Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site

Introduction / Overview: Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site - High-Mountain Day Use in the Bighorns

For Wyoming residents and visitors traveling the magnificent Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14), the Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site offers a convenient and picturesque spot to take a break, enjoy a meal, and connect with the stunning high-mountain environment. Located at the outlet of the historically significant Sibley Lake, this day-use area provides direct access to one of the Bighorn National Forest's most popular recreation destinations. It is a fantastic starting point for easy hikes and is especially popular among anglers seeking trout.

Sibley Lake itself is not a natural lake but was created in 1937 by Company 853 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) by building a 39-foot high, 500-foot long dam across Prune Creek. The Picnic Site is situated right by this piece of Wyoming history, offering immediate proximity to the lake's recreational opportunities. At an elevation of approximately 7,850 to 7,950 feet, visitors should expect brisk air and beautiful views, with towering lodgepole pines surrounding the area. While the adjacent Sibley Lake Campground offers overnight stays, the Dam Picnic Site is strictly for day use, perfect for a mid-trip stop or a dedicated afternoon outing.

Location and Accessibility: Right Off the Bighorn Scenic Byway

The Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site is ideally located for travelers exploring the Bighorn National Forest. It is situated directly off U.S. Highway 14, the Bighorn Scenic Byway, making it highly accessible. Geographically, it is located near the town of Dayton, Wyoming, approximately 21 miles southwest of the town center. The drive along Highway 14 is inherently scenic, providing beautiful vistas as you climb into the Bighorn Mountains.

To reach the site, you will take U.S. Highway 14 and follow the signage for Sibley Lake Campground or the picnic areas. The Dam Picnic Site is near the lake's outlet. While the location is convenient, prospective visitors should be aware that the high volume of use, particularly during peak summer weekends, means the area can become quite crowded. Furthermore, the access road and parking areas near the dam have been noted by users to occasionally be in rough shape, with potholes and uneven surfaces due to the high-mountain weather and traffic. This location offers easy entry to the lake trail, often accessed via a set of stairs from the parking area, which is an important consideration for accessibility.

Services Offered

• Picnic Facilities: Numerous picnic tables are provided throughout the day-use area, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy a packed lunch amidst the mountain scenery.
• Water: Potable water is typically available at the Dam Picnic Site, often via a hand pump, ensuring hikers and picnickers have access to fresh drinking water.
• Restrooms: A vault toilet (pit toilet) facility is available on-site for public use. However, visitors should note that this facility has been observed to not be ADA-compliant, and accessibility in general is hampered by the presence of stairs leading to the main trail.
• Historic Information: The site features information about the history of the Sibley Lake Dam, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s.
• Free Access: Unlike the adjacent Sibley Lake Campground, the Dam Picnic Site is a fee-free day-use area, making it an excellent budget-friendly stop.
• Motorized Activity Restrictions: The lake itself restricts watercraft to electric motors only, ensuring a quieter environment for fishing and non-motorized activities.

Features / Highlights

• Easy Lake-Loop Hiking Trail: The site serves as the starting point for a relatively easy trail that loops around Sibley Lake. This trail is ideal for a gentle, hour-or-two-long hike. While game trails and other footpaths can make the path confusing at times, staying near the shoreline prevents getting lost. Be prepared for potential seasonal flooding on the eastern side of the lake, which may require brief off-trail trekking.
• Mountain Stocked Trout Fishing: Sibley Lake is a popular and busy fishery. It is actively stocked by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, primarily with catchable-sized (8-10 inch) trout, including Yellowstone Cutthroat (in the past) and more recently, Rainbow Trout, alongside wild Brook and Brown trout. It’s an ideal spot for family fishing and high-volume catching, but note that the stockies are generally small.
• Historic CCC Landmark: The dam itself is an impressive piece of local history, constructed by the CCC's Company 853 in 1937, adding a layer of historical interest to your visit.
• Sibley Lake Recreation: Sibley Lake is open to non-motorized boats like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, offering a peaceful paddling experience away from the noise of gas engines. An accessible fishing dock is often available at the adjacent campground area.
• Wildlife Spotting: Like much of the Bighorn National Forest, the Sibley Lake area provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with moose often spotted near the water in the early mornings or late evenings.
• Proximity to Full-Service Camping: The adjacent Sibley Lake Campground is the only Bighorn National Forest campground in the area offering sites with electrical hookups, providing a convenient option for RV and trailer campers seeking more amenities than the Dam Picnic Site itself.

What is Worth Choosing: Simplicity, Scenery, and Stocked Fish

The Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site is worth choosing for its sheer convenience and accessibility right off the major scenic byway, and for the simple pleasure it offers. It's the perfect destination for Wyoming families looking for an easy, rewarding outdoor experience without a major time commitment. If you are focused on teaching kids to fish, the regularly stocked lake provides a great chance for success. If you're simply passing through and need to stretch your legs, the easy, scenic loop trail around the lake is an ideal break that immerses you in the natural beauty of the Bighorns.

However, visitors must arrive with the right expectations. This site is not an ADA-friendly location due to the stairs and lack of accessible facilities, which is a major drawback. Furthermore, it is popular and will likely be crowded, especially on summer weekends. Therefore, choose Sibley Lake Dam Picnic Site for a quick, rewarding dose of high-altitude scenery, a relaxing picnic, and a guaranteed chance to cast a line in a beautiful, historic setting. It's an excellent stop on the Bighorn Byway, but not your secluded wilderness escape.

Contact Information

Address: Dayton, WY 82836, USA (Sibley Lake area, Bighorn National Forest)

Forest Service Office Phone (for general Bighorn National Forest information): (307) 674-2600