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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area wilderness guide
National Recreation Area · MT, WY

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning landscapes with deep canyons and diverse wildlife, ideal for outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.

National Recreation Area120,2964+ Trails

Designation

National Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

120,296

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning landscapes with deep canyons and diverse wildlife, ideal for outdoor adventures and scenic beauty.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area spans over 120,000 acres across Montana and Wyoming, featuring a dramatic landscape sculpted by the Bighorn River. This area boasts 71 miles of canyon walls rising over 1,000 feet, offering breathtaking vistas and a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, wild horses, and eagles. Established in 1966, the area is rich in history, with cultural remnants from Native American tribes, early ranchers, and Western pioneers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, from hiking and horseback riding to fishing and boating on the Bighorn Lake. The appeal of Bighorn Canyon lies in its combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, making it a captivating destination for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

Field Guide · National Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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

Discover Bighorn Canyon's Majestic Beauty★ 8.5⌖ 14 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→
Winding Wonders at Devil’s Canyon Overlook★ 8.4⌖ 14 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 the Mystery of Medicine Wheel★ 8.5⌖ 15 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→
Horseshoe Bend Campground Loop A: A Scenic Escape in Wyoming★ 7.8⌖ 16 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.

Five Springs Falls Campground: Nature's Retreat in Wyoming★ 8.2⌖ 16 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.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Devil Canyon Overlook✦ Wild Horse Range✦ Bighorn Lake✦ Yellowtail Dam
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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 Canyon National Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fee required; however, some activities such as fishing may require permits.

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 Canyon National Recreation Area

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

Horseshoe Bend Campground

Located near Bighorn Lake, offers scenic lake views and boat launch access.

Barry's Landing

A remote site with limited amenities, perfect for those seeking solitude and direct lake access.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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

Fort Smith
⌖ 18.72 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
Lovell
⌖ 25.60 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
Dayton
⌖ 35.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dayton, Wyoming

A charming gateway town offering rugged outdoor adventure with easy access to Yellowstone’s northern wilderness and vast high plains.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Greybull
⌖ 38.52 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
Ranchester
⌖ 39.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ranchester, Wyoming

A quiet gateway town offering easy access to diverse outdoor adventures ranging from hiking and biking to winter sports and paddling within northeast Wyoming's scenic landscapes.

Late Spring through Early Fall for warm weather and Winter for snow activitiesExplore Town
Bridger
⌖ 49.97 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
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

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

12 bookable experiences

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