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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Wyoming, USA

Air Travel

Major Airports & Routes

While no major international airports are directly in the Bighorns, several regional airports and a major hub provide access.

Airport Access

  • Sheridan County Airport (SHR): Closest regional airport to eastern Bighorns, flights to Denver.
  • Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA) in Cody: Serves western Wyoming, flights to Denver and Salt Lake City.
  • Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Montana: Largest nearby, wider range of flights from major U.S. Hubs.

Flight Considerations

No direct international flights reach these regional airports. International travelers typically fly into a major U.S. Hub and then connect or begin their drive.

Travel Insights

  • Denver International Airport (DEN): A major international hub, about a 5-6 hour drive south of the southern Bighorns.
  • Seasonal flight frequency to regional airports may decrease during the off-season.
  • Booking flights well in advance (3-6 months for peak season) usually yields better fares.

Airport Facilities

Regional airports offer basic services, including car rental desks, restrooms, and small waiting areas.

Rental Car Access

A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the Bighorns effectively. Rental car agencies operate at all major and regional airports.

Local Transfers

Taxis are available in Sheridan and Buffalo, but not reliably found in Bighorn National Forest. Ride-sharing services are not consistent in smaller Wyoming towns.

Driving from Major Airports

Denver DEN to Bighorns

  • Approximately a 5-6 hour drive north to the southern Bighorns (Buffalo).
  • A longer yet scenic drive with varied landscapes.
  • Many international travelers fly into DEN and rent a car for the drive.
  • Plan fuel stops along the route.

Billings BIL to Bighorns

  • About 100 miles north of Sheridan.
  • A common choice for northern access to the range.
  • This airport presents a wider range of flight options from major U.S. Hubs.
  • A practical option for driving to the Bighorns.

Car Rental Essentials

Rental Requirements

A valid driver's license from your home country or state. An International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in English.

Age & Payment

The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21, though some companies may have a higher minimum or a surcharge for younger drivers. A major credit card in the renter's name is necessary.

Vehicle & Insurance

A vehicle with good ground clearance is often useful. A 4x4 or AWD vehicle may be beneficial for remote roads. Proof of insurance is necessary; rental companies offer various options.

Land Transportation

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving serves as the most common and practical way to access and explore the Bighorn Mountains.

Driving Guidelines

  • A valid driver's license from your home country or state.
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended if your license is not in English.
  • The minimum age for renting a car is typically 21.

Road Conditions & Safety

Major byways are generally well-maintained, paved roads. High-elevation sections, notably the Cloud Peak Skyway and Medicine Wheel Passage, close seasonally due to heavy snow.

Safety Reminders

  • Always check the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) website for current state road conditions.
  • Many roads within the Bighorn National Forest are unpaved, gravel, or dirt; their condition varies greatly.
  • Be alert for wildlife (deer, elk, moose) especially at dawn, dusk, and night.

Fuel & Connectivity

Gas stations are sparse within the Bighorn National Forest. Plan to fill up your tank in towns before venturing into the mountains.

Planning Ahead

  • Fill up in towns like Sheridan, Buffalo, Greybull, Lovell, or Tensleep.
  • Cellular service is very spotty or non-existent in much of the Bighorns.
  • Carry paper maps, or download offline maps.

Public Transit Overview

Within the Bighorn National Forest, and in the immediate vicinity of the mountains, there is essentially no public transportation.

Transit Reality

  • No bus routes, trains, or other scheduled services take visitors into the forest.
  • Amtrak passenger rail service does not extend directly to the Bighorns or its gateway towns.
  • Reliance on private vehicle is almost exclusive for mountain exploration.

Critical Driving Reminders

  • Mountain weather changes rapidly; sudden thunderstorms, fog, and unexpected snow can affect driving.
  • High winds are possible, notably at higher elevations and on exposed ridges.
  • Unpaved forest roads vary greatly, from smooth to rough, rocky, and rutted.
  • High-elevation sections close seasonally (typically from October/November through May/June).
  • Collisions with large animals are a serious concern; drive slowly and remain vigilant.
  • Always check current road conditions and closures via WYDOT and Bighorn National Forest websites.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees from the U.S. Beyond what might be included in your airfare.

Departure Timing

  • Regional Airports (SHR, YRA): Plan to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Larger Hubs (BIL, DEN): 2-3 hours for domestic flights, 3-4 hours for international flights.
  • Always confirm your flight status and check-in procedures with your airline 24 hours before departure.

Airport Facilities

Regional airports offer basic amenities for departing travelers, including restrooms and minimal food/beverage options.

Services Available

  • Restrooms and small waiting areas.
  • Larger airports like Billings Logan International (BIL) and Denver International (DEN) present more extensive dining and shopping options.
  • Ensure you allocate enough time to pass through security and access services before your flight.

Traveler's Last Word

Successful travel to and from the Bighorns relies on vehicle preparation and awareness of dynamic mountain conditions.

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