Mormon Creek - Into the High Country
Starting from the North Fork Highway at 6,500 feet, this trail climbs through an evergreen forest alongside Mormon Creek. At trail’s end, it reaches a high alpine saddle at 10,300 feet with views of Sleeping Giant Mountain above and the deep gorge of Grinnell Creek far below.
Intro
The Mormon Creek trailhead is unmarked and can be difficult to find, but the trail itself is in great shape and provides a beautiful, forested route into the North Absaroka Wilderness. The main trail is accessible 200 yards up the slope from the North Fork Highway. There is a faint trail close to Mormon Creek that leads to the main trail, but it’s also possible to bushwhack up the hill from the pullout to meet the trail. The private road on the other side of the creek, while closer, is gated and off limits to the public. Once on the established trail, the route follows the west bank of Mormon Creek until the first major creek crossing at mile 0.8. The trail then follows the east bank of the creek upward through the trees. At mile 4, a rare flat section includes several quiet pools just before the last creek crossing. The final push to the top of the saddle becomes more beautiful with every step as the trail leaves the trees and rolls through fields of wildflowers. The trail disappears into the grass just before the high point on the saddle, so choose a spot on the saddle to have lunch with gorgeous alpine views in all directions.
What Makes It Great
Although the climb is incessant, don’t give up. The views from the top of the saddle are worth every step. Look north toward Whirlwind Peak, Sunlight Peak, and the dozens of unnamed mountains in the North Absaroka Wilderness. To the south, the peaks of the Washakie Wilderness rise high above the North Fork of the Shoshone with watersheds cascading down to the river below.
Who is Going to Love It
Experienced hikers who don’t mind creek crossings will enjoy this rigorous climb. This trail is mostly forested and shady, and it’s lined with wildflowers and wild strawberries, so it’s a great choice for warm summer days. Equestrians and hunters share this trail, and climbers use this route to approach Sleeping Giant Mountain’s north face. The summit is just 800 feet above the saddle but is considered a potentially dangerous, Class 3 climb.
Directions, Parking & Regulations
From Cody, travel west on the North Fork Highway (WY-14) for 52 miles. Just after the sign for the Eagle Creek Campground, go slowly around the next bend in the highway and look for the bridge over Mormon Creek. Immediately after crossing the bridge, pull into the turnout on the right side of the road. There is room here for three cars in an informal pullout. This unmarked trail is entirely within the Shoshone National Forest and the North Absaroka Wilderness. Dogs are welcome, and there are no fees or permits needed for this hike.