Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming

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.