Big Goose Natural Area Closure Updates
The BGNA may experience occasional closures as our neighbors at Bridges continue construction on their facility. Access may change periodically, so checking for updates before heading out is encouraged.
The Big Goose Natural Area is open to the public. There are no upcoming closures.
What to expect at Red Grade Trails
Details may change throughout construction. Please check this link for the most up-to-date information.
- Subject to updates, Red Grade Road will be temporarily closed during construction
- Closures expected Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Access to Base, Springs, and Aspens Trailheads, and the trail system between these trailheads will also be closed during construction.
- Access to the trailheads and trail system will be allowed on weekends, holidays, and outside construction hours.
- Trails accessible outside of the project limits would remain open during construction.
- SCLT does not recommend using trails below Poverty Flat Trailhead during construction hours.
Go somewhere else (and still have a great day)
To help reduce crowding, consider these nearby options:
SCLT Trails and Natural Areas
- Big Goose Natural Area
- One of the few off-leash trail options away from the mountains
- Fishing and Paddling access
- Learn about land and history through hands-on conservation demonstrations, historic features like the streetcar, and interactive exhibits inside the Welcome Center.
- Soldier Ridge Trail System
- Expect more visitors when Red Grade Trails are closed
- Nearly 12 miles of singletrack trails with 3 trailheads on Sheridan’s western edge
- Build your mountain biking skills on Hidden Hoot, a downhill-optimized flow trail
- Short out-and-backs can take you places like Magpie Draw, Pollywog Pond, Jensen Draw, and a scenic overlook on Soldier Ridge Trail
- Learn with “History Along the Soldier Ridge Trail” – a GPS-based guided audio tour you can take on your phone or any connected device
- Green Room Trail @ Malcolm Wallop Park
- Expect more use when Red Grade Trails are closed, but not enough to make it feel crowded
- Several connections to the paved Sheridan Pathway mean you can explore as much or as little of the trail as you like
- Park at Malcolm Wallop Park or make your way utilizing the Sheridan Pathway system
SCLT Gravel Routes
Explore 9 curated gravel biking routes across Sheridan County and the surrounding region. Our guide will give you detailed directions, photos, and GPX files for each route.
SCLT Tongue River Water Trail
- Not a hiking or biking trail, but a paddling trail.
- Many access sites offer quick 1-2 hours or longer 4-8 hour floats
- Experience the Sheridan area in a way only possible from a boat.
Other Fantastic Local Places
- Welch Ranch Recreation Area
- Buffalo Run State Lands (approx. 10 miles SE of Sheridan from the intersection of US Hwy 14 & I-90)
- Bear Davis Park
- Penrose and South Piney Creek trails, both begin in Story
- Tongue River Canyon
- Cutler Hills & Sibley Lake trails accessed from US Hwy 14 in the Bighorn National Forest
- Clear Creek Trails, Buffalo.
Quick trail reminders
With more people using alternative sites, a few basics go a long way:
- Follow posted trail rules and directionality
- Know which uses are allowed on each trail
- Yield appropriately and communicate when passing
- Expect heavier traffic than usual







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