Attractions and Places To See in Bighorn National Forest - Top 8

The Bighorn National Forest is rich in history. A significant site is the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, an ancient, sacred stone circle used by Indigenous peoples for ceremonies and astronomical observations for thousands of years. You can also visit the James T. Saban Lookout, a historic fire lookout originally used in the 1920s and 1930s. Beyond these, the forest contains evidence of past uses by mountain men, tie hack flumes, mining districts, and historic ranger stations.

The Bighorn National Forest offers stunning natural beauty. You'll find dramatic canyons like Crazy Woman Canyon, Shell Canyon (home to Shell Falls), Tensleep Canyon, and Tongue River Canyon. The Granite Pass Climb and Powder River Pass Climb West offer spectacular high-altitude views. Don't miss Shell Falls, a dramatic 120-foot waterfall, and the expansive Cloud Peak Wilderness with its alpine scenery and glacial lakes.

Yes, the Bighorn National Forest boasts 1,500 miles of trails. A popular option is the Misty Moon Trail, which starts at West Tensleep Lake and leads to Mistymoon Lake, offering chances to spot moose. Other notable trails include those in Tongue River Canyon, Porcupine Falls Trail, and Steamboat Point Trail. For more extensive hiking, the Cloud Peak Wilderness offers over 100 miles of trails.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. You can explore routes like the Medicine Wheel Trail, Sherd Lake Trail, and Meadowlark Lake. The James T. Saban Lookout Trail is also an easy option. For more ideas, you can explore the Easy hikes in Bighorn National Forest guide.

The best time to visit Bighorn National Forest is generally during the late spring, summer, and early fall months (typically late May/June through September). During this period, the scenic byways are usually open, and the weather is favorable for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Some high-altitude passes, like Granite Pass and Powder River Pass, are seasonally closed due to snow, typically reopening in late May or June.

Absolutely! Three scenic byways traverse the Bighorn National Forest, offering breathtaking views. These include the Bighorn Scenic Byway (US Highway 14), the Medicine Wheel Passage (US Highway 14A), which provides easy access to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, and the Cloud Peak Skyway (US Highway 16), which takes you over Powder River Pass.

The open landscapes and diverse habitats of Bighorn National Forest provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. You might spot moose, especially along trails like the Misty Moon Trail, and mule deer. The forest is also home to various bird species and other smaller mammals.

Yes, Bighorn National Forest offers numerous improved campgrounds for visitors. Additionally, free camping spots can be found along Old Highway 16, providing more rustic options for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Beyond hiking, the Bighorn National Forest is a hub for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy excellent blue-ribbon fishing in alpine streams and lakes, with opportunities to catch various trout species and grayling. ORV riding is popular, with hundreds of miles of trails and forest roads available for UTVs, ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. Rock climbing is also an option, particularly in areas like Old Highway 16.

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and rich history. The ancient significance of the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark and the scenic views from historic sites like the James T. Saban Lookout are highly valued. The diverse hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs like Granite Pass, and the chance to spot wildlife like moose on trails such as Misty Moon Trail, also contribute to a memorable experience.

Yes, the Bighorn National Forest features challenging mountain passes that offer rewarding experiences for experienced adventurers. The Granite Pass Climb, especially when ascending from Shell, is an epic, high-altitude journey through dramatic scenery. Similarly, the Powder River Pass Climb West from Ten Sleep involves a sustained, high-altitude ascent with spectacular views transitioning from canyon cliffs to vast alpine plateaus.