Bighorn National Forest Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Bighorn National Forest
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Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming offers alpine lakes, Cloud Peak Wilderness, scenic byways, wildlife, hiking, camping and the historic Medicine Wheel.

Mountain Landscapes and Wilderness

Bighorn National Forest occupies much of the Bighorn Mountains in north-central Wyoming, rising abruptly from the surrounding plains between the towns of Buffalo, Sheridan, Lovell, Ten Sleep and Worland. Its high country includes glacially shaped valleys, clear alpine lakes, forested slopes, open meadows and the Cloud Peak Wilderness, where Cloud Peak reaches 13,167 feet. Lower elevations are marked by dry foothills, ponderosa pine woodland and deep river canyons, creating a striking range of landscapes within a relatively compact mountain system.
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Scenic Roads and Natural Features

The forest is explored primarily by road and trail rather than through a single visitor centre or central settlement. US Highway 14 crosses the mountains along the Bighorn Scenic Byway, passing Shell Falls and leading towards the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. US Highway 16, known as the Cloud Peak Skyway, links Buffalo and Ten Sleep across high passes, while US Highway 14A climbs from Lovell towards Medicine Wheel and the lofty western crest. Trailheads provide access to hiking, backpacking, fishing, horse riding, climbing and winter recreation, although facilities are widely dispersed and conditions change quickly with elevation.

Heritage and the High Country

The Bighorn Mountains hold deep significance for Indigenous peoples, particularly at Medicine Wheel, a stone monument on Medicine Mountain that remains a place of ceremony and reflection. The forest also preserves evidence of historic travel, ranching, logging and mineral exploration, while its protected landscapes support elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, mountain goats and high-elevation birdlife. Gateway communities add museums, historic buildings, local dining and practical services, but the forest itself is defined by spaciousness, long distances and the transition from Wyoming’s open basin landscapes to an alpine environment.

When is the best time to visit Bighorn National Forest?

Best: June–August · 19–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-125
February123
March531
April936
May1446
June (best)1955
July (best)2248
August (best)2141
September1731
October1025
November320
December-123

Getting to and around Bighorn National Forest

How to get there

Bighorn National Forest has several approaches rather than one principal entrance. US Highway 14 connects Sheridan and northern communities with the central range and the western side near Shell and Lovell; US Highway 16 crosses the mountains between Buffalo and Ten Sleep; and US Highway 14A links Lovell with the high country and Medicine Wheel. Sheridan County Airport provides scheduled commercial access near Sheridan, while regional airports around Worland and Cody may be useful for selected western approaches, subject to current services. Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell, Worland and nearby towns are the main places to obtain supplies, fuel and local information before entering the forest.

Transportation

A private vehicle is generally the most practical way to reach the forest’s dispersed trailheads, scenic viewpoints and campgrounds. Mountain roads can be narrow, winding, steep or seasonally closed, and distances between services are substantial. US 14, US 14A and US 16 provide the principal paved crossings, while numerous forest roads may be gravel and subject to weather conditions. Walking, backpacking, cycling, horse riding and winter travel are possible on appropriate established routes, but public transport does not provide comprehensive connections within the forest. Check current road, fire and trail information before setting out, especially when planning to cross the high passes.

Best attractions in Bighorn National Forest

Bighorn National Forest’s attractions are spread across a high mountain range rather than concentrated in one park centre. Shell Falls, reached from US Highway 14, is one of the forest’s best-known roadside features, where Shell Creek drops through a deep canyon. The roads across the crest provide changing views of alpine terrain, forested slopes and the surrounding Wyoming basins, while trailheads lead towards West Tensleep Lake, high meadows and the Cloud Peak Wilderness. Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark on Medicine Mountain combines a high-elevation setting with continuing Indigenous cultural significance. Hikers and backpackers explore routes around Cloud Peak, the range’s highest summit, although wilderness travel demands preparation and route-finding. Other attractions include quiet mountain lakes, deep valleys, wildlife habitat and dispersed camping areas, with access and facilities varying considerably by season. Gateway towns such as Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep and Lovell add museums, historic architecture and local interpretation beyond the forest boundary.

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Best landmarks in Bighorn National Forest

The defining natural landmark is the Bighorn Mountains themselves, an elevated range whose glacial valleys, exposed rock and alpine basins rise sharply above Wyoming’s surrounding plains. Cloud Peak, at 13,167 feet, is the highest summit and the focal point of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, although reaching it is a serious backcountry undertaking rather than a roadside visit. Shell Falls is a prominent water feature beside US Highway 14, while Medicine Mountain is significant for both its high setting and Medicine Wheel, a stone monument recognised as a National Historic Landmark and still important to Indigenous communities. The forest’s scenic highways are landmarks in their own right, crossing high passes and revealing the contrast between mountain forest and open basin. The importance of these places lies in their combined geological, ecological, cultural and historical meanings rather than in monumental architecture alone.

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Explore Bighorn National Forest on the map

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Best restaurants in Bighorn National Forest

Bighorn National Forest has no single dining district, and food options inside the forest are generally limited to what visitors bring or prepare at campsites. The principal choice of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, supermarkets and provisions is found in gateway communities including Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell and Worland. These towns reflect Wyoming’s ranching and mountain culture, with casual American meals, burgers, steaks, sandwiches, breakfast cooking and hearty food suited to travellers heading into the high country. Local shops and food markets are useful for assembling picnics and trail supplies, while rural cafés and traditional bars often provide informal meals rather than elaborate destination dining. Visitors staying in country inns, guesthouses or cabins may encounter kitchens or communal cooking facilities, but availability varies. Pack food and water for long excursions because roadside facilities are sparse and there may be no reliable opportunity to buy a meal between mountain crossings.

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Best bars in Bighorn National Forest

Evening entertainment around Bighorn National Forest is informal and concentrated in the surrounding towns rather than within the forest. Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell and Worland offer the most dependable choices of traditional bars, historic saloons, casual pubs and restaurants where visitors can eat, meet local residents and hear occasional live music or community entertainment. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and regional rather than organised around a nightlife district, and options may be seasonal or change over time. Inside the forest, evenings are shaped by campfires where permitted, dark skies, quiet campgrounds and the sounds of mountain weather rather than by bars or clubs. Visitors should not expect late-night venues at remote trailheads or scenic byways, and should plan transport carefully if spending an evening in a gateway town before returning to rural accommodation or a campsite.

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Best nightclubs in Bighorn National Forest

Evening entertainment around Bighorn National Forest is informal and concentrated in the surrounding towns rather than within the forest. Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell and Worland offer the most dependable choices of traditional bars, historic saloons, casual pubs and restaurants where visitors can eat, meet local residents and hear occasional live music or community entertainment. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and regional rather than organised around a nightlife district, and options may be seasonal or change over time. Inside the forest, evenings are shaped by campfires where permitted, dark skies, quiet campgrounds and the sounds of mountain weather rather than by bars or clubs. Visitors should not expect late-night venues at remote trailheads or scenic byways, and should plan transport carefully if spending an evening in a gateway town before returning to rural accommodation or a campsite.

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Best shops in Bighorn National Forest

Shopping connected with Bighorn National Forest is concentrated in the gateway towns rather than at remote mountain attractions. Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell and Worland provide supermarkets, fuel stops, outdoor equipment, independent shops, galleries and practical supplies for camping and hiking. Visitors may find Wyoming-themed clothing, Western art, locally made goods, books about regional history, and food suitable for picnics or self-catering. Sheridan is particularly associated with a broader range of galleries, historic-town shopping and Western cultural businesses, while smaller communities offer a more limited, local scale of retail. Forest roads and trailheads are not shopping destinations, so equipment, maps, medication and provisions should be obtained before departure. Products associated with ranching, Western life and the Bighorn landscape are more meaningful purchases than generic souvenir merchandise, but availability varies between settlements and seasons.

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Bighorn National Forest essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Cards and contactless payments are commonly used in gateway towns, larger accommodation businesses and many established commercial facilities, but reception and payment systems can be less dependable in remote mountain areas. Carry sufficient cash for rural purchases, smaller businesses and situations where a card terminal or mobile signal is unavailable, and obtain it before travelling deep into the forest. Fuel, food and other essential supplies are most reliably found in surrounding towns such as Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep, Lovell and Worland rather than at remote recreation sites.
Safety
Mountain weather can change rapidly, with cold temperatures, thunderstorms, snow and strong winds possible even during warmer months. High elevation, uneven ground, stream crossings, limited services and long distances between road access points require sensible planning. Carry navigation equipment, extra layers, food and water, and do not rely entirely on mobile coverage. Keep well away from cliff edges and fast water, and never approach bears, moose, elk or mountain goats. Check current fire restrictions, road conditions and local advisories before travelling, and remember that conditions on a trail can differ considerably from those in the nearest town.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 in the United States for police, fire or medical emergencies. Tell the dispatcher that you are in or near Bighorn National Forest and provide the nearest road, trailhead, campsite, landmark, forest road number or GPS location, together with the nature of the incident. Remote terrain may delay assistance, and mobile coverage is not continuous, so leave a route plan with someone reliable and avoid travelling beyond your capabilities. For non-urgent medical needs, use established healthcare services in the gateway communities and seek current local advice about the nearest appropriate facility.
Do's and Don'ts
Do follow posted regulations, camp responsibly, pack out rubbish, keep dogs controlled where required and respect wildlife, water sources and other visitors. Do leave gates as you find them, avoid disturbing livestock and use established roads, campsites and paths where appropriate. Do not approach Medicine Wheel as an ordinary photo stop or disregard signs relating to ceremony and cultural respect. Do not feed animals, collect cultural or natural objects, start fires where restrictions apply or drive on unauthorised routes. Treat private ranch land, Indigenous cultural places and protected wilderness as areas requiring particular care.
Local Tips
Choose your gateway according to your plans: Buffalo and Ten Sleep are convenient for eastern approaches and Cloud Peak country, while Sheridan, Lovell and the western communities serve different sections of the range. Allow more time than map distances may suggest because mountain roads and weather slow travel. The Bighorn Scenic Byway and Cloud Peak Skyway are journeys in their own right, but fuel and supplies should be obtained before entering the mountains. Summer offers the broadest access to high routes, while autumn brings changing colours and quieter conditions; access to high elevations remains weather-dependent.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHowdy[hah-dee]
GoodbyeSee ya[see yah]
YesYup[yuhp]
NoNope[nohp]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No worries[pleez/noh wur-eez]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad[par-dun mee/my bad]
How are you?Howdy partner, how's it goin'?[hah-dee pahrt-nur, howz it go-in]
Fine. And you?Just dandy. How 'bout you?[just dan-dee. how bout yuh]
Do you speak English?Ya speak English?[yah speak ing-glish]
I don't understandI ain't gettin' ya[I aint get-tin yah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme take a gander at the menu, if ya don't mind[lem-me take uh gan-der at the men-yoo, if yah dont mind]
I don't eat meatI ain't into meat[I aint in-toh meet]
Cheers!Bottoms up![bot-ums up]
I would like to pay, pleaseMind if I settle up?[mind if I set-tul up]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Send help![send help]
Go away!Git outta here![git out-tuh here]
Call the Police!Get the law on the line![get the law on the line]
Call a doctor!Fetch a doc![fetch uh doc]
I'm lostI'm turned around[I'm turned around]
I'm illI'm feelin' poorly[I'm feel-in poor-lee]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I reckon I'll take...[I rek-in I'll take]
I'm just lookingJust browsin'[just brow-sin]
How much is it?What's the damage?[whats the dam-ij]
That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep[thats uh bit steep]
Can you lower the price?Can ya knock some off the price?[can yah knock sum off the price]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What's the hour?[whats the our]
It's one o'clockIt's one on the dot[its one on the dot]
Half past (10)Ten-thirty[ten-thur-tee]
MorningMornin'[morn-in]
AfternoonAfternoon[after-noon]
EveningEvenin'[even-in]
YesterdayYest'day[yes-t-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowMorrow[mor-row]
1One[wun]
2Two[too]
3Three[three]
4Four[for]
5Five[fiv]
6Six[siks]
7Seven[sev-in]
8Eight[ate]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[wheres the]
What's the address?What's the addy?[whats the add-ee]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?[can yah show me (on the map)]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[whens the next (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[uh ticket (to)]

History of Bighorn National Forest

An Ancient Mountain Uplift

The Bighorn Mountains form an isolated north–south range rising above the Bighorn Basin and the Powder River country. Their geology records repeated changes in ancient seas, sediment deposition, uplift and erosion, with older rocks exposed in the core of the range and younger layers visible around its margins. Glacial action later carved high valleys and basins, leaving alpine lakes, cirques and broad areas of exposed mountain rock. These geological processes explain the sharp contrast between the forest’s high plateau, deep canyons and dry surrounding plains.

Indigenous Homelands and Travel Routes

The Bighorn Mountains have long been used by Indigenous peoples for travel, hunting, gathering and spiritual practice. The range lies within the wider cultural landscape of Northern Plains peoples, including the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Lakota and other nations. Medicine Wheel, a stone arrangement on Medicine Mountain, is the best-known surviving sacred site in the forest and continues to have ceremonial importance. Its precise origins and construction history are not treated as a single settled narrative, and visitors are asked to recognise the site as a living cultural place rather than simply an archaeological curiosity.

Exploration, Ranching and Resource Use

During the nineteenth century, the surrounding valleys and mountain passes became connected with military movement, ranching, farming, prospecting and expanding transport routes. Communities such as Buffalo, Sheridan, Ten Sleep and Lovell developed around the plains and approaches to the range rather than within the high forest itself. Timber, grazing and mineral exploration influenced parts of the mountain landscape, while roads and trails followed routes that had long served as practical corridors across the Bighorns. The area’s human history therefore reflects a continuing relationship between high-country resources and the settlements below.

Forest Reserve to National Forest

Federal forest protection began during the Progressive Era, when the Bighorn Mountains were included in the national forest reserve system created to manage watersheds, timber and public lands. Bighorn National Forest became part of the developing United States national forest system in the early twentieth century. Management has since balanced recreation, grazing, timber, wildlife habitat, watershed protection and cultural-resource conservation. The forest’s modern identity is shaped not only by its roads and campgrounds but also by areas where development is deliberately limited.

Wilderness and Modern Conservation

The Cloud Peak Wilderness, designated under the 1984 Wyoming Wilderness Act, protects a large central section of the highest Bighorn Mountains from roads and motorised development. Other parts of the forest remain accessible through scenic highways, maintained roads, campgrounds and extensive trail networks. Conservation today includes safeguarding alpine watersheds, forests, wildlife corridors and culturally important places while accommodating recreation. Seasonal road closures, changing snow conditions and dispersed facilities are practical reminders that the Bighorns remain a working and protected landscape rather than a conventional resort area.

Bighorn National Forest in Photos

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  • History of Bighorn National Forest and travel essentials.
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Explore the majestic Bighorn National Forest with Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, Evendo provides you with detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine starting your day with a hike to the stunning Shell Falls, followed by a visit to the historic Medicine Wheel, and ending with a delightful meal at the Bear Lodge Resort. Evendo ensures you don't miss a thing.

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Dive into the history of Bighorn National Forest and get travel essentials and tons of local advice to make the most out of your visit. Whether you're interested in exploring the serene beauty of Cloud Peak or enjoying a meal at one of the forest's amazing restaurants, Evendo is your go-to guide. And the best part? The app is 100% free, with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo ensures you have the world in your pocket, ready for your next adventure.

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