Outdoor Recreation

Spend a day on the slopes at Meadowlark Ski Lodge pursuing your passion, whether it's snowboarding or downhill skiing. Meadowlark Ski lodge features equipment and snowmobile rental, a pro shop and a cozy lodge with a restaurant and full-service bar.  For more information, contact 307-267-2609 or visit www.southfork-lodge.com.

Ranked by Sno West Magazine as one of the Top 10 places to snowmobile, the Big Horn Mountains are a paradise for snowmobilers all over the country. The 132 miles of groomed trails means endless acres of pure powder. Annual snowfall totals average 21 feet, which creates a heaven on Earth for cross country skiers and snowshoers. Willow Park and Pole Creek offer miles of groomed trails to explore.

For the angler, Johnson County offers up some of the best fishing in Wyoming. There's no better place to start than the Sports Lure on Buffalo's historic Main Street, where you can get outfitted, rent fishing equipment and purchase an out-of-state license. Fishing trips are available through many ranches as well, Triple Three Ranch, South Fork Mountain Lodge, Old West Adventures, Folded Hills Ranch, Klondike Ranch and Paradise Guest Ranch. Spectacular waters include Clear Creek, the pristine alpine lakes within the Bighorn National Forest, Lake DeSmet, and Crazy Woman and Sourdough Creeks.

The Big Horn Mountains and the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area lay claim to over 900,000 acres of natural beauty making it the perfect recreational playground for hiking, camping, backpacking and ATV riding. For all your ATV or snowmobile needs, visit Triple Three Ranch and Ultimate Outdoors.

If lacing up a pair of boots and seeking solitude is your thing, the Big Horn Mountains is a bounty of trail for hikers. A good place to start any hiking adventure is at the U.S. Forest Service or U.S. Bureau of Land Management offices off Fort Street (U.S. Hwy 16 West) in Buffalo. There you'll find maps, regulations- and helpful people who can guide you to the right trail you're looking for. The Buffalo BLM field office can be reached at (307) 684-1100; reach the Forest Service's Powder River Ranger District in Buffalo at (307) 684-7806.

Explore Wyoming's spectacular ranchland and mountains from a completely different perspective- on horseback. If you're bringing your own horses, corrals and ramps are available in the Big Horn National Forest. If you'd like to experience the true Western way of life, there are several outfitters including Triple Three Ranch,  Klondike Ranch and South Fork Mountain Lodge, that offer hourly, daily and overnight horseback trips.

Whether it's mule deer, elk, antelope, moose, or upland gamebirds, Johnson County boasts thousands of acres where hunting is celebrated. Area outfitters, including Old West Adventures, South Fork Mountain Lodge, Sports Lure, and Triple Three Ranch,  offer guided hunts. Or, you can strike out on your own, but remember, landowners' permission is always necessary to hunt on private land. For a list of landowners, call the Sheridan Game and Fish Department at (307)-672-7418.

Johnson County's guest ranches acquaint visitors with the Old West experience of cattle drives, horseback riding, and wagon hay rides. For a more refined pursuit, try your hand at fishing, hiking, backpacking or a guided hunt in the fall. Visit these links for more information: Folded Hills Ranch, Klondike Ranch, Paradise Guest Ranch, or Willow Creek Ranch at the Hole-In-The-Wall.

 Lake DeSmet is an oasis of water sports and incredible fishing opportunities. Boaters, skiers and swimmers flock to the lake near Buffalo, which features ramps, docks, campgrounds and picnic shelters. For boating, campground and other information, visit The Lake Stop.

The Buffalo City Park is home to Wyoming's largest free outdoor swimming pool, which makes it a mecca for adults and children alike during  the summer. The park also has tennis courts and great playgrounds for the kids. Pets are welcome.

A four-star course, the Buffalo Golf Club is a hidden jewel for golf enthusiasts. Play a challenging round of golf while soaking up the spectacular mountain vistas. Everything you need to play a round, including club rental, is available in the well-stocked pro shop.