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Bighorn Mountains

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Bighorn Mountains are a massive spur of the Rocky Mountains located in northern Wyoming and southern Montana. They stretch for about 320 kilometers, separating the Bighorn Basin to the west from the Powder River Basin to the east. The range was uplifted during the Laramide orogeny between 70 and 50 million years ago, featuring a core of Precambrian granite surrounded by thick layers of Paleozoic sedimentary rock. The highest summit is Cloud Peak, reaching 4,013 meters, situated within a rugged alpine zone shaped by glaciation. The Bighorn Mountains are famous for their spectacular limestone canyons, dense forests, and vast upland meadows. A cultural highlight is the Medicine Wheel, an ancient sacred site used by Native American tribes for centuries. The range has diverse recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking away from major tourist crowds. As part of the Bighorn National Forest, the region serves as a vital sanctuary for wildlife including elk, mule deer, and the namesake bighorn sheep.

Location: United States
Top sights: Crooked Creek Hill · Snowshoe Mountain · Bush Butte

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-10	-10	-5	0	5	11	17	15	9	1	-5	-11
Rain mm	33	38	46	62	89	64	38	37	52	55	35	31

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This mountain range is generally reached by driving along scenic byways that cross through northern Wyoming, connecting to major routes. Several well-maintained mountain passes provide straightforward access for vehicles to the higher elevations in warmer months.

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Best season

Summer and early autumn are typically the most practical seasons for visiting, offering clear trails and pleasant mountain temperatures. Winter brings heavy snowfall, leading to road closures and naturally restricting access to specialized snow-sport enthusiasts.

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Terrain & paths

The region features a diverse alpine landscape encompassing rolling high-altitude meadows, dense pine forests, and steep granite peaks. Trails range from easy scenic overlooks to strenuous wilderness treks that require significant outdoor route-finding skills.

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What to bring

Layered clothing is essential due to rapid weather changes and significant temperature drops typical of these high Wyoming environments. Sturdy hiking boots, bear spray, and reliable topographic maps are highly recommended for venturing beyond main scenic roads.

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Parking

Generous parking is generally found at established trailheads, campgrounds, and scenic turnouts along the main mountain highways. However, popular trail parking can reach capacity very quickly during the peak summer weekends, requiring early morning arrivals.

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Safety

Wildlife encounters, particularly with bears, require visitors to firmly maintain safe distances and rigorously store food properly. Rapid afternoon thunderstorms are extremely common in the summer, posing a serious lightning risk to hikers on exposed ridges.

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Time needed

Scenic drives and brief walks can easily be accomplished in a single day, offering a solid introduction to the mountain range. However, fully experiencing the diverse hiking trails and alpine environments typically warrants a dedicated stay of three to five days.

Geography

Coordinates

44.50000, -107.50000

Facts

Cloud Peak at 4,013 meters is the highest point in the Bighorns.
The Medicine Wheel is a 23-meter diameter stone circle with 28 spokes.
Three National Scenic Byways cross the mountain passes.
Bighorn National Forest was established in 1897, one of the oldest in the US.
Shell Falls is a major waterfall located within the Shell Canyon.
Precambrian rocks in the core are nearly 3 billion years old.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bighorn Mountains (4)

Crooked Creek Hill 🌿 nature

A hill in the Mountains region, located on Crooked Creek.

Snowshoe Mountain🌿 nature

A mountain in the Bighorn Mountains relief area, known for skiing.

Bush Butte🌿 nature

A bush-covered butte in the Mountains region.

Spanish Point📍 landmark

A point of land in the Mountains region, named for Spanish explorers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Are there campsites?

Yes, many in the National Forest.

Are roads paved?

Main roads yes, remote ones often not.

What is the weather like?

Pleasant in summer, very snowy in winter.

Is there wildlife?

Yes, moose and deer are common.

When is the best time to hike?

July to September.

Bighorn Mountains: where is it located?

Bighorn Mountains is located in United States.

Bighorn Mountains: what is there to see?

Highlights include Crooked Creek Hill, Snowshoe Mountain, Bush Butte.

Bighorn Mountains: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Bighorn Mountains: why is it worth visiting?

The Bighorn Mountains are a massive spur of the Rocky Mountains located in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.

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