Get off the grid at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, a stunning site tucked between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone that is often overlooked by travelers. This is the Wild West — remote, rugged, and spectacular. The area includes a canyon lake that stretches for 55 miles and that straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and bisects the Crow Reservation. Float through the canyon under 1,000-foot rock cliffs, or hike 27 miles of trails to breathtaking overlooks and historic ranches. The trout fishing is some of the best in Montana, and four RV-friendly campgrounds offer fantastic views of the canyon during the day and the Milky Way after dark.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is wild and remote; an RV adds just the right touch of home to your campsite. Make the most of your time in the canyon with an RV rental. With RVshare, you can find one nearby or book one close to home for a fun and relaxing road trip.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a paradise for adventurers who love to enjoy the wilderness and avoid crowds. Hiking is a popular activity; there are 27 miles of trails in the areas of the canyon that are located outside of the Crow Reservation. The park offers free kayak tours throughout the summer months, and you can find the schedule at one of the visitor centers. Bighorn Canyon is also known for its exceptional fishing. If you're interested in history, check out one of the four historic ranches in the park; rangers offer guided tours of the ranches during the summer.
Hiking TrailsThe Upper Layout Creek Trail is short but challenging — the perfect hike when you have a limited amount of time. The trail begins at the historic Ewing-Snell Ranch; if you can, take a few minutes to admire the log structures on the property. From the ranch, you'll hike through the thick greenery in Layout Creek Canyon. Keep an eye out for a waterfall and glimpses of the surrounding countryside as you hike.
Ewing-Snell Ranch
1.8 Miles Round Trip
Strenuous
Enjoy stunning views over Bighorn Canyon on the Lower Layout Creek Trail. The trail parallels the edge of the canyon; keep an eye out for the side trails that take you to the rim. At the end of the route, you can look out over the river as it winds through the stone cliffs.
Northern boundary of the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range
3.4 Miles Round Trip
Easy to Moderate
The Ranger Delight Trail is short, but it takes you to one of the most exciting views in the park. Once you reach the end of this trail, take the side route that runs toward the rim. From here, you can see the U-shaped bend in the canyon with the river sparkling far below. If you're in the mood for a longer hike, hop on the trail that connects to the State Line Trail for a quiet walk through the wilderness.
Ranger Delight Parking Area
0.66 Miles Round Trip
Easy to Moderate
SightseeingA selection of historic structures awaits at Mason-Lovell Ranch, which played a big part in the open-range cattle industry. Check out the Henry Clay Lovell House, the bunkhouse, and several cabins; each one offers 360-degree views of the grasslands.
US-14 ALT, Lovell, WY 82431
Run by the inimitable cattlewoman Caroline Lockhart in the first half of the 1900s, the Caroline Lockhart Ranch is a testament to the strong women of the Wild West. Today, the ranch features a variety of historic log structures, including a barn, a blacksmith shop, a main house, and a set of cabins and bunkhouses.
Lockhart Ranch Trailhead, WY-37, Bridger, MT 59014
One of the best-preserved ranches in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Ewing-Snell Ranch provides a glimpse of what life was like in the early 1900s. The log buildings are remarkably intact, so you can see the house, the post office, and the orchards.
641 Big Horn Canyon Rd, Bridger, MT 59014
MuseumsExplore the history of the North Big Horn region at the Lovell-Kane Area Museum. With its collection of interpretive exhibits and fascinating historical photographs, you can learn about topics as diverse as the railroad, cattle ranching, and World War II prisoner of war camps in Wyoming.
354 Oregon Ave, Lovell, WY 82431
Dive into the history of the American West at the Custer Battlefield Museum. It sits on the same site where the Lakota leader Sitting Bull set up his summer hunting camp. Here, you can check out a wide selection of artifacts, including Sitting Bull's death mask, beaded Native American pieces, and a Northern Plains Society war hat. In addition, the museum has a fascinating Crazy Horse exhibit and a collection of historic photographs by the legendary D.F. Barry.
Custer Battlefield Museum, Town Hall, Garryowen, MT 59031
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsLocated inside the Garrison Stoker Resort, the Tailwater Restaurant serves three meals a day. The menu features hot sandwiches, pub-style appetizers, pizzas, and hearty meat-and-potato dishes.
MT-313, St. Xavier, MT 59075
Located near the southern end of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Brandin' Iron celebrates the ranching heritage of the area. Dig into hearty steak-and-eggs breakfasts, or come for lunch or dinner to enjoy salads, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks.
483 Shoshone Ave, Lovell, WY 82431
Whether you're in the mood for a hand-cut steak or a seafood feast, Wyoming 310 has you covered. You'll also find a selection of big breakfasts, burgers, and hot sandwiches.
775 US-310, Deaver, WY 82421
If you're visiting the northern section of Bighorn Canyon, stop at Bighorn Angler Fly Shop for all of the supplies. The knowledgeable staff can recommend the best lures and bait; you can also rent a boat or join a guided fishing tour.
577 N Park Dale Ct, Fort Smith, MT 59035
Another bait shop at the northern end of the canyon, Bighorn Fly & Tackle Shop offers a wide selection and friendly service.
61 1st St, Fort Smith, MT 59035
Start your trip to the southern end of Bighorn Canyon with a visit to Johnny's Tackle. Known for its friendly service and great selection, it's the perfect place to pick up bait, fishing line, and other crucial supplies.
443 E Main St, Lovell, WY 82431
Whether you're visiting the northern or southern section of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the easiest route to get there is via I-90. To reach the southern end of the canyon, take I-90 to Ranchester, Wyoming, and turn west on US-14. Then, get on US-14 ALT, and turn north on WY-37 just before Lovell. If you're heading north, take I-90 to Crow Agency, Montana, and turn west on Crow St. Xavier Road. When you reach MT-313, head south until you reach the recreation area.
20 US Hwy 14A, Lovell, WY 82431
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
Whether you're visiting Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area for a weekend escape or a longer wilderness adventure, the remote location and stunning scenery is sure to leave you wanting more. During your trip, enjoy fantastic boating, hiking, and fishing; you can also discover the remarkable ranching heritage of the canyon. For the most relaxing adventure, bring an RV for easy camping anywhere in the region.
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