Bighorn Mountains
The Bighorn Mountains stretch from the north central plains of Wyoming to south central Montana, spanning 80 miles long and 30 miles wide. As sister mountains to the Rockies, the Bighorn Mountains encompass diverse landscapes from deep canyons to dense Lodge pole pine forests to rolling hills to high desert to jagged walls.
Many snow capped peaks reach toward the skies and are
visible from many miles away, especially Cloud Peak sitting at 13, 175 feet and
Black Tooth Mountain at 13, 005 feet. Over 200 crystal clear lakes rest in
small pockets of rock throughout the Bighorn Mountains. Willow and Romeo Lakes
are two that are popular for their surroundings and remoteness. The Bighorn
River was originally named by natives after the large herds of bighorn sheep
that were found at the mouth of the river. Later, Lewis and Clark passed this
name on to the mountains. Moose, elk, Pronghorn antelope, Mule deer, White-tail
deer, black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, wild turkeys, grouse, bald and
golden eagles, and falcon also call the Bighorns home. It is possible to see
much wildlife from the three roads that cut through the Bighorn National Forest.
Bighorn Scenic Byway, also known as US 14, cuts through 45 miles of scenic
mountains, connecting Sheridan to Greybull. From Buffalo to Tensleep, Cloudpeak
Skyway, or US 16, also spans 45 miles of beautiful landscape. Medicine Wheel
Passage, US 14A, passes through high alpine meadows from Bighorn Basin to
Burgess Junction. The three scenic roads within Bighorn Mountains and National
Forest make visiting this destination easy. From Big Sky, head through
Yellowstone east toward Cody and follow US 14 into the Bighorns.
The intimidating peaks, abundant wildlife, and numerous breathtaking views of
the Bighorn Mountains can also be experienced by exploring the National Forest,
or Cloud Peak Wilderness located within it, on foot, horseback, a mountain bike,
snowmobile, or skis. Hunting and trout fishing is popular in the Bighorns and
sightseeing tour and trail riding opportunities are vast. If you plan to stay a
while there are many options like guest ranches, lodges, RV sites, and
campgrounds. While there be sure to take a close look at the many geological
sites that surround you. Folds and overturned sections of rock layers are easy
to spot and worth a closer look.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is located further west on US 14A, where
71 mile long Bighorn Lake sits over the border in the states of Wyoming and
Montana. This magnificent lake is said to be a smaller version of the Grand
Canyon with 1/2 mile high limestone walls on both sides, surrounded by geological
history. The northern shores hit the Bighorn Canyon's walls, which used to
tower over a gorge cut out by the Bighorn River. The Yellowtail Dam of 525 feet
was constructed in 1965 flooding this gorge. There is an exceptionally beautiful
view from Devil Canyon Overlook, accessed only by boat or meandering roads.
In the northern part of the Bighorn Mountain range a very spiritual place called
Medicine Wheel sits atop Medicine Mountain. Spanning 80 feet across, the
Medicine Wheel has 28 lunar day spokes displayed in rock lines that radiate from
a central cairn, where a buffalo skull used to lay. These are encircled by
another rock circle. Ceremonies are held on the solstice and equinox each year
as it is the highest point around to have a full view of the horizon. Until
recently the Medicine Wheel used to be highly inaccessible, but there is now a
road that travels to a parking lot within one mile of the site. Indians
sometimes lead talks and presentations at the site. The builders and the purpose
of Medicine Wheel are still a mystery but it is generally thought that it was
built 200 years ago. The mountain itself has been considered sacred to native
peoples for a long time. It is special because the oldest rocks of its layers
are on top, facing the sky, while the youngest are far below the earth's
surface. There are only a few places like this on earth.
Other pages you might find helpful:
Cody Hotels
Hotel accommodations in Cody Wyoming.
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