Aerobics and Weight Training

    The Johnson County Family YMCA offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages.

LOCATION: 101 Klondike Drive
PHONE: (307) 684-9558

HOURS:
Monday thru Thursday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 5:00 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday: 12 Noon – 5 pm

Johnson County Family YMCA

Aerobics:
The YMCA offers a full range of fitness and aerobic classes and training sessions. For specific times for the different workouts call :  (307) 684-9558.

Weight Training:
The Y also offers a full range of weight training clinics throughout the year. There is full gym and work out area equipped with modern weight training systems, as well as free weights, stair masters, rowing machines, track, etc. Please call the YMCA for the latest schedule. You may set up a fitness evaluation or weight room orientation before beginning any comprehensive training program by calling us at : 684-9558.

Some of the essentials we work on in our clinics, which are all led by professional trainers and YMCA trained specialists, are High Intensity Training, Basic Muscle Theory, Demonstration of Techniques, Breathing and Your Safety and Goal Setting.

Biking and Mountain Biking

Within the City of Buffalo, there are plenty of places to bike, and it is an enjoyable way to see our city. For the slightly more adventurous there is a bike trail that starts just past the old Veterans Home near Clear Creek and then follows Hwy. 16 towards the mountains for about 3 miles. This all asphalt bike and path way is completely separate from the highway and provides you a great view of the Bighorn Mountains. The route and a map are included in the Clear Creek Trail System brochure available from the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.

 

     Mountain Biking in the Bighorns is both a challenging workout and a great way to cover a lot of ground! Information about those trails that are particularly good for and open to mountain biking are available from the Bighorn Forest Service on Hart Street and from the Chamber of Commerce.

Boating & Water-skiing

Lake DeSmet

Boating opportunities abound in the Bighorns region. One of the most popular destinations for boating and water-skiing is Lake DeSmet, just north of Buffalo. On the west side of the lake are boat ramps and docks. It is also equipped with picnic shelters, camp sites, restroom facilities and BBQ grills.

Boat operators must be at least 16 years old here in the Equality State. This includes personal watercraft such as "Wave Runners" or "Jet Skis". Persons under 16 years-of-age can operate a boat if they are accompanied by an adult and the adult is responsible for the craft's safe operation.

Wyoming law requires that watercraft, whether motored or not, must carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD) of a suitable size for each person on board.

For more information on Boating restrictions, see the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Web site.

Golfing

Buffalo Golf Club
550 W. Hart Street
(307) 684-5266

     In 1994, Golf Digest chose the Buffalo Golf Club as one of the best places in Wyoming to play. The Buffalo course boasts incredible scenic views of the Big Horns, with a challenging 18-hole, par 72 play.  Rentals of equipment and carts are available and there is a restaurant in the club house. One of the best golf deals around!

Hiking & Backpacking in the Big Horns

    Hiking in the Bighorn National Forest can be an enjoyable, rewarding experience. Trails are found along lakes and streams, across grassy parklands and climbing to reach the highest mountain summits. Those listed on the accompanying trail table provided by the Forest Service are only a sample of opportunities awaiting the visitor.

     We encourage you to purchase a detailed Forest Map to accurately locate these trails. The Forest Map can be purchased at any of the Bighorn's District Offices and at many commercial outlets throughout the area. Topographic maps are available through the US Geological Survey or at local sporting goods stores.

Take responsibility for a safe memorable trip:

·  Plan ahead
·  Know your abilities and limitations
·  Tell someone where you're going
·  Carry the appropriate maps
·  Be aware of weather changes
·  Carry water, food, first-aid kit, and
   other essentials.

Backpacking & Day Hikes

     Backpacking offers great freedom for the forest adventure. You become part of a nature and survive in an environment with few modern conveniences. With this freedom goes an individual responsibility to care for the environment and respect the rights of those you meet along the way. Help protect this fragile resource by following the "Leave No Trace" principles listed below.

If you are planning a trip to the CLOUD PEAK WILDERNESS AREA, please follow these additional regulations.

• Campfires, other than a self contained stove, are not allowed within 300 feet of lakes, streams or trails.

• Camping is not permitted within 100 feet of any lake or stream.

• Camping at sites posted as being closed is not permitted.

• Camping structures such as hitching racks, tent frames, pegs, and fire rings must be dismantled after use.

• Hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse must be done so it does not cause injury to any live trees. Keep hitched or hobbled horses 100 feet from a lake or stream.

• Groups may have a maximum of 25 people or a combination of 25 people and/or recreational stock, except no more than 15 head of stock in any group.

• Cutting a trail switchback is not permitted.

• Possessing a bicycle or other mechanical or other motorized vehicle is prohibited.

• All users must register prior to entry.

• IMPORTANT: OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON NEW AND SEASONAL FIRE RESTRICTIONS BEFORE HIKING OR CAMPING IN THE BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST!

Footnotes:
(1) Mileage is recorded as one-way except for loop trails.
(2) Trail enters the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Special regulations apply.
(3) Trail used by ATV's (motorized).
(4) Major use by horses (horse use is permitted on all trails).
(5) Corrals available for horse use.
(6) Camping available at trailhead.
(*) Access requires 4-wheel drive. Use of passenger cars may result in longer hiking distances.
116) Designates multiple trail routes to complete suggested loop.
RS = Ranger Station; CG = Campground; PA = Picnic Area

Horseshoes

Horseback Riding

Hunting and Fishing

Bull Elk

Hunting

Johnson County offers marvelous hunting opportunities for several types of big game species including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion and pronghorn antelope. As well there are a variety of upland game birds that can be hunted. Outfitters in the area are available for guided hunts….or go it on your own!

Hunting is allowed on National Forest lands, however, Wyoming statute says nonresidents must have a licensed guide or resident companion to hunt big or trophy game in national forest wilderness areas. The resident companion will need to get a free non-commercial guide license from a G&F office.

The law does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds or coyotes in wilderness areas. Only nonresident big and trophy game hunters must have a licensed guide or resident companion.

Licensing: There really aren't any secrets to winning in the draw, but an understanding of the drawing process may be of benefit. In a nutshell, some areas are easier to draw than others. If there is a truism about drawing, it is that public land areas are generally more difficult to draw than private areas. It's not unusual for public land antelope areas to have three or four residents apply for every license. For nonresidents, it's even more difficult with odds being 10 to 1 or worse for public antelope areas. If you apply for a license in a private land area, you'll almost always improve your odds of drawing, but you are strongly advised to have permission lined up to hunt before you apply.

Fishing

 

Most streams and lakes provide good trout fishing. Fish species include brook, brown, cutthroat trout, and grayling. Fishing opportunities abound in the Middle Fork of the Powder River near Kaycee, area reservoirs, and the mountain streams and lakes within the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness surrounding Buffalo. Two of the most popular sites are Lake DeSmet and Healy Reservoir.

Licenses are required for fishing and hunting. Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish department for more information.

Karate

The Johnson County YMCA offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages.

LOCATION: 101 Klondike Drive
PHONE: (307) 684-9558
HOURS: Monday thru Thursday: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm
Friday: 5:00 am – 8:30 pm
Saturday: 12 Noon – 5 pm

     A great class for physical and mental discipline.  Karate Classes are taught on a month to month basis, please call us for the latest program information at : (307) 684-9558.

Nature Walks in & around Buffalo

The Clear Creek Trail System

The Clear Creek Trail System stretches across the City of Buffalo, hugging the beautiful Clear Creek for almost 13 miles! The trail system is a wonderful way to enjoy Buffalo and the wildlife that abounds within the environs of the city. On your walks you may well encounter all kinds of birds, deer, rabbits, marmots, etc.

The Trail is divided into different sections and easily assessable along different points – depending on your interest and energy level. The trail is readily identified with signs and mileage markers. Dogs are especially welcome on "certain" portions. A brochure identifying the trail and trail etiquette is available from the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.

Scenic Auto Tours

BIGHORN SCENIC BYWAY (US Hwy 14) connects Sheridan and surrounding communities with Greybull, Wyoming and includes 45 miles of scenic mountain driving. Look out over spectacular valley views from one of several roadside turnouts -- on a clear day, you can see forever. Interesting stops include Shell Falls, Burgess Junction Visitor Center and Sand Turn. Open year around.

MEDICINE WHEEL PASSAGE (US Hwy 14A) rises sharply from the Bighorn Basin near Lovell, Wyoming and winds 25 miles through steep canyon terrain and high alpine meadows to Burgess Junction. This route provides primary access to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. This may not be the best choice for those pulling trailers or driving an RV -Grades exceed 10%. Open from May to November.

A stop at the Medicine Wheel is highly recommended!  It is the largest intact Medicine Wheel in North America, and predates the Native American peoples who live here today. Nevertheless, the recognize its importance as a sacred site and the fence around the medicine wheel is covered in prayer offerings left by Native non-Native visitors. The view of the great basin from this site explains why it was originally chosen. Because of damage over the years and the danger of maintaining two way traffic to the top of the mountain, visitors must now hike up to the Medicine Wheel. So bring plenty of water and good shoes. For those unable to walk the rangers on site will allow vehicle travel.

Historic and Scenic Loop Tours around Buffalo and Johnson County

Nothing compares to visiting – up close and personal -- the majesty of nature and the feel of history all around you! Around Buffalo and Johnson County, the opportunity for both abounds. Here are some easily accessible sites, along with some that may well require four-wheel drive – depending on the time of year. Maps to these sites are available through the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.

Bud Love Winter Range (1-2 hours)

     On this tour, there is some of the most scenic mountain views imaginable of the Bighorns. As it traverses a wildlife reserve, expect to see white tail deer, mule deer, antelope, wild turkey and other game birds, as well as elk in the winter months.

Fort Phil Kearny (1/2 to a full day tour)

Relive some of the West’s legendary history on this tour of where some of the fiercest fighting between Native American’s and the U.S. Calvary took place. The highlight of this tour is the Fort Phil Kearny historic site, which has a visitors center and museum with outstanding displays of battle scenes and local history.

Crazy Woman Canyon (half day, but NOT recommended for trailers or large RVs)

One of the favorite outings for locals looking for a beautiful drive and nice, cool place to picnic in the middle of the summer, Crazy Woman Canyon offers a close up view of beautiful rock formations as it hugs a roaring mountain stream along its way. This tour follows a single gravel road through high canyon walls and ends with a great view of the surrounding Big Horn Mountains.

Pole Creek and Sheep Mountain (one half to a full day, but high clearance vehicles are necessary for some sections of this route)

This tour provides breathtaking panoramic views of Hazelton and Cloud Peaks, the Powder River Basin, as well as likely sightings of mule deer and other wildlife.

Outlaw Cave & Dull Knife Battlefield (one half to a full day, but high clearance vehicles are necessary for some sections of this route)

This loop tour takes you into the "Hole-in-the-Wall" hideout area of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Johnson County locals and visitors enjoy the wildlife found on this tour as much they do soaking up the history and tales about this wild bunch of local outlaws. The Middle Fork of the Powder River is also viewed along this route.

Swimming - Outdoor and Indoor Pools

Washington Memorial Park Swimming Pool

Washington Park offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages in our community. The largest outdoor swimming pool in this region, it is 120 x 80 meters. And it’s FREE! Located in the City Park off Burritt & Angus, the whole area is surrounded by trees, walking paths, picnic tables and beautiful Clear Creek. It’s just one block off of Buffalo’s Historic Main Street District!

There is even a waterpark for the kids. Life guards on duty at all times, and snack shack is on the premises. Open from mid-morning to sunset June, July and August.

Buffalo Swimming Pool - Washington Park

YMCA Swimming Pool

The Johnson County YMCA offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages. It offers a six-lane, 25 yard pool with diving board, Jacuzzi, locker rooms with showers and youth game room. It has several swim programs on our schedule (lap swim, open swim, swim team, lessons, etc.), so call to confirm. You may also wish to set up a fitness evaluation before beginning any training program by calling us at : (307) 684-9558.

LOCATION: 101 Klondike Drive
PHONE: (307) 684-9558

Tennis and Pickleball

Washington Memorial Park offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages in our community. Public Tennis Courts are available for use on a first come, first serve basis. Courts are located in the park off Burritt & Angus, right behind the Washington Park outdoor swimming pool. These courts are lighted so after dark play is available. The courts are just one block off of Buffalo’s Historic Main Street District!

     The Johnson County YMCA offers a wide variety of fitness and recreational activities for people of all ages.

LOCATION: 101 Klondike Drive
PHONE: (307) 684-9558

Tennis & Pickleball at the Y:

The Y has several courts that are available, as well as racquets to rent and balls to purchase. Courts are available for play during regular hours. Call for reservations and more information : (307) 684-9558.

Winter Recreation Sports in the Big Horns

Snowmobiling:  Of these 387 miles of snowmobile trails there are great powder trails, as well as groomed trails for the snowmobile enthusiast. The Buffalo Chamber of Commerce has directions to specific trailheads. In addition, many lodges in the area offer machine rentals and repairs. The snowmobile season is December 1 thru April 15. Snow depths and trail conditions are available below. Wyoming law requires that all snowmobile have either a resident or nonresident user fee decal adhered to the machine.

Meadowlark Ski Lodge

     For the cross-country ski enthusiasts, there is ample space to escape into the forests four cross-country ski areas. These trails have yet to be discovered by most Nordic skiers and offer plenty of solitude. Sibley and Antelope Butte cross-country ski trails can be accessed from US Highway 14 in the northern Bighorns and Pole Creek and Willow Park from US Highway 16 on the southern end of the Big Horns.

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