When most people discuss Wyoming’s natural wonders, the topic turns to Yellowstone, Flaming Gorge, the Tetons, and the Wind River Range. Very rarely, someone will bring up Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area. Perhaps because it straddles the Wyoming-Montana border it is often overlooked, but if you’ve never spent time exploring the canyon and the Pryor mountains, you’re in for a real treat.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established in the 1960s after the completion of a dam along the Bighorn River. Now, it preserves more than 120,000 acres of pristine landscape.
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You can access the recreation area from the Lovell, WY area, or from Montana. There’s a visitor’s center in both states where you can find information about recently spotted wildlife, pick up a map, and learn about the best trails and vistas.
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The red rocks are a striking contrast to the greys and greens we’re used to seeing here in the Cowboy State.
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Over millions of years, the Bighorn River carved the canyon. Now, the beautiful colors of each layer of the Earth show off the river’s handiwork.
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There are 27 miles of trails available for you to explore, and you’ll find something that you love whether you’re looking for a challenge or an easy stroll. Be sure to check out the view from Wyoming’s own Horseshoe Bend.
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Few people know that there’s a wild horse herd here, too! Take a look at these two young horses playing on the Tillett Ridge in the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse, one of the best places to spot wildlife in Wyoming.
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Boating and fly fishing are both extremely popular within the recreation area. Some of the best trout fishing in the world is right here in these waters!
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Make time to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and get to know a hidden gem that many people skip right over. You’ll be so impressed!
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Learn more about recreation opportunities within the area on the National Park website, here.
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For another place to visit for wild horse spotting, read You’ll Be Face To Face With Wild Mustangs On This Tour Through Wyoming’s McCullough Peaks.
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Address: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area - Cal Taggart Visitor Center, 20 U.S. 14, Lovell, WY 82431, USA
