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Day Trips from Bighorn Mountains

Day Trips from Bighorn Mountains

Bighorn Mountains Wyoming, USA Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

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

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

Nearby Spots

  • Devils Tower A Protected national landmark: 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 exploring nature.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

This dramatic canyon, sculpted by the Bighorn River, has towering calcareous cliffs rising to 1,000 feet over the water. Its southern end is accessible from Lovell, Wyoming. It has many opportunities for boating activities activities, fishing, and vast picturesque viewpoints. 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 in an easterly direction. It appears especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Drive Details

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

Cultural Excursions

Ten Sleep Canyon

  • World-renowned for sport climbing, drawing a special 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 dedicated to Johnson County War history.
  • Provides a concrete 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 characteristics and wildlife.
  • Travel Time:4-SIX hours from western Bighorns.
  • Exploration Time:Allocate at least 3-5 days for thorough exploration.
  • Suggested Route:Combine with a loop through Yellowstone plus Majestic 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 specifically 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 plus the charming local community.

Buffalo, Wyoming

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

Local Attractions

  • Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum.
  • The old town exploration.
  • Johnson County War history.

Rural Villages & Agriculture

Driving through the valleys around the Bighorns, you will encounter small rural villages and vast agrithe cultural environments. 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 rustic views.

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-SIX 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

  • Review seasonal street closures for high mountain roads.
  • These can considerably alter driving routes.
  • Especially relevant during spring and fall travel.
  • Always check official resources.
  • Changeable 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 pause for travelers journeying to or from this group destinations.

Considerations

  • Explore geothermal characteristics and abundant wildlife.
  • Allocate at least 3-A five-day period 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 an encounter with attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, and historic towns. Nearby, Badlands National Park shows 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.
  • Commence in Denver, Bighorns, then Yellowstone, or vice versa.
  • This approach has a comprehensive overview of the West.

Plan Your Extended Journey

Extend your adventure beyond the Bighorns to other Western wonders. These locations 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 high mountain roads, especially important for the springtime or fall travel, as conditions can alter your driving routes.