Bighorn Mountains Conditions Report June 26, 2024

On a snowbank in the Chill Lakes area.

The snow in the Bighorn Mountains has melted into small drifts at an elevation of 10,000 feet. Warm nights, even at that elevation, should keep this warm, melting trend going. By the end of the first week of July, most trails should be completely clear of snow.

I recently hiked into the Chill Lakes area from Circle Park. Conditions were very good on the trail up, and there were minimal bugs with the exception of Lame Lake, which earned it name with thick droves of mosquitoes in the trees along its southeastern shore. If you’re going this way, I recommend taking the ridge to the south and avoiding the lake altogether. Bugs were worse throughout our time, and were ubiquitous along the trail during the calm, overcast day of our exit (June 26).

As of this report the peaks of Bighorn and Darton are still capped with snow, but it is melting quickly.

Last week, I had a look at Big Goose Creek along Redgrade road and it was still at an elevated flow. I suspect Little Goose and the access to Highland Park that way is still only accessible by serious high clearance vehicles.

The flooding along Piney Creek has subsided and all the climbing routes are open after about a week of having their belay stations inundated.

There is a chance of rain on Monday, July 1, but otherwise hot and dry conditions are predicted.

Basking on the bank of one of the Chill Lakes.