Straddling the border of Montana and Wyoming, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the most underrated destinations in the American West. With its towering red cliffs, winding lake, wild horses, and remote hiking trails, it offers the beauty of a national park with far fewer crowds.
Whether you come for boating, hiking, fishing, or simply to escape into wide-open landscapes, Bighorn Canyon is a place that feels wild and untamed.
This guide covers everything you need to know to plan a trip, including the best viewpoints, activities, and practical tips.
Where Is Bighorn Canyon?
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area stretches across 120,000 acres on the border of Montana and Wyoming. The heart of the park is Bighorn Lake, a 71-mile-long reservoir formed by the Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River.
There are two main entrances:
- North District (Fort Smith, Montana): Best for boating, fishing, and access to Bighorn Lake.
- South District (Lovell, Wyoming): Best for scenic drives, hiking, and wild horse viewing.
The two districts are not directly connected by road, so you will need to plan carefully if you want to see both sides.
Why Visit Bighorn Canyon?
- Spectacular scenery: Dramatic canyon walls up to 1,000 feet tall.
- Fewer crowds: A hidden gem compared to Yellowstone or Grand Teton.
- Outdoor activities: Boating, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.
- Wildlife: Bighorn sheep, wild horses, and abundant birdlife.
- History: Ancient petroglyphs, ranches, and Native American heritage.
Top Things to Do in Bighorn Canyon
1. Scenic Drives
The Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway near Lovell is one of the most dramatic drives in Wyoming. It winds through the canyon with overlooks and pullouts.
Key stops include:
- Devil Canyon Overlook: The most famous viewpoint, with sweeping views of the canyon walls plunging into the lake.
- Ok-A-Beh Overlook: Offers a bird’s-eye view of Bighorn Lake.
2. Hiking
The South District offers a range of trails, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
- Sullivan’s Knob Trail (0.8 miles): Short but with panoramic canyon views.
- Devil Canyon Overlook Trail (1 mile): Easy and perfect for families.
- Horseshoe Bend Trail (2.5 miles): Views of the river bends and cliffs.
- Lower Layout Creek Trail (3 miles): Best for spotting wild horses.
3. Boating and Fishing
Bighorn Lake is ideal for water activities.
- Boating: Launch ramps are available in both districts. Kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating are all popular.
- Fishing: The Bighorn River is one of the top trout fishing rivers in the U.S. Anglers catch brown and rainbow trout, along with walleye in the lake.
4. Wild Horse Viewing
The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, on the South District’s border, is home to herds of free-roaming wild horses.
- Best viewed near Layout Creek or along backroads in the Pryor Mountains.
- Horses are descendants of Spanish mustangs, making them genetically unique.
5. History and Culture
- Afterbay Dam and Visitor Center: Learn about the construction of Yellowtail Dam and the region’s history.
- Historic Ranches: The Ewing-Snell Ranch and Mason-Lovell Ranch offer a glimpse of 19th-century ranching life.
- Petroglyphs and Native American history: Found in parts of the canyon, reflecting centuries of human presence.
Best Viewpoints
- Devil Canyon Overlook (Wyoming side): The most famous view in the park.
- Horseshoe Bend: Stunning views of a deep curve in the canyon.
- Ok-A-Beh Marina (Montana side): Great for seeing the lake stretch into the canyon.
Wildlife in Bighorn Canyon
Wildlife viewing is a highlight of the park.
- Bighorn sheep: Often seen near cliffs and rocky areas.
- Wild horses: Best spotted in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.
- Birds: Golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and pelicans are common.
- Other animals: Mule deer, coyotes, and black bears (in some areas).
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–June): Wildflowers bloom, wildlife is active, and weather is mild.
- Summer (July–August): Hot but perfect for boating and fishing.
- Fall (September–October): Cooler weather, fewer crowds, and great photography conditions.
- Winter (November–March): Cold, with limited services, but dramatic scenery.
Most visitors prefer late spring or early fall for ideal weather and fewer crowds.
Camping in Bighorn Canyon
There are several campgrounds, ranging from developed to primitive.
- Horseshoe Bend Campground (Wyoming side): Developed with water, toilets, and boat access.
- Barry’s Landing (Wyoming side): Smaller and more primitive, close to hiking trails.
- Ok-A-Beh Campground (Montana side): Great for boaters, with access to Bighorn Lake.
- Afterbay Campground (Montana side): Convenient to the visitor center, with fishing access.
Backcountry camping is also allowed in some areas with a free permit.
Practical Information
- Entrance fee: Free (as of now).
- Visitor centers: One near Lovell (Wyoming) and one near Fort Smith (Montana).
- Road conditions: Some roads are gravel and may be rough; a high-clearance vehicle is useful for backroads.
- Gas and supplies: Limited inside the park, so stock up in nearby towns.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Bighorn Canyon
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning scenery without big crowds | North and South districts are not connected by road |
| Excellent boating, fishing, and hiking | Limited facilities compared to national parks |
| Wild horses and bighorn sheep sightings | Remote — services and gas are scarce |
| Free entry and affordable camping | Less publicized, so info can be harder to find |
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lovell, drive the Scenic Byway, hike Sullivan’s Knob, and watch sunset at Devil Canyon Overlook
Day 2: Explore Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, hike Layout Creek Trail, and camp at Horseshoe Bend
Day 3: Drive to Fort Smith, Montana side, for fishing or boating on Bighorn Lake, visit Ok-A-Beh Marina
Day 4: Spend the morning fishing on the Bighorn River before heading onward to Yellowstone or Billings
Conclusion
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is one of the West’s best-kept secrets. With its massive cliffs, pristine lake, wild horses, and uncrowded trails, it offers a mix of adventure and solitude that is hard to find elsewhere.
It may not have the fame of Yellowstone, but that is part of its appeal. For travelers who want a quieter but equally breathtaking experience, Bighorn Canyon is a destination worth adding to your list.
FAQs
Is Bighorn Canyon worth visiting?
Yes. It offers stunning scenery, wildlife, and outdoor activities without the heavy crowds of nearby Yellowstone.
Where is the best view of Bighorn Canyon?
Devil Canyon Overlook in Wyoming is the most famous and accessible viewpoint.
Can you see wild horses in Bighorn Canyon?
Yes. The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range is one of the best places in the U.S. to see free-roaming wild horses.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Bighorn Canyon is free to enter, making it one of the most affordable national recreation areas.
Can you boat in Bighorn Lake?
Yes. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, with ramps available in both the Montana and Wyoming districts.
