Black Hills

Bighorn Mountains & Medicine Wheel Wyoming

Bighorn Mountains

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One of the most remote areas of the nation, Northern Wyoming is home to the spectacular Bighorn Mountains.  They may be remote, but they are most definitely not insignificant.  Rising above the plains to an elevation of 13,175 feet, Cloud Peak is one of many breathtaking summits in the Bighorn Mountain Range.  Many other peaks are over 9,000 feet!

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The Passage Resort: Nestled Atop the Big Horns
If you are traveling to Yellowstone & Mount Rushmore, take some time to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Big Horn Mountains. Lodging, dining & activities!
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Backcountry.com
The source for outdoor gear for skiing, camping, backpacking. Free shipping!
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On your way to the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Bighorn Mountains will prove to be a memorable and beautiful side trip.  Get off the interstate and see what this country really has to offer!  If you are coming from Yellowstone, US HWY 14 will take you straight east through the Bighorn Mountains.  US HWY 14 (alternate) and US HWY 16 are also excellent choices to see this beautiful part of Wyoming.  All three routes are considered National Scenic Byways and each has its own advantages.  US HWY 14A is particularly interesting in that it provides access to the prehistoric Medicine Wheel.  

The Bighorn Range has not changed significantly in the past 10,000 years.  Throughout history, it has always been a lightly populated area that is rich in resources.  Today, the area's resources are still an integral part of Wyoming's economy.  However, the Bighorn National Forest is also full of excellent recreational opportunities.  1500 miles of trails, 32 campgrounds, 14 picnic areas, 2 visitor centers, 2 ski areas, 7 lodges and 2 recreational lakes provide visitors with plenty of things to do.  

Billings, Montana  316
As you are driving east on I-90, Billings, Montana will be the largest city along your route to the Black Hills.  Billings is also the junction of I-94 and several state highways.   With nearly 100,000 people, Billings is the 'big apple' of Montana.  A couple of skyscrapers, a network of one-way streets, and the occasional 5 o'clock rush hour prove that this historic town has entered the new millennium.  

Don't worry though; Billings, Montana is still the old railroad, oil and cowboy town that makes it worth visiting.  The cattle industry in Billings boasts over $150 million dollars of sales each year in this centrally located economy.  Take a walk through town and you'll be sure to see men with their boots, wranglers and cowboy hats.  They aren't trying to be fashionable, though.  They are true cowboys of the west!  Grain farming, banking and oil also keep Billings going.  

A good way to start your adventure in Billings, Montana is by driving up the Black Otter Trail Scenic Road.   From Montana Ave east (the main drive in town) take a left on to Hwy 87.  Another left onto Airport Road will lead you to a quick left on to Black Otter Trail Scenic Road.   A spectacular view of Billings and the surrounding land awaits you just 3 miles up this scenic drive.  Check out the historical graveyard and study the layout of the town.  Three mountain ranges are in view!  Bring a map and try to identify the Pryor Mountains, the Bighorns, and the majestic Beartooths to the west.

From the scenic viewpoint, you'll see that Billings is nestled in to the Yellowstone River Valley.  Fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreational pursuits are close-by.  Also of interest in the area is the Little Bighorn National Monument.  Soon there will also be a monument to the Native Americans who fought and died in the historic bloody battle. 

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