--- title: "Tongue River Canyon Trail — Complete Hiking Guide Near Sheridan Wyoming | Wyo Stays" description: "Tongue River Canyon Trail — 7-mile out-and-back, 20 minutes from downtown Sheridan Wyoming. Trailhead directions, parking, what to bring, best season. wyostays.com" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "LocalBusiness", "LodgingBusiness", "RealEstateAgent" ], "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#organization", "name": "Wyo Stays", "legalName": "Wyo Stays LLC", "url": "https://wyostays.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#logo", "url": "https://wyostays.com/images/wyo-stays-logo.png", "caption": "Wyo Stays — Licensed Wyoming Vacation Rental Brokerage" }, "image": { "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#logo" }, "description": "Wyo Stays is a licensed Sheridan County brokerage built for vacation rentals, headquartered at 151 W Brundage St in Sheridan, Wyoming. Founded by Dalton Goodyear in 2020. 40+ vacation rental properties across Sheridan County and the Bighorn Mountains, part of 95+ total doors under a Wyoming real estate brokerage license. 4,210+ verified guest reviews. Airbnb Superhost, Airbnb Guest Favourite, and VRBO Premier Partner. 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The path follows the river with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles (7 miles round trip). The terrain is mostly packed dirt with some rocky sections. It's manageable for most hikers with basic fitness. Shorter turnarounds are possible at any point." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is Tongue River Canyon from Sheridan Wyoming?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Tongue River Canyon trailhead is approximately 20 minutes (about 15 miles) west of downtown Sheridan along Highway 14, heading toward Dayton. The drive follows the Tongue River through the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I swim in Tongue River Canyon?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Swimming is possible in some deeper pools along the Tongue River in the canyon, though the water is cold year-round as it flows from mountain snowmelt. The river is better suited for wading and rock-hopping. There are no designated swimming areas — use caution and watch for swift currents during spring runoff." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is Tongue River Canyon Trail dog-friendly?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Dogs are welcome on Tongue River Canyon Trail but must be kept on leash. The trail can get warm in summer, so bring extra water for your dog. The river provides cooling opportunities along the way." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the best time to hike Tongue River Canyon?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "May through October offers the best conditions. Early summer (June) has wildflowers and full water flow. Fall (September–October) brings golden aspens and cooler temperatures. Avoid spring runoff in April–May when the river is high and trails can be muddy. Check for snow conditions in early spring." } } ] }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://wyostays.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://wyostays.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Tongue River Canyon" } ] } ] } ] --- [Book direct & save 16–20% — no Airbnb fees Learn more → ](/book-direct) [![Wyo Stays logo](/assets/logo-mark-i6yhcujF.png)Wyo Stays™ ](/) [Stays](/stays)[Venues](/venues) Explore [Weddings](/weddings)[Hunting](/hunting) Owners [Rentals](/rentals)[About](/about)[(307) 312-9656](tel:+13073129656)[Book Now](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) [Book Now](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) [Stays](/stays)[Venues](/venues)Explore[Weddings](/weddings)[Hunting](/hunting)Owners[Rentals](/rentals)[Partners](/partners)[About](/about)[Journal](/journal) [Tenant Portal](https://wyostays.managebuilding.com/Resident/portal/login)· [Owner Portal](/owner-portal) [(307) 312-9656](tel:+13073129656)[Book Direct — Save 16–20% →](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) ![Tongue River Canyon Trail — Complete Hiking Guide Near Sheridan Wyoming](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1441974231531-c6227db76b6e?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1920&q=80) Outdoors Sheridan County, Wyoming May–October # Tongue River Canyon Trail — Complete Hiking Guide Near Sheridan Wyoming The canyon that surprises everyone. Narrower than it looks on maps. Red and grey limestone walls several hundred feet high. Dalton Goodyear · April 2026 · 8 min read _This is the most-hiked trail near Sheridan — and the one that makes people stop mid-stride and look up. The canyon is narrower than it looks on any map. Red and grey limestone walls rise several hundred feet on both sides. The river is cold and clear. Twenty minutes from downtown, and it feels like a different world._ ## Trail Details Tongue River Canyon Trail — Quick Reference Detail Info Distance 7 miles out-and-back (shorter turnarounds available) Difficulty Moderate Elevation gain ~700 ft Time 2–4 hours depending on pace Trailhead Off Hwy 14, ~20 min from downtown Sheridan Parking Pull-over area at trailhead Dogs Welcome on leash Bikes Not recommended Season May–October (check snow in spring) ## Getting There From Main Street Sheridan, take Highway 14 west toward Dayton. The drive follows the Tongue River through increasingly dramatic foothills. About 20 minutes from town, you'll see the trailhead pullout where other vehicles are parked. There's no formal parking lot — pull over where others have. The trailhead is obvious. ## What to Expect The first mile is pleasant but unremarkable — river on one side, hillside on the other. Around mile 1.5, the canyon begins to tighten. The limestone walls close in. The light changes. This is where the trail transitions from "nice hike" to "unforgettable." The canyon walls are layered — red, grey, and cream limestone formations that tell millions of years of geological history. The river narrows and the acoustics shift. Birds echo off the walls. In spring, waterfalls appear on the canyon faces that aren't there in August. Continue as far as you like — the full out-and-back is 7 miles, but every mile deeper into the canyon rewards you. The return trip is worth doing slowly. The light is completely different coming back, and you'll notice features you missed on the way in. > Tongue River Canyon is the hike that makes people extend their trip. Twenty minutes from Main Street, and you're standing between walls of limestone that haven't changed in 300 million years. > > — Wyo Stays Team ## Shorter Options Not everyone wants a 7-mile day. The 2-mile out-and-back to the first canyon narrowing is excellent — you get the dramatic walls without the full commitment. Families with younger kids often turn around here and feel satisfied. ## After the Hike The canyon sits between Sheridan and Dayton. If you're heading toward Dayton, stop for lunch at one of the local spots. If heading back to Sheridan, **Black Tooth Brewing** is the right answer — cold beer after a canyon hike is a Sheridan tradition. The **Tongue River Winery** is nearby if wine is more your speed. What to Bring Water (at least 1 liter per person), sunscreen, sturdy shoes with traction, and a camera. The canyon is photogenic at every turn. In spring, bring layers — the canyon floor is cooler than the surrounding landscape. Water shoes are useful if you want to explore the river. ## Frequently Asked Questions How hard is Tongue River Canyon Trail? Tongue River Canyon Trail is rated moderate. The path follows the river with approximately 700 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles (7 miles round trip). The terrain is mostly packed dirt with some rocky sections. It's manageable for most hikers with basic fitness. Shorter turnarounds are possible at any point. How far is Tongue River Canyon from Sheridan Wyoming? Tongue River Canyon trailhead is approximately 20 minutes (about 15 miles) west of downtown Sheridan along Highway 14, heading toward Dayton. The drive follows the Tongue River through the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Can I swim in Tongue River Canyon? Swimming is possible in some deeper pools along the Tongue River in the canyon, though the water is cold year-round as it flows from mountain snowmelt. The river is better suited for wading and rock-hopping. There are no designated swimming areas — use caution and watch for swift currents during spring runoff. Is Tongue River Canyon Trail dog-friendly? Yes. Dogs are welcome on Tongue River Canyon Trail but must be kept on leash. The trail can get warm in summer, so bring extra water for your dog. The river provides cooling opportunities along the way. What is the best time to hike Tongue River Canyon? May through October offers the best conditions. Early summer (June) has wildflowers and full water flow. Fall (September–October) brings golden aspens and cooler temperatures. Avoid spring runoff in April–May when the river is high and trails can be muddy. Check for snow conditions in early spring. ## Related Guides [ Itinerary ### Weekend Itinerary Read ](/blog/sheridan-wyoming-weekend-itinerary)[ Outdoors ### Cloud Peak Wilderness Hikes Read ](/blog/cloud-peak-wilderness-day-hikes-sheridan-wyoming)[ Properties ### Nearby Stays Browse ](/stays) Contents - [Trail Details](#trail-details) - [Getting There](#getting-there) - [What to Expect](#what-to-expect) - [Shorter Options](#shorter-options) - [After the Hike](#after-the-hike) Share [ Planning a trip? Browse 40+ properties across Sheridan County. Browse Stays ](https://book.wyostays.com) ## Stay Near the Canyon Our Dayton and Story properties put you minutes from the trailhead. 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