Kitty Creek Hiking

Kitty Creek Trail climbs eight miles from the North Fork Highway into the Washakie Wilderness. After a section through alpine meadows, the trail ends at Flora Lake, on a high saddle, with a dramatic view of the steep and rugged Washakie Wilderness backcountry.

Intro

This 16-mile round trip hike follows the west side of Kitty Creek all the way up to its headwaters. To access the trail, walk around the locked gate on Road 446 and watch for a trail sign painted on a cut log at the base of a tree. The trail immediately crosses a tributary of Kitty Creek here, but it’s easy to rock hop and stay dry, so no sandals needed. Scramble out of the creek bed and join the established trail along the east bank of the creek. The trail is in excellent shape and is easy to follow from here. For the first four miles, the trail climbs gradually through a forest of pine and spruce with the sound of Kitty Creek deep in the canyon below. The next section enters gorgeous Paradise Valley, with a series of alpine meadows full of wildflowers. The meadows have great spots for overnight camping or for having a break before turning around. By turning back here, the hike is shortened to an 8-10 mile day. From Paradise Valley, the trail continues to climb through meadows and forests to a high point at just over 9,800 feet. The trail grows faint along the east shore of tiny Flora Lake, but keeps going for a few moments and breaks out of the trees. Here at the top of the drainage, there is a spectacular view of Pinnacle Mountain, Eagle Nest, and the steep peaks that tower over Eyrie Creek, which is hidden in the canyon 1,500 feet below. This is truly the end of the trail—the sudden drop is too steep for further travel.

What Makes It Great

If not for the well-maintained trail, the upper sections of the Kitty Creek drainage are completely undeveloped and show no signs of our modern world. It’s possible to view the meadows as they have looked for thousands of years.

Who is Going to Love It

This well-maintained trail is suitable for all levels of hikers. With beautiful views all along the way, this hike can be shortened to match the ability levels of the group. There are no big water crossings on this trail, so it’s possible to keep your feet dry until the meadow crossings. Kitty Creek Trail also provides access to 10,964-foot Howell Mountain. By mile 5, hikers can choose a strategic spot to leave the main trail and head up the slopes of Mount Howell for a push to the summit.

Directions, Parking & Regulations

The Kitty Creek Trailhead is located near Camp Buffalo Bill on the North Fork Highway. From Cody, take WY-14/16 west for 42 miles and turn left on Road 446. (This is also the road to the scout camp.) After crossing the one-lane bridge across the river, stay on 446 by turning right at the fork in the road. The trail begins at the locked gate at mile 0.2. There is parking for one car in a pullout near the gate, or alternate parking is available in turn-outs closer to the one lane bridge or the scout camp. Kitty Creek Trail passes through the Shoshone National Forest and the Washakie Wilderness. No fees or permits are required. Camping is allowed along the trail, but national forest and wilderness regulations apply. There is very limited cell phone service along the trail.

Difficulty: 3

Time to Complete: 8 hours (or 2 days backpacking)

Distance: 16 miles round trip

Seasonality: Summer, Fall

Fees/Permit: No

Dog Friendly: Yes