Bighorn Mountains
Plan a trip to the Black Hills with a side trip to Wyoming’s outdoor paradise, the Bighorn Mountains, where miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding and scenic drives await you.
- The Big Horn Mountains are just over 3 hours away.
- You can find 1500 miles of hiking trails, the Cloud Peak Wilderness, and the Medicine Wheel all in a half day’s drive.
- Camping fees at Forest Service campgrounds are as little as $12.
Overview
The Bighorn Mountains are found in northern Wyoming and extend close to 200 miles into Montana. The Bighorn National Forest is 80 miles long and 30 miles wide and covers 1,115,073 acres. Elevations range from 5,500 feet to 13,175 feet. With over 1500 miles of hiking trails, 32 campgrounds, 14 picnic areas, 2 visitor centers, 2 ski areas, 7 lodges, and 2 recreation lakes, the Bighorns make a great destination for anyone. Plus, there are three highways traversing the Big Horns and are designated Scenic Byways by the US Forest Service and the State of Wyoming. These include U.S. Route 14, 14A, and 16.
Hours/Seasons
You can visit the Bighorns year round as there is something for everyone with every season. Keep in mind that Highway 14A, the road that leads to the Medicine Wheel, is closed from October through May from Lovell to Burgess Jct. Highway 14 and 16 are open year-round.
Fees/Cost
There is no entrance fee to the Bighorn Mountains. However, if you are planning to camp, Forest Service camping fees do apply. Fees start at $12.
Contact
Contact the Bighorn National Forest on 307-672-0751
Highlights
Cloud Peak Wilderness
Cloud Peak Wilderness protects the highest peaks in the range including Cloud Peak (highest peak in the Bighorns) and is home to the last remaining glacier in the entire range.
Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel is a prehistoric creation, arranged at the top of a mountain. Constructed by Plains Indians around c. 1300, people still use it today.
Hiking Trails
Wander through lush grasslands and alpine meadows, along pristine streams and clear glacier lakes, or traverse rocky mountain walls on the 1500 miles of trails throughout the Bighorn National Forest. Either as a half-day hike or overnight trip, Bucking Mule Falls is a popular hike which crosses the spectacular Devils Canyon and accesses the Bucking Falls overlook. This trail is outside of Lovell in the Medicine Wheel Ranger District.
Campgrounds
There are 32 campgrounds throughout the Bighorn National Park. Many of these campgrounds are developed, require a fee, and can accommodate tents, campers, and trailers. Most have potable water available and accept reservations.
Getting Here
If coming from Black Hills - South (Custer, SD), take Hwy 16 through Newcastle, WY until you reach I-90. Head west on I-90 until you reach Buffalo, WY. From there you can access any part of the Bighorn Mountains.
If coming from Black Hills - North (Spearfish/Sturgis), head west on I-90 until you reach Buffalo, WY.
There are three highways traversing the Big Horns and are designated Scenic Byways by the US Forest Service and the State of Wyoming. These include U.S. Route 14, 14A, and 16.