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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Wyoming, USA

Nearby Destinations

Several significant landmarks and natural areas are within a reasonable driving distance from the Bighorn Mountains, perfect for excellent day trips.

These journeys broaden your understanding of the region's diverse landscapes and history.

Nearby Spots

  • Devils Tower National Monument: An iconic igneous intrusion, 2.5-3 hours east of Sheridan.
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: 1.5-2 hours north of Sheridan, site of the 1876 battle.
  • Thermopolis: Home to Hot Springs State Park, approximately 2 hours southwest of Buffalo.
  • Transportation: A private vehicle is necessary for these journeys.

Natural Escapes

Beyond the immediate Bighorns, these compelling nearby landscapes invite further natural exploration.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

This dramatic canyon, carved by the Bighorn River, has towering limestone cliffs rising to 1,000 feet above the water. Its southern end is accessible from Lovell, Wyoming. It presents many opportunities for boating, fishing, and vast scenic overlooks. The geology is striking and shows a strong contrast to the forested Bighorn Mountains.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Wyoming portion accessible from the western edge of the Bighorns, near Lovell.
  • Activities: Boating, fishing, and enjoying scenic overlooks.
  • Access: Best by private vehicle.

Red Grade Road Scenic Byway

A local favorite near Sheridan, Red Grade Road (County Road 335) is a paved, winding route that climbs into the foothills directly west of Sheridan. It has stunning panoramic views of the Bighorn Mountains to the west and the vast Powder River Basin plains to the east. It appears especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Drive Details

  • Location: A short drive from Sheridan.
  • Duration: A loop drive that takes approximately an hour or two.
  • Views: Excellent for mountain and plains panoramas.

Cultural Excursions

Ten Sleep Canyon

  • World-renowned for sport climbing, drawing a distinctive subculture.
  • Small town of Ten Sleep offers a glimpse into a Wyoming agricultural community.
  • Local brewery and eateries available.
  • Experience a genuine agricultural community.

Buffalo, Wyoming

  • Historical downtown retains late 19th-century charm.
  • Visit the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum for Johnson County War history.
  • Provides a tangible connection to Wyoming's frontier past.
  • Encounter small rural villages and vast agricultural landscapes, showing ranching and farming heritage.

Multi-Day Extensions

  • Yellowstone & Grand Teton:Unmatched geothermal features and wildlife.
  • Travel Time:4-6 hours from western Bighorns.
  • Exploration Time:Allocate at least 3-5 days for thorough exploration.
  • Suggested Route:Combine with a loop through Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
  • Black Hills & Badlands:Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, historic towns.
  • Travel Time:3-5 hours from eastern Bighorns.
  • Cody, Wyoming:Buffalo Bill Center of the West, nightly rodeos in summer.
  • Cody Travel Time:1.5 hours west of western Bighorns.

Traveler's Note

When planning longer journeys, investigate seasonal road closures for mountain passes. This is especially important for spring or fall travel, as road conditions can alter your driving routes and times.

Cultural Excursions

Explore the unique cultural facets of the Bighorns' surrounding communities.

Historical Sites

Visit Fort Phil Kearny and the Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum to learn about frontier history.

Scenic Drives

Enjoy the breathtaking views along Red Grade Road and its panoramic vistas.

Ten Sleep Canyon

Discover the world-renowned sport climbing scene and the charming local community.

Buffalo, Wyoming

Beyond its role as a mountain gateway, Buffalo presents a rich historical experience. Take time to explore its historic downtown, which retains its late 19th-century charm.

Local Attractions

  • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
  • Historic downtown exploration.
  • Johnson County War history.

Rural Villages & Agriculture

Driving through the valleys surrounding the Bighorns, you will encounter small rural villages and vast agricultural landscapes. This delivers insight into the region's strong ranching and farming heritage, a way of life for many residents.

Rural Insights

  • Witness active ranching and farming operations.
  • Visit charming small towns.
  • Explore scenic rural landscapes.

Multi-Day Extension Overview

Yellowstone & Grand Teton:Unmatched geothermal features.
Black Hills & Badlands:Contrasting landscapes and history.
Cody, Wyoming:"Rodeo Capital of the World" and museums.
Yellowstone Drive Time:Approx. 4-6 hours from western Bighorns.
Black Hills Drive Time:Approx. 3-5 hours from eastern Bighorns.
Cody Drive Time:Approx. 1.5 hours from western Bighorns.

Important Advisory

  • Check seasonal road closures for mountain passes.
  • These can considerably alter driving routes.
  • Especially relevant for spring and fall travel.
  • Always consult official resources.
  • Unpredictable weather can change plans.

Multi-Day Extensions

The Bighorn Mountains can function as a single destination or a natural halt within a longer road trip through the American West.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton

These well-known parks present unmatched geothermal features, wildlife, and dramatic mountain scenery. The Bighorns make a logical and rewarding stop for travelers journeying to or from these destinations.

Considerations

  • Explore geothermal features and abundant wildlife.
  • Allocate at least 3-5 days for full discovery.
  • Direct drive from western Bighorns takes 4-6 hours.

Black Hills & Badlands

Located east of the Bighorns, the Black Hills provide a contrasting experience with attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and historic towns. Nearby, Badlands National Park displays a stark, eroded landscape.

Area Highlights

  • Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
  • Custer State Park with wildlife loops.
  • Badlands National Park's unique geology.

Cody, Wyoming

Known as the "Rodeo Capital of the World," Cody houses the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a well-known museum complex with five museums. Cody hosts nightly rodeos during the summer season.

Cody Attractions

  • Experience the "Rodeo Capital of the World."
  • Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
  • Nightly rodeos throughout summer.

Multi-Day Routing

A trip through different Western landscapes and historical themes. Cody makes a logical stop when traveling to or from Yellowstone National Park from the Bighorns, offering a rich cultural interlude.

Sample Routes

  • Combine Bighorns with Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
  • Start in Denver, Bighorns, then Yellowstone, or vice versa.
  • This approach presents a comprehensive overview of the West.

Plan Your Extended Journey

Extend your adventure beyond the Bighorns to other Western wonders. These destinations create a fuller American West travel experience.

Yellowstone

Explore unparalleled natural beauty and wildlife.

Black Hills

Discover historic sites and striking rock formations.

Cody

Immerse yourself in Western heritage and rodeo culture.

Traveler's Note

Investigate seasonal road closures for mountain passes, specifically important for spring or fall travel, as conditions can alter your driving routes.