Wyoming, USA
Major U.S. Carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, distribute prepaid SIM cards. Their stores or authorized retailers exist in larger towns like Sheridan or Buffalo. Verizon often holds the best coverage in rural and mountainous Wyoming, but mountain coverage remains spotty or absent.
Post offices are available in all major gateway towns (Sheridan, Buffalo, Greybull, Lovell, Tensleep) for sending postcards or packages. English is the official language. No significant language barriers exist for English speakers. Translation apps are not necessary for basic communication.
Retail/shops open from 9-10 AM to 5-6 PM, Monday-Saturday. Some smaller shops may close on Sundays. Restaurants typically operate lunch (11 AM-2 PM) and dinner (5 PM-9 PM). Some cafes open early for breakfast (6-7 AM).
Seasonal closures for roads and facilities are important. US-14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) and US-16 (Cloud Peak Skyway) close annually due to heavy snow, typically October/November through May/June. These closures restrict high-country access.
Before entering the Bighorn National Forest, download all necessary maps, trail information, and emergency contacts to your phone for offline access. A paper map also provides a valuable backup.
Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges is a consideration, especially in a natural, rugged environment like the Bighorn Mountains.
Limited in wilder parts. Visitor centers, some campgrounds, and paved paths at viewpoints often feature accessible facilities.
Scenic Byways are fully vehicle-accessible. Accessible rental vehicles book well in advance.
Limited specific services within the Bighorns for visual or hearing impairments. Major airports have standard accessibility features.
Very few truly accessible trails exist. Most hiking trails feature natural surfaces, uneven terrain, steep grades, rocks, and roots, making them difficult or impossible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility limitations. Some short, paved interpretive trails may suit.
Thorough pre-trip research and direct communication with service providers (lodges, tour operators, Forest Service offices) will help confirm your trip meets your needs. Organizations specializing in accessible travel may provide broader U.S. Travel resources.
If you have specific accessibility needs, thorough pre-trip research and direct communication with service providers ensure your journey meets your requirements.
Interacting respectfully with the cultures and traditions of the Bighorn Mountains region holds equal importance to environmental preservation.
Treat sacred sites like the Medicine Wheel with utmost reverence. Follow all posted signs regarding access and behavior. Walk only on designated paths. If a ceremony is taking place, maintain a respectful distance and quiet demeanor. Be polite and friendly with local residents.
Always ask permission before photographing people, specifically Native Americans, at sacred sites or community events. Respect individuals' desire for privacy. At the Medicine Wheel, observe posted signs regarding respectful conduct. Understand that it is an active spiritual site for many, not merely a tourist attraction.
Avoid discussing controversial local politics unless invited into a conversation. Be mindful that the history of westward expansion and Native American relations holds sensitivity; approach it with an open mind and respect. Wyoming generally leans conservative.
Wyoming generally leans conservative. However, discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity holds prohibition in Wyoming's state employment. In tourist areas and larger towns like Sheridan, visitors generally report welcoming and respectful experiences. Exercise discretion in smaller, more rural communities if concerns exist, but outright hostility is uncommon.
A friendly demeanor and genuine interest in the local environment and culture go a long way. Wyoming residents often enjoy sharing their love for their state.
This section covers the daily logistics of travel in the Bighorn Mountains, detailing communication, business hours, cultural norms, and accessibility.
Retail shops generally open from 9 or 10 AM to 5 or 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Some smaller, independently owned shops may close on Sundays. Restaurants typically operate lunch service from 11 AM to 2 PM, and dinner service from 5 PM to 9 PM.
This consideration is important for the Bighorns. High-elevation roads, specifically US-14A (Medicine Wheel Passage) and US-16 (Cloud Peak Skyway), close annually due to heavy snow. These closures typically last from October/November through May/June.
Banks typically operate from 9 AM to 4 or 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Most banks are closed on weekends. ATMs are widely available in towns for cash withdrawals. Federal holidays in the U.S. (e.g., Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day) can alter bank and post office hours.
Some lodges and guest ranches operating within or very near the forest may also have seasonal closures. Always check the Bighorn National Forest website for specific opening and closing dates for campgrounds and visitor centers.
Confirm operating hours for any specific attraction or business.
Verify seasonal status, especially during shoulder or off-season.
This step helps avoid disappointment upon arrival.
Before visiting any specific attraction or business, especially during the shoulder or off-season, confirm its operating hours or seasonal status to avoid disappointment.
