Rattlesnake Mountain - Wilderness on the edge of Town
Rattlesnake Mountain is a rugged climb with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. This 9.7-mile out-and-back hike rises from the dry sage flatlands at the edge of town all the way to a mossy green forest at the top. Patience and hard climbing are rewarded with breathtaking views of the peaks of the southern Absarokas, the North and South Forks, and the entire Bighorn Basin.
Intro
The most difficult part of the climb up Rattlesnake Mountain is the access at the very beginning. After parking at the end of Road 2ABW, the first goal is to climb carefully up and over the stone tunnel of the irrigation canal to gain access to the base of Rattlesnake Mountain. With no defined trail at the start, it is possible to choose your own route and head straight up the ridge. However, a good alternative is an old dirt road bed that is accessible by grading around the hillside to the northwest. The advantage of hiking the old road is that it is clear of cactus, it follows the most natural route upward, and hikers can simply enjoy the hike without worrying about foot placement and snakes. By mile 3.1, the road becomes grass-covered but is still visible and pleasant. At mile 3.8, the road finally disappears into the grassy hillside, but it is possible to continue straight up the mountain, following the left-most ridge, until the route enters the timber. Once inside the forest, stay on the backbone of the ridge, with the forest sloping gently down to the left and right. If you find yourself bushwacking and climbing over deadfalls, re-adjust your course and return to the backbone of the ridge. A faint but beautiful forest trail follows the ridge all the way to the top, marked with sporadic rock cairns. Rattlesnake Mountain has several high points, but most are privately owned and are not accessible to the public. By turning around at the first 8,500 foot knob, it’s possible to stay on public land for the entire hike but still reach a rewarding high point with views through the trees down to Buffalo Bill Reservoir and across to the peaks of the Absarokas.
What Makes It Great
The climb to the top of Rattlesnake actually includes three different ecosystems. From the mountain's base to mile 1.5, the terrain is rugged, with sagebrush, rattlesnake dens, and prickly pear threatening at every step. However, the middle part of the climb is a gorgeous expanse of green hillsides, wildflowers, and scattered trees resembling the Kingdom of Florin in the movie The Princess Bride. The top of the mountain is a lush green forest with fallen nurse logs and birds chirping in the branches like the Pacific Northwest.
Who is Going to Love It
Experienced hikers who enjoy a rugged and challenging climb will love this route, available so close to Cody. Locals drive by this mountain daily without realizing the natural wonderland waiting above our heads. The east slope of Rattlesnake has elk, mule deer, pronghorn, jackrabbits, grouse, and Wyoming ground squirrels, who chirp loudly from their rocky dens.
Directions, Parking & Regulations
From Cody, take WY-120 north. Just at the end of the Belfry Bridge, turn left on Road 2ABW. This dirt road is rough in spots, but passable with any vehicle. Keep driving past the Cody “C” on the hillside and park where the road ends below the Heart Mountain Irrigation Canal. This hike starts on Bureau of Reclamation land but soon enters BLM land. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control because of the wildlife in the area. Cell phone service is good throughout the entire hike. Carry bear spray and plenty of water, and be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
Difficulty: 4
Time to Complete: 5 - 6 hours
Distance: 9.7 miles
Seasonality: Late Spring, Summer, Fall
Fees/Permit: No
Dog Friendly: Yes
Destination Highlights: Wilderness adventure at the edge of town