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 60 miles.

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.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Barry's Landing

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

Reserve on Recreation.gov
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, MT
⌖ 18.72 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
Lovell, Wyoming
⌖ 25.60 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
Dayton, Wyoming
⌖ 35.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dayton, Wyoming

Dayton, Wyoming is a rugged outdoor hub close to Yellowstone’s north entrance. It offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling amid stunning mountain and plain landscapes.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
Greybull, Wyoming
⌖ 38.52 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
Ranchester, Wyoming
⌖ 39.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ranchester, Wyoming

Ranchester, Wyoming, offers a peaceful base for outdoor lovers with hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and winter sports nearby. Experience the scenic Bighorn National Forest, wildlife along the Tongue River, and iconic Devils Tower.

Late Spring through Early Fall for warm weather and Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Bridger, Montana
⌖ 49.97 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
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.

Face to Flippers: A Family-First Dolphin Swim in Sheridan
ADVEXPEDITION
Sheridan, Wyoming
DolphinADV Bookable

Face to Flippers: A Family-First Dolphin Swim in Sheridan

A 50-minute, family-friendly dolphin swim that pairs certified trainers and first-class facilities with small-group attention—this guide explains what to expect, who it’s for, and what to bring.

DolphinPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Face-to-Fin: A Family Dolphin Meet-and-Greet in Sheridan
ADVEXPEDITION
Sheridan, Wyoming
DolphinADV Bookable

Face-to-Fin: A Family Dolphin Meet-and-Greet in Sheridan

A concise, 20‑minute, family-focused encounter with dolphins that emphasizes safety, certified trainers, and small groups—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

DolphinPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
ZIPLINES & MONKEYLAND: Treetop Speed and Shoulder‑Perched Squirrel Monkeys
ADVEXPEDITION
Sheridan, Wyoming
ZiplineADV Bookable

ZIPLINES & MONKEYLAND: Treetop Speed and Shoulder‑Perched Squirrel Monkeys

A five‑hour outing that pairs 12 adrenaline zip lines—including two of the longest in the Dominican Republic—with coffee and chocolate tastings, a botanical garden stroll, and close encounters with squirrel monkeys; this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

ZiplinePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Defender Max Limited: Comfort and Brawn into the Bighorn Backcountry
ADVEXPEDITION
Sheridan, Wyoming
Guided TourADV Bookable

Defender Max Limited: Comfort and Brawn into the Bighorn Backcountry

A rugged, six-seat UTV with a fully enclosed cab and high ground clearance for extended exploration of the Bighorn Mountains; this guide explains the vehicle’s features, pick-up options, and what to plan for on the trails.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Honda Monkey Rentals: Backroad Scrambles out of Sheridan
ADVEXPEDITION
Sheridan, Wyoming
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Honda Monkey Rentals: Backroad Scrambles out of Sheridan

A concise field guide to renting nimble 125cc Honda Monkey motorcycles in Sheridan, Wyoming — what the bikes are, who can ride them, and the practical limits of a 160‑mile fuel range.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip