley on the western slope of the Bighorns. I love how expansive properties and surrounding hills provide privacy and a close connection with nature. The low traffic and quiet streets make it feel like time stands still here.
Outdoor activities abound, from exploring nearby canyons to fishing in the area’s streams. With a small population of friendly locals, Hyattville offers a welcoming atmosphere without sacrificing the seclusion that makes it special.
Where is Hyattville?
Nestled in Big Horn County, Hyattville is 22 miles northeast of Worland. I usually reach it by taking Highway 16 east from Worland, then turning north onto Highway 31. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, gradually leading into the secluded valley where Hyattville lies.
The town’s remote location and the surrounding hills make it a peaceful retreat. Access is straightforward, but the sense of being tucked away from the world is ever-present once you arrive.
5. Ucross – Artistic Solitude on the High Plains
Ucross combines artistic inspiration with solitude, something I’ve always found intriguing. The vast open spaces and minimal population provide peace beneath the wide Wyoming skies. It’s home to the Ucross Foundation, which supports artists, writers, and musicians, adding a creative spirit to the area.
I appreciate the large properties that offer residents their slice of the high plains, with opportunities for ranching, wildlife watching, and simply enjoying the tranquility. The community is small but vibrant, making it a unique place to live.
Where is Ucross?
Ucross is situated at the junction of US-14 and US-16 in northeastern Wyoming, about 27 miles southeast of Sheridan. When I travel there, I take US-14 east from Sheridan, passing through rolling grasslands and distant mountain views. The location on the high plains offers sweeping vistas and stunning sunsets.
Access is easy via the main highways, but the sparse population and open landscapes make it feel delightfully remote. The blend of solitude and accessibility is part of Ucross’s charm.
4. Mayoworth – A Quiet Mountain Haven
Mayoworth is a small, unincorporated community located in the eastern valleys of the Bighorn Mountains, with a population under 500.
The town offers a serene and secluded lifestyle, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including the North Fork of the Powder River, which provides fishing, hiking, and nature watching opportunities. Mayoworth’s primary industries are agriculture and ranching, focusing on livestock.
The seclusion of Mayoworth is due to its remote location at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, with limited access to commercial establishments and minimal development. The peaceful nature of the community is perfect for those looking to live in harmony with nature and enjoy the surrounding wilderness.
Visitors are drawn to Mayoworth’s charm and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal place for nature lovers seeking solitude.
Where is Mayoworth?
Mayoworth is located in the southeastern portion of Sheridan County, Wyoming, nestled at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Its seclusion is strengthened by its distance from major highways and its position within a valley surrounded by towering mountain ranges.
To reach Mayoworth, visitors can take U.S. Highway 87 south from Sheridan and turn onto County Road 93, heading toward the Bighorn Mountains. The drive offers scenic views of the surrounding land, reinforcing this community’s remote and isolated nature.
3. Barnum – A Hidden Gem in the Bighorns
Barnum is an unincorporated community in Johnson County, Wyoming, located in the southwestern part of the Bighorn Mountains, with a population under 500. The area is known for its natural beauty, proximity to the Powder River, and offering access to fishing, hiking, and camping.
Barnum’s main industries include ranching, focusing on cattle and sheep farming, along with small-scale tourism due to its scenic location. The community’s seclusion is attributed to its position within the Bighorn Mountains, far from any major commercial hubs.
Barnum is a small, quiet place where residents enjoy a rural lifestyle amidst open spaces and mountainous terrain. The combination of limited development and its natural surroundings gives Barnum its secluded charm.
Where is Barnum?
Barnum is situated along Wyoming Highway 190, approximately 17 miles west of Kaycee, Wyoming. Its seclusion is enhanced by its location in the eastern foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, surrounded by forests and rivers.
Visitors can travel west from Kaycee on Wyoming Highway 190 to reach Barnum, which winds through rural land and past stunning rock formations. The peaceful drive highlights the remote and tranquil nature of the community, providing a sense of solitude for those making the journey.
2. Wyarno – Tranquility Near the Powder River
Wyarno is an unincorporated community in central Sheridan County, Wyoming, with approximately 300 residents. The area is known for its access to outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching, thanks to its location near the Powder River and the Bighorn Mountains.
Wyarno’s main industries include ranching, agriculture, and natural resource extraction, typical for rural Wyoming communities. Its seclusion comes from being situated on the high plains, surrounded by rolling hills and distant mountain views, with few commercial establishments and limited population density.
The peaceful and remote nature of Wyarno makes it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle of larger cities. Visitors often stop by to explore nearby recreational areas, but the community remains calm and undisturbed.
Where is Wyarno?
Wyarno is located about 10 miles east of Sheridan, Wyoming, on the high plains between the Bighorn Mountains and the Powder River. The area’s rural setting reinforces its seclusion, far from major roads and urban development.
To reach Wyarno, travelers can take U.S. Highway 87 and follow the winding country roads that lead to this hidden community. The journey through wide-open plains and scattered ranches offers a peaceful and isolated experience for those looking to enjoy Wyoming’s natural beauty.
1. Clear Creek – A Peaceful Valley Retreat
Clear Creek is a small, unincorporated community in the southeastern part of the Bighorn Mountains, with a population under 500. The area is surrounded by clear creeks, forests, and expansive ranchlands, providing ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and outdoor exploration.
Clear Creek’s primary industries include cattle ranching and agriculture, which are key to the region’s economy. The community’s seclusion is due to its position in a secluded valley, with few neighboring towns and limited access to commercial development.
The serene environment and proximity to nature make Clear Creek an ideal place for those looking to live away from the bustle of city life. Visitors are often drawn to the area for its peaceful lifestyle and abundant wildlife.
Where is Clear Creek?
Clear Creek is located within the Bighorn Mountains in the southeastern portion of Sheridan County, Wyoming. Its seclusion is enhanced by its location within a valley, surrounded by forested areas and streams.
Visitors can travel south from Sheridan on U.S. Highway 87 to reach Clear Creek, then take a series of country roads that lead deeper into the mountains. The scenic journey through the countryside and forests provides a sense of seclusion, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking solitude.
