Medicine Wheel

There is a designated parking area at the trailhead for the Medicine Wheel. From there, you'll follow a dirt road for approximately 1.3 to 1.5 miles to reach the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark.

The trail is typically accessible from mid-to-late June through mid-September. The access road often doesn't open until July 1st due to snow and weather conditions at this high elevation. Always check local conditions before planning your trip.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the main hiking trail. However, please note that dogs are not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark itself, out of respect for its sacred nature. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

There are no specific hiking permits required for the trail to the Medicine Wheel. As it's located within the Bighorn National Forest, standard forest regulations apply, but there isn't a separate entrance fee for the trail itself.

The trail primarily follows a dirt road with some gentle "ups and downs." While not technically challenging, the high altitude (around 9,640 to 9,642 feet) can make it feel more strenuous than its distance suggests, especially for those not acclimated to elevation. The site itself is on an exposed, slightly sloping limestone surface.

The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is a profoundly sacred site for numerous Native American tribes, including the Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota. It's an ancient stone structure used for prayer, vision quests, and celestial observation, with alignments corresponding to astronomical events like the summer solstice. It's considered one of North America's most important and well-preserved Native American sacred landscapes.

Given the high altitude and exposed nature of the trail, it's crucial to bring plenty of water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and layers of clothing as weather can change quickly. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the dirt road. Binoculars can enhance the scenic views.

Absolutely! Along the dirt road, you'll enjoy excellent views, including vistas north into the Bighorn Mountains. The main highlight is, of course, the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark itself, which offers broad views of the surrounding landscape from its exposed position on Medicine Mountain.

While the distance is relatively short (2.6 to 3 miles round trip) and the path is a dirt road, the high altitude can make it challenging for those not used to it. Beginners and families should be aware of this and take it slow, bringing plenty of water. It's generally considered an easy hike in terms of technical difficulty.

Visitors are urged to show respect for the sacred nature of the site. While general photography is usually permitted, please refrain from taking photos during ongoing private Native American ceremonies. Always be mindful and respectful of tribal members who may be using the site for spiritual purposes.

No, there are no food or water services directly at the trailhead or along the trail to the Medicine Wheel. You should bring all necessary water and snacks with you. Plan to find amenities in nearby towns before or after your hike.