One of the best things to do in northwestern Wyoming, other than visiting Yellowstone National Park. Grand Tetons National Park, or the under-visited Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, is to visit the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, high up on a mountain on the western side of the Bighorn Mountains.
What is the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?
There are more than 70 wheels in the western USA and Canada, but this is the most famous. There’s a great interpretive sign placed by Bighorn National Forest along highway 14A which has a good description:
Medicine Mountain to your left, was named for the Medicine Wheel, a stone circle that lies atop a ridge below its summit. Designated a National Historic landmark, this symbol remains a mystery as the builders and purpose of the Medicine Wheel remain unknown. There is a theory that the wheel is a replica of the Sun Dance Lodge of Crow legend and was oriented to point to the summer solstice sunrise. In the Indians’ religious life, peaks of the Big Horn Mountains were objects of respect. Indians journeyed into the mountain solitude to make or find their medicine. This wheel is an important symbol of Indian beliefs about man’s relationship to the world. Modern Indians use the Medicine Wheel for religious ceremonies. At times, flags, or offerings are left about the wheel, signifying that a ceremony has taken place. A gravel road leads up Medicine Mountain to the site of the Medicine Wheel.
People who live in northern Wyoming had various stories of the wheel – someone told me it’s like Stonehenge. Someone told me that none of the modern tribes can take credit – that it’s a mystery to them too.
What Facilities are at the Medicine Wheel?
There is parking for about 25 vehicles (the parking lot was about ½ full on my Sunday visit on a lovely sunny day in mid-September). There are toilets both at the parking lot and near the Medicine Wheel
How is the Hike to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel?
The parking lot of the Medicine wheel is located 1.5 miles from the archaeological site. Although the wheel is at about the same elevation as the parking lot, the hike involves traversing over a couple rolling hills. If you are physically unable to do the hike, it’s possible to lift the gate and drive on the single lane road up to the handicap parking. The views are spectacular, including rolling hills to the east and a pinnacle rocks in a valley to the west.
Wildlife at the Medicine Wheel
There are many birds, including Blue Grouse and raptors. Mammals include Pikas and Marmots. You will likely hear the pikas before you see them – their distinctive high pitched “cheeps” are so cute. If you are lucky, you may see bighorn sheep. But if you really want to see sheep, there are many in Bighorn Canyon, located less than an hour to the west.
How to Visit the Medicine Wheel
To follow Native American traditions, you should walk left, or clockwise, around the Medicine Wheel. Please stay out of the fenced area and don’t take any artifacts. Bones, shells, flags, and other items are left as sacrifices at the alters near the wheel.
How to Get to Medicine Wheel Wyoming
Medicine Wheel is on Highway Alt-14 (or 14A) between Burgess Junction and Bighorn Canyon. This is a very twisty and steep road, so make sure you use lower gears. From Highway 14A, you will head up a single lane gravel road with a few pullouts in case you meet traffic. There is no need for 4×4, I easily did the drive in my camper van. This highway is closed in the winter, so the best time to visit is late spring to autumn.
Visiting Medicine Wheel – Where to Stay
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There are several National Forest Campgrounds very near the Medicine Wheel, including Five Springs Campground and Bald Mountain Campground. If you’re planning to stay in a motel, the best place to stay is in Lovell, Wyoming. (Check Rates and Availability) It’s such a cute little town and less than an hour to the west of the wheel. Catch a movie at the retro cinema if you can and don’t miss a spectacular visit to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Want to Learn More About Medicine Wheels?
There are lots of publications about Medicine Wheels. Check out these medicine wheel products at amazon:
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