Copmans Tomb Scenic Overlook

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Spring · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The roads to get here aren't in the greatest of shape. A good truck, jeep, or 4x4 vehicle should get you here no problem.

Getting here can be tricky but well worth it once you do. Copmans Tomb is a cliff face that rises a few thousand feet from the floor of Shell Canyon. This significant geological feature can be seen from the Bighorn Scenic Byway and is most observed from Shell Falls Interpretive Site. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle with decent clearance to reach the trailhead.

The trail is not well marked, but it's easy to follow the closed ATV trail to the cliff. A fire that happened years ago has scorched the forest on top of the tomb but is still very scenic. The trail takes you to the overlook that faced west, but if you're feeling adventurous, head directly south off of the trail to get to the true edge of Copmans Tomb. You can't miss it as the cliff basically funnels you to the edge.

Once you reach the edge, you almost can't fathom the view. It is so big and intimidating as you are looking several thousand feet down towards the Bighorn Basin. The closest comparison would be the Grand Canyon. To the east, you can see Cloud Peak, the tallest point in the Bighorn Mountains (13,166 feet), while to the south and west, you'll see Shell Canyon and the Bighorn Basin Desert.

Indian Paintbrush, Spruce Pines, Lodgepole Pines, Sagebrush, Various Wildflowers.