Bighorn Mountains Wyoming, USA Travel Guide
These itineraries help you make the most of your time, whether you have a weekend or a full week to explore the Bighorn Mountains.
Each plan outlines activities for different durations, ensuring a rewarding trip tailored to your schedule.
Make the most of a brief visit with these focused suggestions for a memorable Bighorns experience.
Arrive in Sheridan or Buffalo, then check into your lodging. Spend the afternoon exploring Sheridan's historic downtown, including King's Saddlery or the Brinton Museum. Enjoy dinner at a local steakhouse, tasting regional flavors.
Drive the breathtaking Cloud Peak Skyway (US-16) from Buffalo towards Tensleep. Make a stop at scenic overlooks for breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a short, easy hike around Sibley Loch or a picnic at a high hill viewpoint. Return to Buffalo for the evening, perhaps visiting Fort Phil Kearny.
Depending on your departure schedule, visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum in Buffalo or consider a quick drive north to explore the Fetterman Fight Site. These sites offer deep insight into the region's frontier past. Afterward, depart from Sheridan County Airport or drive south to Denver, concluding your trip.
This extended itinerary allows for a dive into the Bighorn Mountains and surrounding areas. It combines scenic drives, historical sites, and outdoor adventures for an entire Western experience. Adapt activities to your personal pace and interests.
Base yourself in Sheridan or Buffalo for the first two days, exploring the Cloud Peak Skyway and local historic sites. Days 3-4 move to the central/western Bighorns, including the Medicine Wheel and camping. The concluding days are for extended exploration, like backpacking or day trips.
Eastern Bighorns, Cloud Peak Skyway, Fort Phil Kearny, Sheridan exploration.
Bighorn A Road with beautiful views, Shell Falls, Medicine Wheel, optional camping, Porcupine Falls hike.
Backpacking (Lost Twin Lakes), day trips (Devils Tower, Little Bighorn), horseback riding, or fishing.
Tailor your Bighorns trip around specific interests to create a more focused and rewarding experience. Whether you seek history, adventure, or culinary delights, a route exists for you.
Concentrate on the eastern Bighorns and gateway towns. Start in Buffalo, exploring Fort Phil Kearny, the Fetterman Fight Site, and the Wagon Box Fight Site. Immerse yourself in the Johnson County War history at the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum. Move to Sheridan to explore its the historic city center, the Brinton Museum, and King's Saddlery. Include a drive to the Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark for an ancient history perspective.
Focus on dining experiences in Sheridan and Buffalo. Sample local beef steaks and bison burgers. Visit local diners for a "Mountain Man Breakfast." Explore farmers' markets (seasonally) for local produce and crafts. Consider a stay at a guest ranch for an all-inclusive Western dining experience. Pack a cooler and enjoy picnics at scenic viewpoints or developed campgrounds.
Spend significant time in the Bighorn National Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness. Plan for extensive day hiking on tracks like Bucking Mule Falls or Porcupine Falls. For experienced adventurers, an overnight backpacking trip into the Cloud Peak Wilderness (e.g., to Lost Twin Lakes) is a highlight. Engage in equestrian activities with a guest ranch, try fly-casting in mountain streams, or explore rock climbing opportunities near Ten Sleep Canyon. Include plenty of scenic driving on US-14 and US-16 to access various trailheads.
Prioritize accessible trails like the Sibley Lake Loop or Shell Falls Interpretive Trail. Choose developed campgrounds with amenities and easy access to lakes for fishing or gentle water play. Plan wildlife viewing drives at dawn or dusk. Visit local parks in Sheridan or Buffalo. Consider a short, guided horseback ride suitable for children. This travel plan balances active pursuits with relaxation and exploration suitable for all ages.
Focus on Sheridan, visiting the Brinton Museum and Bradford Brinton Memorial for Western and Native American art. Explore the historic architecture of Sheridan's downtown. Look for local art galleries and studios. This path offers a window into the artistic and historical side of the region.
Dedicate time for reflection at the Medicine Wheel, treating it as a sacred space. Seek out quiet trails and alpine lakes for meditation and solitude. Consider a stay at a remote lodge or a dispersed camping experience to truly unplug and connect with nature. Explore the natural hot springs in Thermopolis for relaxation (a two-hour drive).
Adjust your travel style to fit your budget while still experiencing the best of the Bighorns. Plans range from minimalist backpacking to luxurious getaways.
Heavily rely on free dispersed camping within the Bighorn National Forest or utilize inexpensive developed campgrounds ($15-30/night). Self-cater all meals. Purchase groceries in larger towns (Sheridan/Buffalo) before heading into the mountains. Pack a portable stove and cooking gear. Prioritize free activities like extensive hiking, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Avoid paid tours. Use your own vehicle or carpool with companions to minimize fuel costs.
Mix of camping (a few nights) and mid-range hotels/cabins in the access towns ($100-200/night). Enjoy casual dining in towns for some meals, balanced with self-catering for other people. Rent a standard vehicle. Include some paid activities like a guided fishing trip or a shorter ranch experience. Visit a few paid historical sites. This approach offers comfort and convenience without exceeding a moderate budget.
Stay at high-end guest ranches (often all-inclusive) or luxury hotels in Sheridan ($250-500+/night). Treat yourself to high-end meals in Sheridan and other upscale restaurants. Opt for a premium rental vehicle (SUV, 4x4) or arrange private transfers. Book personalized guided excursions (fly fishing, horseback riding, nature photography tours). Enjoy exclusive experiences, including lounge access via Priority Pass for easy travel.
Late June-Early September marks the optimal time for all outdoor activities: hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and water sports. Wildflowers can be seen in full bloom in alpine meadows. All roads and facilities typically stay open, and you can plan your trip around the Sheridan WYO Rodeo in July for a classic Western experience.
Mid-September-October has stunning fall foliage, notably the golden aspens, creating breathtaking scenic drives. Fewer crowds than summer appear. Clean air and good opportunities exist for beautiful road trips and moderate hiking before high-elevation road closures. Wildlife is often more active and visible as they prepare for winter.
Offers solitude and a serene, snow-covered landscape. Excellent for snowmobiling on extensive groomed trails, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Winter travel demands specialized gear and cool temperatures safety knowledge.
Be prepared for limited access and services. Focus on lower-elevation activities or specific winter sports. Enjoy the quiet beauty and unique challenges of the season. For flight delay compensation, Compensair may provide assistance.
