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 60 miles.

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, Wyoming
⌖ 5.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lovell, Wyoming

Lovell serves as the perfect base for exploring Bighorn Canyon's stunning vistas and the mystique of the Pryor Mountains' roaming wild horses. Experience hiking, fishing, and more in this tranquil Wyoming escape.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Greybull, Wyoming
⌖ 34.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Greybull, Wyoming

Greybull offers an authentic Wyoming adventure with access to the majestic Big Horn Mountains. Hike, bike, or fish in serene landscapes, and enjoy the quiet charm of this prairie town.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Bridger, Montana
⌖ 35.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridger, Montana

Bridger, Montana is a quiet town at the edge of the Bridger Mountains offering top-notch hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling adventures year-round. It’s an ideal spot to explore rugged wilderness and scenic alpine landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Cody, Wyoming
⌖ 36.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cody, Wyoming

Cody, WY, is where the spirit of the Wild West meets adventure. From Yellowstone's wonders to exhilarating rafting, this town is your launchpad for rugged exploration.

Fort Smith, MT
⌖ 40.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Smith, MT

Fort Smith, MT offers world-class fly fishing on the Bighorn River and serene camping under vast skies. Adventurers can hike, raft, and capture stunning wildlife and landscapes in this remote paradise.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Red Lodge, Montana
⌖ 42.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a mountain town with endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking the Beartooth Mountains, skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, or fishing the nearby streams, it's a perfect base for exploring Montana’s rugged landscape.

Summer and Fall
Explore 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.

Essential Avalanche Kit for a Backcountry Day out of Cody
ADVEXPEDITION
Cody, Wyoming
RentalsADV Bookable

Essential Avalanche Kit for a Backcountry Day out of Cody

A one‑day rental from Beartooth Rides and Guides supplies the mandatory avalanche tools—backpack, shovel, probe, beacon and radio—so you head into avalanche terrain with the core equipment for rescue and communication.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
3-Day Avalanche Gear Rentals for Cody Backcountry
ADVEXPEDITION
Cody, Wyoming
RentalsADV Bookable

3-Day Avalanche Gear Rentals for Cody Backcountry

Rent a complete avalanche kit — backpack, shovel, probe, beacon and radio — from Beartooth Rides and Guides so you head into Cody’s backcountry with the essential tools for rescue and communication.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip