Shell Bench

Shell Bench is a hard hike in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest, within the Medicine Wheel Ranger District. The route is an out-and-back of about 21 miles, with a high point of 7,821 feet and a low point of 5,091 feet, making it a steep climb over a natural trail surface. The trail is managed by the Forest Service, and bikes are allowed. The most comfortable months for a visit are July and August, when typical highs reach about 71°F and lows hover around 41°F, based on averages from a nearby weather station at Burgess Junction. The station sits at a similar elevation to the trail's high point, so temperatures on the route run about the same as those figures. The trail is open year-round, and the parking area is named Adelaide. Hikers can pair the trip with Beef, about 1.5 miles away, Cedar Creek and Shell Creek, each about 2.6 miles off, and Ranger Creek Recreation Area, roughly 8.9 miles away.