Wyoming’s Timeless Backbone – The Bighorn Mountains
Rising dramatically from the plains of northern Wyoming, the Bighorn Mountains are a majestic range that defines both the landscape and the spirit of the Bighorn 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 Bighorns are sacred to native 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 Bighorn 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 Bighorn Mountains offer an unspoiled escape into Wyoming’s wild heart.
Whether you come to explore, reflect, or roam, the Bighorns offer a timeless invitation to connect with the land and lose yourself in its quiet grandeur.
Places and Adventures
The Colby Mammoth Site
Ice Age Giants Buried in the Wyoming Badlands Just north of Worland, Wyoming, in the heart of the Bighorn Basin, lies one of North America’s most significant Ice Age paleontological sites, the Colby Mammoth Site. Though quiet and unassuming from the surface, this patch of Wyoming soil once held the bones of giant creatures and…
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…
Camping
Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site
Ancient Stories Beneath Red Cliffs Tucked beneath a dramatic sandstone bluff in the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site is one of Wyoming’s true hidden…
Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens: A Sandstone Sanctuary Near Ten Sleep, Wyoming Tucked into the rolling foothills just southeast of Ten Sleep, Castle Gardens is one of those quiet places that slips…
Leigh Creek Campground
A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tensleep Canyon Nestled deep within the towering walls of Tensleep Canyon, Leigh Creek Campground offers a serene and unforgettable retreat for those…
Fishing
Free Fishing Day Returns June 6: Wyoming Families Invited to Cast a Line Without a License
Wyoming — For one day each year, Wyoming opens some of the best fishing waters in the country to everyone — no license required. On June 6, the Wyoming…
Get Hooked for Life: The Magic of Taking Kids Fishing in Wyoming’s Bighorn Basin
There’s something timeless about a child’s first fish, for kids and for parents. Maybe it starts with a bobber twitching on still water. Maybe it’s the palpable frustration of…
Greybull Gun Show Returns for 2026 on June 12–13 with Outdoor Gear, Sporting Goods, and More
Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, anglers, and those interested in personal protection gear will have a chance to explore a wide variety of products this June as the Greybull Gun Show…
Three Days of History and High Country Adventure: Medicine Lodge to the Bighorns
Tucked along the western edge of the Bighorn Mountains, Medicine Lodge State Archaeological Site offers a perfect blend of history, quiet landscapes, and outdoor adventure. This three day trip…
Bighorn National Forest
Tucked between the plains of northern Wyoming and southern Montana, Bighorn National Forest is one of the state’s most underrated destinations. Covering more than 1.1 million acres, this vast…
Outdoor Recreation Continues to be Major Force in Wyoming’s Economy
Worland, WY — Outdoor recreation continues to play a major role in Wyoming’s economy, contributing billions in economic output and supporting thousands of jobs across the state, according to…
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Bighorn Basin Explorer 