The Sheridan Community Land Trust (SCLT) reminds trail users that Hidden Hoot Trail and Hoot Loop will be closed to the public for calving season beginning April 1.
This annual closure helps reduce stress on livestock during a critical time. Giving animals space during calving supports both herd health and ranch operations, while also helping prevent conflicts between livestock, people, and pets. The trails will reopen once calving season has concluded.
While these trails are temporarily closed, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy our Bighorns backyard.
Open Trails and Recreation Options
Visitors can continue to access the other trails of the Soldier Ridge Trail System:
- Soldier Ridge Trail
- Soldier Ridge Bench Trail
- The Link
- Kicking Horse Trail
- Double Eagle Trail
These trails are accessible from the Soldier Ridge Trailhead on the west edge of Sheridan. Follow signage from the end of West 5th Street, and from the Double Eagle Trailhead accessed via the Kendrick Municipal Golf Course.
Off-Leash Dog Trails open at the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area
If you haven’t visited the SCLT Big Goose Natural Area, now is a great time to experience one of Sheridan County’s newest outdoor recreation destinations. This 117-acre community space features more than two miles of mowed walking trails, along with public access for fishing and floating on Big Goose Creek. Visitors can also stop by the SCLT Welcome Center while on site.
The BGNA includes a network of trails, some of which are designated as off-leash friendly. Visitors should pay close attention to posted signage and keep pets under control at all times. Dogs must be leashed in areas where indicated and whenever livestock or wildlife are present.
SCLT’s Big Goose Natural Area is located at 14 Lane Ln. Visitors are reminded that the only legal access to the BGNA is via Lane Ln.
Additional nearby options include:
The Green Room Trail at Malcolm Wallop Park
Red Grade Trails, with trailheads located along State Highway 335 near the base of the Bighorn Mountains.
As spring brings more people outdoors, SCLT asks all visitors to:
- Respect seasonal closures
- Pack out all waste, including pet waste
- Know where pets must be leashed. Pets must be leashed at all times on all trails in the Soldier Ridge Trail System and on the Green Room Trail.
These simple actions go a long way in supporting working lands, protecting wildlife, and ensuring a positive experience for all trail users.
Please take personal responsibility for yourself and your pet when enjoying the outdoors. Many of these trails cross private lands, and individual decisions matter. They can directly impact continued access to these special places for the entire community.
Stay up to date on trail conditions and closures by joining the Sheridan Trail Conditions group on Facebook or by visiting SCLT’s website to view and download trail maps at https://sheridanclt.org/explore/guides/.
