Wyoming’s Timeless Backbone – The Big Horn Mountains

Rising dramatically from the plains of northern Wyoming, the Big Horn Mountains are a majestic range that defines both the landscape and the spirit of the Big Horn Basin. Stretching over 150 miles from the Montana border to the Wind River country, the range offers a breathtaking mix of alpine peaks, forested slopes, high-country meadows, and deep, rugged canyons.

Rich in natural beauty and cultural history, the Big Horns are sacred to Indigenous peoples and served as vital corridors for early explorers, settlers, and ranchers. Today, they are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts—home to hundreds of miles of trails, crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Visitors can hike to the Cloud Peak Wilderness, drive the scenic Big Horn Medicine Wheel Passage, fish mountain streams, camp in secluded valleys, or simply take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. With four-season access and minimal crowds, the Big Horn Mountains offer an unspoiled escape into Wyoming’s wild heart.

Whether you come to explore, reflect, or roam, the Big Horns offer a timeless invitation to connect with the land and lose yourself in its quiet grandeur.

Places and Adventures

Lake Solitude

Tucked deep within the rugged beauty of the Bighorn Mountains, Lake Solitude lives up to its name. Located in the heart of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, this remote alpine lake offers one of the most peaceful and scenic destinations in northern Wyoming. Surrounded by granite peaks, wildflower meadows, and crisp mountain air, Lake Solitude is…

Basin Basecamp: Three Days of Big Horn Basin Adventure Highlights

The Big Horn Basin offers a mix of rugged geology, western history, and small town charm. Using Worland as a base, visitors can comfortably explore Thermopolis, Ten Sleep Canyon, and several unique cultural and natural sites within an easy drive. Day 1 Thermopolis and Wyoming’s Famous Hot Springs Start the trip with a scenic drive…

Medicine Wheel

High on a windswept plateau in the northern Bighorn Mountains sits one of the most mysterious and culturally significant archaeological sites in North America: the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. Located at nearly 9,640 feet above sea level, this ancient stone structure has drawn visitors, historians, astronomers, and tribal nations for generations. The Medicine Wheel…

Shell Falls

A Thundering Cascade in the Heart of Bighorn Canyon Country Tucked along the scenic Bighorn Scenic Byway (U.S. Highway 14), where the highway carves its way through the steep and colorful walls of Shell Canyon, Shell Falls is one of the most breathtaking roadside stops in Wyoming. Here, Shell Creek plunges 120 feet over ancient…

West Tensleep Falls

Soak in the Scenery, Wander the Woods, and Discover West Tensleep Falls Tucked deep in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming lies a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the noise of everyday life West Tensleep Falls. This cascading waterfall is a reward at the end of a peaceful forest trail, where alpine beauty,…