Four Bear Trail
The Four Bear trail leads to the beautiful 7,600-foot summit of Four Bear Mountain with views of the Wapiti Valley and north toward Sunlight Basin. Four Bear is a well-maintained trail on a section of public land between privately owned parcels along the North Fork Highway. It is a fun and adventurous trail in its own right, as well as a backpackers’ gateway to the North Absaroka Wilderness.
Intro
From the North Fork Highway, the Four Bear trail may look stark and treeless, but give this hike a chance and it is sure to impress. It changes rapidly as the elevation increases and even locals will be pleasantly surprised with the beauty of this area. From the kiosk in the parking area, follow the well-marked trail behind the BLM sign. In 0.4 miles, the trail crosses the irrigation ditch on a solid bridge, and the first 1.7 miles skirt past the fences of private residences. At the trail junction sign for Jim Mountain, take the option on the right to continue on Four Bear Trail. At mile 2, the trail begins to climb through a cottonwood forest alongside a babbling brook. Mile three includes multi-colored rock formations, layered badlands, and a basalt arch high on the right side of the trail. Fun switchbacks make this a gentle and enjoyable climb all the way to the top of a saddle at 4.1 miles. The view from this high point is dramatic, with sudden views of the peaks of the North Absaroka Wilderness to the north. From here, hikers can continue on the trail for another mile to the Shoshone National Forest Boundary. Or, this is the spot to leave the trail to reach the summit of Four Bear Mountain on the right. There is no formal trail to the top, but the hillside is grassy and sparsely forested for easy walking. From the saddle, the summit is less than a half-mile away.
What Makes It Great
Look for the 1948 US Geological Survey marker attached to the rock at the highest point of Four Bear Mountain. This spot is also a fantastic viewpoint and a good stop for lunch. At just 4.5 miles to the summit from the parking area, peak baggers can climb a lesser-known local mountain before lunchtime.
Who is Going to Love It
Just at the end of Buffalo Bill Reservoir, this is an adventurous hike not far from town. The trail is well-maintained, with excellent footing, and families can turn around at any of the beautiful overlooks along the climb to the saddle. Four Bear is also a popular route for long-distance backpackers and equestrians accessing the Shoshone National Forest, Robber’s Roost, and the peaks of the North Absaroka Wilderness.
Directions, Parking & Regulations
From Cody, take WY-14 west toward Wapiti for 18 miles. Pass Buffalo Bill Reservoir and then look for the brown BLM sign for the Four Bear Trailhead on the right. The gravel parking area is just 300 feet from the highway. There are no fees or permits needed to use this trail. Camping is not allowed on BLM land but is allowed within the Shoshone National Forest after mile 5. There is good cell phone service in the parking area, but service is spotty on the trail except at the top of Four Bear Mountain. Bear tracks are a common sight on this trail, so be sure to bring bear spray, travel in groups, and keep dogs on leash.
Difficulty: 3
Time to Complete: 4.5 hours
Distance: 9 miles
Seasonality: Spring, Summer, Fall
Fees/Permit: No
Dog Friendly: On Leash
Destination Highlights: Local mountain climb with great access