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Bighorn Basin wilderness guide
Geographic Basin · WY, MT

Bighorn Basin

The Bighorn Basin is a diverse and geologically rich region split between Wyoming and Montana, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in its sprawling, open landscapes.

Geographic Basin6,517,1034+ Trails

Designation

Geographic Basin

Total Wilderness Area

6,517,103

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bighorn Basin

The Bighorn Basin is a diverse and geologically rich region split between Wyoming and Montana, offering a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in its sprawling, open landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bighorn Basin is a basin located primarily in northwestern Wyoming and extending into Montana, characterized by its broad and semi-arid terrain. This region is surrounded by the Big Horn, Owl Creek, Bridger, and Absaroka mountain ranges. Its geological formations showcase a timeline of Earth's history, with significant paleontological and archaeological sites. The basin is home to a mixture of grasslands and scrublands, hosting a wide variety of wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Among the historical and cultural attributes, the area has a rich Native American heritage, particularly associated with the Crow Nation. The recreational opportunities are abundant and varied; visitors can engage in hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography amidst sweeping vistas and rock formations. Fishing is popular in its rivers and creeks, providing anglers with serene settings. The Bighorn Basin is a hidden gem for those interested in exploring less crowded environments while savoring the natural beauty of the American West.

Field Guide · Geographic Basin
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bighorn Basin

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop A: A Scenic Escape in Wyoming★ 7.8⌖ 13 miCamping
Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop A

Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop A: A Scenic Escape in Wyoming

Explore Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop A in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area near Lovell, WY. Perfect for camping with opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing. Enjoy the scenic views of Bighorn Lake and red sandstone cliffs. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Winding Wonders at Devil’s Canyon Overlook★ 8.4⌖ 16 miHiking
Devil's Canyon Overlook

Winding Wonders at Devil’s Canyon Overlook

Enjoy sweeping views at Devil's Canyon Overlook in Montana's Bighorn Canyon. Perfect for photographers and wildlife watchers, this drive-in viewpoint offers a magical perspective of rugged cliffs and the winding river below. Visit late spring to early fall for best weather.

Discover Bighorn Canyon's Majestic Beauty★ 8.5⌖ 17 miWildlife Viewing
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Discover Bighorn Canyon's Majestic Beauty

Explore Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Fort Smith, MT. Known for its stunning gorge and diverse wildlife. Activities include hiking, boating, and wildlife photography. Best visited in Spring and Fall. Quiet retreat for adventure seekers.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Embrace the Wild Beauty of the Pryor Mountains★ 7.7⌖ 22 miWildlife Viewing
Pryor Mountains

Embrace the Wild Beauty of the Pryor Mountains

Explore the rugged Pryor Mountains near Billings, Montana. This area is ideal for wildlife viewing, particularly the wild horse herds. Enjoy hiking and photography with stunning views. Best visited in late spring or early fall. Prepare for a remote experience.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Five Springs Falls Campground: Nature's Retreat in Wyoming★ 8.2⌖ 26 miCamping
Five Springs Falls Campground

Five Springs Falls Campground: Nature's Retreat in Wyoming

Explore Five Springs Falls Campground in Lovell, WY. A serene retreat in Bighorn National Forest, perfect for camping and hiking. Spot wildlife like deer and birds while enjoying the tranquil ambiance. Best visited in spring and fall.

Discover the Mystery of Medicine Wheel★ 8.5⌖ 29 miCultural Exploration
Medicine Wheel

Discover the Mystery of Medicine Wheel

Explore the historic Medicine Wheel near Lovell, WY. This cultural site in the Bighorn Mountains offers serene views and is ideal for wildlife photography and cultural exploration.

Cultural ExplorationView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Bighorn River, a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts.✦ The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, offering views of free-roaming wild horses.✦ Thermopolis Hot Springs, known for its mineral-laden waters.✦ Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, featuring dramatic landscapes and water-based activities.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bighorn Basin

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Bighorn Basin.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Some areas require permits; many spots are free to access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Bighorn Basin

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Five Springs Falls Campground

Located near Bighorn Canyon with minimal facilities but stunning views.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bighorn Basin

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Lovell
⌖ 5.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lovell, Wyoming

A charming small town gateway to the rugged beauty of Bighorn Basin and Pryor Mountains, offering outdoor thrills and historical exploration.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Greybull
⌖ 34.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greybull, Wyoming

A quiet prairie town that serves as a gateway to the Big Horn Mountains and offers an unspoiled outdoor experience.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Bridger
⌖ 35.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridger, Montana

A quiet gateway town offering rugged Montana wilderness adventures with rich hiking, skiing, and paddling opportunities in the nearby Bridger Mountains.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Cody
⌖ 36.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cody, Wyoming

A gateway to the Wild West where rugged landscapes and adventure sports converge amid rich Western history.

Fort Smith
⌖ 40.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Smith, MT

A remote and tranquil haven for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to explore scenic waterways and rugged landscapes in the heart of Montana.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Red Lodge
⌖ 42.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

A charming gateway to the Beartooth Mountains offering abundant year-round outdoor adventures and rugged mountain scenery.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bighorn Basin

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Half Day Red Canyon Rafting TripCody, Wyoming · 36.41 mi away
All Adventures· Red Canyon Rafting Trips and Wild Mustang Tours

Half Day Red Canyon Rafting Trip

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the scenic Shoshone River during our Half Day Red Canyon Rafting Trip. Perfect for all skill levels, this adventure offers stunning canyon views and exciting rapids just outside Cody, Wyoming.

3–4 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.