Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area - Montana, Wyoming
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on the Montana-Wyoming boundary is a place where sheer cliffs tower 1,000 feet above a ribbon of blue water, where wild horses run free, and majestic Bighorn Sheep graze the meadows and grassy slopes. About one third of the park unit is located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Over 200,000 visitors each year enjoy its natural beauty and the multiple recreational opportunities on offer at Bighorn.
The park, occupying approximately 68,000 acres between the Pryor and Bighorn mountain ranges, was established in 1966 to preserve the area's natural and cultural resources and provide for public enjoyment after Yellowtail Dam was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on the Bighorn River. The dam, named after the famous Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River by turning that variable watercourse into Bighorn Lake that extends for approximately 71 miles (114 km) at full pool.
Afterbay Lake located below Yellowtail Dam is a popular spot for trout fishing as well as for viewing ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is likewise a world-class trout fishing area. In addition, many archeological and historical resources serve to complement the area's natural features
Bighorn Canyon offers a diverse landscape of forest, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, lake and wetlands. Vegetation communities in the park include desert shrubland, juniper woodland, mountain mahogany woodland, sagebrush steppe, basin grassland, riparian, and coniferous woodland. The wildlife is equally diverse including bighorn sheep, wild horses, coyotes, mule deer, snakes, small mammals, mountain lions, bears, and more than 200 bird species. The 39,000-acre Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, about one-fifth of which lies within Bighorn Canyon NRA, provides habitat for both the majestic Bighorn Sheep and the fabulous Pryor Mountain Wild Horses. Bighorn Canyon is truly one of the most significant natural areas in the United States.
The depth of Bighorn Canyon is approximately 1,000 feet deep at Devil Canyon and 2,500 feet deep on Bull Elk Ridge. Researchers have found Upper Jurassic Period fossils and fossil tracks and bones in the park, and discovered the remains of Pleistocene animals in debris piles at cave entrances. Bighorn Canyon's archeological history includes Bad Pass Trail, which has been used for more than 10,000 years and is marked by 500 rock cairns spread over 13 miles.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
ACTIVITIES AT BIGHORN CANYONG NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Bicycling - Ride the South District park road where you can parallel the ancient Bad Pass Trail or in the North District pedal the Ok-A-Beh road for an intense workout!
Boating - Float the waters of Bighorn Lake beneath towering walls up to a thousand feet in height.
Camping - Bighorn Canyon offer five camping areas with over 100 spots, best of all the majority are free and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.
Fishing - The Bighorn River is a world class trout fishery, unrivaled even in Montana. Bighorn Lake allows anglers the opportunity to catch a diverse variety of fish, including large walleyes.
Hiking - Choose from over 27 miles of trails, ranging from short walks to dramatic overlooks or longer hikes that can take you to a historic ghost town.
Historic Ranches - The park has an amazing collection of ranches still kept in their original state.
Horseback Riding - The park allows horseback riding in the South District. Limitless opportunities await riders looking for a true western experience.
Picnicking - Kick back, relax and enjoy a meal amidst the grandeur of Bighorn Canyon or by the serene waters of the Afterbay. There are numerous spots on both ends of the park.
Wildlife watching - See for yourself the largest herd of wild horses in the United States and sight bears in their natural habitat, or view magnificent Bighorn Sheep roaming the high desert.
GETTING THERE
The closest airports are Logan International Airport in Billings, Montana for either North or South entrances and Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming for South entrance.
Driving distance to the North District (Fort Smith, Montana) is 95 miles from Billings, Montana and 110miles from Sheridan Wyoming.
Driving distance to the South District (Lovell, Wyoming) is 90 miles from Billings, Montana, 100miles from Sheridan Wyoming and 47 miles from Cody, Wyoming.
Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine
Cliff jumping Bighorn canyon Near Lovell Wyoming
Cliff jumping off of 50+ foot cliffs Bighorn canyon.
How Bighorn Canyon was formed
Learn about the geological forces that shaped Bighorn Canyon, discover the rocks that provide the foundation of Bighorn Canyon and the rock formations above and just beyond the canyon walls, learn about the the role of water in forming the canyon.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on the Montana-Wyoming boundary is a place where sheer cliffs tower 1,000 feet above a ribbon of blue water, where wild horses run free, and is home to the majestic Bighorn Sheep. About one third of the park unit is located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Over 200,000 visitors each year enjoy its natural beauty and the multiple recreational opportunities on offer at Bighorn.
The park, occupying approximately 68,000 acres between the Pryor and Bighorn mountain ranges, was established in 1966 to preserve the area's natural and cultural resources and provide for public enjoyment after Yellowtail Dam was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on the Bighorn River. The dam, named after the famous Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River by turning that variable watercourse into Bighorn Lake that extends for approximately 71 miles (114 km) at full pool.
Afterbay Lake located below Yellowtail Dam is a popular spot for trout fishing as well as for viewing ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is likewise a world-class trout fishing area. In addition, many archeological and historical resources serve to complement the area's natural features
Bighorn Canyon offers a diverse landscape of forest, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, lake and wetlands. Vegetation communities in the park include desert shrubland, juniper woodland, mountain mahogany woodland, sagebrush steppe, basin grassland, riparian, and coniferous woodland. The wildlife is equally diverse including bighorn sheep, wild horses, coyotes, mule deer, snakes, small mammals, mountain lions, bears, and more than 200 bird species. The 39,000-acre Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, about one-fifth of which lies within Bighorn Canyon NRA, provides habitat for both the majestic Bighorn Sheep and the fabulous Pryor Mountain Wild Horses. Bighorn Canyon is truly one of the most significant natural areas in the United States.
The depth of Bighorn Canyon is approximately 1,000 feet deep at Devil Canyon and 2,500 feet deep on Bull Elk Ridge. Researchers have found Upper Jurassic Period fossils and fossil tracks and bones in the park, and discovered the remains of Pleistocene animals in debris piles at cave entrances. Bighorn Canyon's archeological history includes Bad Pass Trail, which has been used for more than 10,000 years and is marked by 500 rock cairns spread over 13 miles.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
ACTIVITIES AT BIGHORN CANYONG NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Bicycling - Ride the South District park road where you can parallel the ancient Bad Pass Trail or in the North District pedal the Ok-A-Beh road for an intense workout!
Boating - Float the waters of Bighorn Lake beneath towering walls up to a thousand feet in height.
Camping - Bighorn Canyon offer five camping areas with over 100 spots, best of all the majority are free and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.
Fishing - The Bighorn River is a world class trout fishery, unrivaled even in Montana. Bighorn Lake allows anglers the opportunity to catch a diverse variety of fish, including large walleyes.
Hiking - Choose from over 27 miles of trails, ranging from short walks to dramatic overlooks or longer hikes that can take you to a historic ghost town.
Historic Ranches - The park has an amazing collection of ranches still kept in their original state.
Horseback Riding - The park allows horseback riding in the South District. Limitless opportunities await riders looking for a true western experience.
Picnicking - Kick back, relax and enjoy a meal amidst the grandeur of Bighorn Canyon or by the serene waters of the Afterbay. There are numerous spots on both ends of the park.
Wildlife watching - See for yourself the largest herd of wild horses in the United States and sight bears in their natural habitat, or view magnificent Bighorn Sheep roaming the high desert.
GETTING THERE
The closest airports are Logan International Airport in Billings, Montana for either North or South entrances and Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming for South entrance.
Driving distance to the North District (Fort Smith, Montana) is 95 miles from Billings, Montana and 110miles from Sheridan Wyoming.
Driving distance to the South District (Lovell, Wyoming) is 90 miles from Billings, Montana, 100miles from Sheridan Wyoming and 47 miles from Cody, Wyoming.
Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon in the northern Bighorn Basin of Wyoming offers amazing views, a diversity of flora and fauna, and plenty of recreation opportunities.
University of Wyoming Extension
Sustainable Management of Rangeland Resources
Produced by:
Ashley Garrelts - Extension Educator
David Keto - Extension Media Producer
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area tour
Jump out of the truck and let's explore the
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
See big beautiful panoramas of the Bighorn Canyon and visit over 250 Montana towns at The website for people homesick for Montana.
From Mountains to Prairies 2016 (Pt. 57) - Cattleman Motel; Lovell, Wyoming
July 13, 2016 - In central Wyoming, hotels are a little scarce and towns like Cody fill up in a hurry. I picked a hotel a little out of the way in the smaller town of Lovell, Wyoming. Nothing much is here in this town of 2,000, but I needed a place to crash for the night.
I often choose chain hotels, as per Expedia, but this time, the best fit for me was an independent accommodation known as the Cattleman Motel. Check it out its hospitality in all of its western splendour.
Yellowtail Dam and development activity at Bighorn Canyon
This video looks at the building of the Yellowtail Dam and its effect upon the natural landscape of Bighorn Canyon. This segment includes looks at the creation of the Afterbay Lake, the Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area and the animals which inhabit the area surrounding the canyon.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on the Montana-Wyoming boundary is a place where sheer cliffs tower 1,000 feet above a ribbon of blue water, where wild horses run free, and is home to the majestic Bighorn Sheep. About one third of the park unit is located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Over 200,000 visitors each year enjoy its natural beauty and the multiple recreational opportunities on offer at Bighorn.
The park, occupying approximately 68,000 acres between the Pryor and Bighorn mountain ranges, was established in 1966 to preserve the area's natural and cultural resources and provide for public enjoyment after Yellowtail Dam was constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on the Bighorn River. The dam, named after the famous Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River by turning that variable watercourse into Bighorn Lake that extends for approximately 71 miles (114 km) at full pool.
Afterbay Lake located below Yellowtail Dam is a popular spot for trout fishing as well as for viewing ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is likewise a world-class trout fishing area. In addition, many archeological and historical resources serve to complement the area's natural features
Bighorn Canyon offers a diverse landscape of forest, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, lake and wetlands. Vegetation communities in the park include desert shrubland, juniper woodland, mountain mahogany woodland, sagebrush steppe, basin grassland, riparian, and coniferous woodland. The wildlife is equally diverse including bighorn sheep, wild horses, coyotes, mule deer, snakes, small mammals, mountain lions, bears, and more than 200 bird species. The 39,000-acre Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, about one-fifth of which lies within Bighorn Canyon NRA, provides habitat for both the majestic Bighorn Sheep and the fabulous Pryor Mountain Wild Horses. Bighorn Canyon is truly one of the most significant natural areas in the United States.
The depth of Bighorn Canyon is approximately 1,000 feet deep at Devil Canyon and 2,500 feet deep on Bull Elk Ridge. Researchers have found Upper Jurassic Period fossils and fossil tracks and bones in the park, and discovered the remains of Pleistocene animals in debris piles at cave entrances. Bighorn Canyon's archeological history includes Bad Pass Trail, which has been used for more than 10,000 years and is marked by 500 rock cairns spread over 13 miles.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
ACTIVITIES AT BIGHORN CANYONG NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Bicycling - Ride the South District park road where you can parallel the ancient Bad Pass Trail or in the North District pedal the Ok-A-Beh road for an intense workout!
Boating - Float the waters of Bighorn Lake beneath towering walls up to a thousand feet in height.
Camping - Bighorn Canyon offer five camping areas with over 100 spots, best of all the majority are free and surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.
Fishing - The Bighorn River is a world class trout fishery, unrivaled even in Montana. Bighorn Lake allows anglers the opportunity to catch a diverse variety of fish, including large walleyes.
Hiking - Choose from over 27 miles of trails, ranging from short walks to dramatic overlooks or longer hikes that can take you to a historic ghost town.
Historic Ranches - The park has an amazing collection of ranches still kept in their original state.
Horseback Riding - The park allows horseback riding in the South District. Limitless opportunities await riders looking for a true western experience.
Picnicking - Kick back, relax and enjoy a meal amidst the grandeur of Bighorn Canyon or by the serene waters of the Afterbay. There are numerous spots on both ends of the park.
Wildlife watching - See for yourself the largest herd of wild horses in the United States and sight bears in their natural habitat, or view magnificent Bighorn Sheep roaming the high desert.
GETTING THERE
The closest airports are Logan International Airport in Billings, Montana for either North or South entrances and Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming for South entrance.
Driving distance to the North District (Fort Smith, Montana) is 95 miles from Billings, Montana and 110miles from Sheridan Wyoming.
Driving distance to the South District (Lovell, Wyoming) is 90 miles from Billings, Montana, 100miles from Sheridan Wyoming and 47 miles from Cody, Wyoming.
Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine
Scenic drive through Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming
Drive on U.S. Route 14-Alt from Lovell to Dayton, Wyoming through Bighorn National Forest in October 2018. Elevation rises to over 9,000 feet!
Recorded in 1080p high definition and sped up to 2x. You can change the playback speed to 0.5 to see it in original speed.
Bighorn Mountain Cave Philosophication
Random un-scientific cave related discussion in the bighorn mountains of Wyoming. Incidentally, not far from Great Expectations; the cave, not the book. Actually this was near the lower entrance, exit of the cave.
This Digital 8 tape has seen better days, hence the digital artifacts.
Scenic Highway - US Alt-14 - Wyoming
Views from the scenic road US Alt Highway 14 on the way to Big Horn Canyon NRA.
Taken on June 18, 2015
Music: Lunar Landing and Turnpike from YouTube library
AMAZING Archaeological Sites of the US!!
AMAZING Archaeological Sites of the US!! From amazing dinosaurs to Native American ruins…stay tuned to number 1 to find out where millions of preserved fossils are still on view!
Our newest video on amazing archeology brought to you by Zero2Hero!!
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See these Mysterious Underwater Cities DISCOVERED!!!
Number 10: Blackwater Draw.
Archaeology found in New Mexico near the town of Clovis, Blackwater Draw is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the US, with ancient artifacts upward of 12,000 years old being found there. To put that into perspective, that is around the time that mammoths roamed the land and arrows were the apex weaponry of the time.
This area’s claim to fame comes from the Paleoindians and the materials they would use. They had a unique type of projectile point, called the Clovis point, made from a mixture of jasper, obsidian and a few other types of brittle stone; although these arrowheads were very brittle, they were unbelievably sharp. Discovering these allowed archaeologists to date the arrowheads, as well as other artifacts of the find. Over the years there were more items have been found in the area, but the initial discovery of the Clovis arrowheads is still the biggest find in the region.
Today, the area has been made into the museum where you can see the ancient weaponry and admire photos from their discovery.
Number 9: Bighorn Medicine Wheel.
This piece of history is rather interesting for 2 reasons. First, it was supposedly used by American Indians to read the stars. And, second, because there are actually hundreds of Medicine Wheels throughout the US. It is actually quite likely that if you live in the US there is one relatively close to you right now.
What makes the Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Lovell, Wyoming special is that it’s the biggest one found to date, and is also the most studied. That particular wheel has been dated between 300 and 800 years old. These structures got their names from their shape and its uncanny likeliness to a wagon wheel; each of these has a central cairn that is large enough to sit in and spokes leading to an outer circle which also have a few cairns spread out throughout its circumference.
If you sit in the middle and look down at another cairn on the wheel they will lead you to a point on the horizon, archaeoastronomer Jack Eddy has studied these and has concluded that some of these pointed in the direction of the sunset and sunrise during the summer solstice while others point towards significant star alignments.
Number 8: Horseshoe Canyon.
Located in beautiful southern Utah, Horseshoe Canyon is a great place to visit for 2 reasons, if you are a hiking enthusiast, it has an incredible 7 mile hike through Canyonlands National Park. But, more to the point, it also has some of the best examples of Native American cave drawings you will ever find. This is especially impressive when you consider that some of the drawings are said to be among the oldest ever recorded, between 700 and 2000 years old. The most famous point is known as the Great Gallery and is over 200 feet wide and 15 feet high, featuring an array of life size anthropomorphic images as large as 7 feet tall.
To take the hike that will go past the drawings you will need to begin at the Goblin Valley State Park and take the 30 mile drive to the canyon before beginning your 7 mile round trip hike, viewing not only the drawings but all the nature that Utah has to offer.
Number 7: Nash Dinosaur Track Site.
If you want to walk where dinosaurs have walked, maybe even compare your foot size to that of beasts from millions of years ago, then luckily we know just the place you should visit! The Nash Dinosaur Track Site is located in South Hadley, Massachusetts in the Connecticut River Valley area, and is a great place to take your family to experience a piece of ancient history. The first tracks were found here back in 1802 by a farmer’s son named Pliny Moody and were that of a small, long extinct bird.
Although they didn’t know it at the time, that very fossilized footprint, as well as one other, would eventually make their way to Amherst college to be studied, bringing about the interest in the area and leading to the Nash Dinosaur track site being built in 1939…just one mile from the first footprints discovery.
If looking at tracks in the on-site museum and out in the surrounding areas of the park isn’t awesome enough for you then you can always buy your very own dinosaur footprint or fossils at the on-sight gift shop that is guaranteed to give your home that added classy edge that others just don’t have. I need to know, though…would you own your own dinosaur track? Let us know in the comments below!
Number 6: Crystal River Mounds.
This archaeological site is labeled one of America’s longest, continually occupied sites.
The Chase is On!!
Roxy just loves being chased by Dakota - and she's such a tease!! This video was taken in June 2008 at a campground in Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming.
Visiting Bighorn National Recreation Area, Montana
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area surrounds the Bighorn Canyon and Lake and spans the border between Montana and Wyoming. With a lake that stretches for 71-miles and canyon walls towering up to 2,500 feet, this relatively undiscovered area is a spectacular place to enjoy a day (or more) of boating or kayaking. There are several campgrounds and boat launch points along the canyon as well as fourteen hiking and interpretive trails. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, including peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep and black bears or visit one of the four historic ranches to learn about some of the area's fascinating former residents. Only a short detour on the road to Yellowstone from the east, this area is a relatively undiscovered beauty.
There are both north and south entrances, although it’s not easy to get from one to the other as there are no direct roads. From Wyoming you can visit the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center and access the recreation area near the town of Lovell. From Montana on the north end, visit the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center near the town of Fort Smith.
Our trip took us to the north end where during the summer (from Memorial Day through Labor Day) pontoon boats are available for rent at the Ok-A-Beh Marina. Although the northern portion of the recreation area sits on the Crow Indian Reservation, the National Park Service maintains a road to the marina via a continuously renewed lease with the Crow Tribe and public access is allowed (along with lakeshore camping) from the lake to 30’ above the “full” water level. Thank you to Visit Southeast Montana, Visit Billings, the Bighorn National Recreation Area, the National Park Service and the Crow tribe for hosting us.
Learning to Travel, is a travel video & social media company formed by Joyce & Daryle Dickens to help others identify and realize their dreams of “traveling more”. After years of “traveling more” talk with too little action, we finally went all-in on a life-changing 14-month journey to 23 countries and 23 US states. Since then, we’ve heard far too many people say “I wish I could do that” which has made us realize that most people need a little push to believe their travel dreams are possible and a little guidance to turn those dreams into reality. That inspiration and guidance is what is all about.
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Devil's Canyon Overlook, Montana - Bighorn Canyon NRA
View from the Devil's Canyon overlook in Bighorn Canyon just across the state line in Montana. Great views, great hikes, very few visitors. What's not to like about this place?
Taken on June 22, 2015
Music: Underdog and Horses To Water from You Tube audio library
Devils Canyon
Devil’s Canyon, Wyoming, is about as wild as wildlands get. Sheer rock walls and dramatic cliffs punctuate a landscape as rough and rugged now as it has been for thousands of years.
Nestled in the western slopes of the Big Horn Mountains about 15 to 20 miles east of Lovell, you’ll find a gateway for hunters, hikers and anglers to freely come and go. But it hasn’t always been that way.
Formerly referred to as the Devil’s Canyon Ranch, these 11,179 acres were the epicenter of dispute and controversy. Citing an increase in vandalism and careless use, the previous owners closed the ranch to public access in 1998.
Just a few years later, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation teamed up with others, including lead partner—the Trust for Public Land– federal, local and state government officials, and scores of RMEF volunteers who pooled their time and talents to raise the necessary funding.
Together, this united band purchased the ranch and placed it into public ownership—now managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Today, it remains open to public access for hunting, fishing, hiking and other forms of recreation, PLUS the transaction opened the door to an additional 20,000 acres of surrounding public land. And it’s since been the site of more than a dozen habitat enhancement projects.
You and I aren’t the only winners. Devil’s Canyon provides critical habitat for elk, mule deer, big horn sheep and countless other wildlife.
It is truly a win-win for all involved…and stands as yet another example of RMEF’s dedicated efforts to open and secure public access to the best of elk country.
Free Camping in Lovell Wyoming. Water, Dump, showers, restroom.
The City of Lovell offers these amenities to travelers. A big shout out to Lovell for their generosity. Nearby is the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This is a wonderful day trip outside of Lovell to enjoy.
Coordinates to Lovell Campground: 44.841087, -108.383247
Link to the City campground Lovell Campground Park:
Amazing Camping Spots In Wyoming. TOP 25
Amazing Camping Spots In Wyoming. TOP 25 List: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, Shoshone National Forest, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Firehole Canyon Campground, Hawk Springs State Recreation Area, Glendo State Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Buffalo Bill State Park, Sinks Canyon State Park, Bighorn National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, Boysen State Park,
Greybull Wyoming
A little, tucked away gem in Wyoming
Mustang Crossing in Montana/Wyoming
While driving through the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, I came across this old guy on the side of the road. He did not seem phased by me and appeared to have recently lost a fight for his heard. He was wondering on his own but did not seem to mind. Despite the large knee, he got along great and was a good photo subject for me seeing my first Mustangs in the wild up close!
Big Horn Basin Pivot Farm for Sale - Wyoming
Big Horn Basin Pivot Farm. This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase 500+ acres of prime farm land which includes 2 fully functioning pivot plots. Currently operating as a hay/grazing pasture operation but could be easily converted into a row crop operation. This farm features a nicely updated 3 bdrm home with a newer 2000 sq/ft shop, very large pole barn, cattle chute, corrals and fencing.
For more information, visit elitewestrealty.com or call David Zaddock at 307-296-6994.