Bighorn Mountains
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Bighorn Mountains

Discover ancient medicine wheels and glacial valleys in this rugged Wyoming high country.

Arrival airport
SHR
Airport drive
50 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Reliable brakes are essential for mountain passes; check rental terms for operation on steep, winding grades.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Bighorn Mountains

Know before you go

Trailhead Demand

West Tensleep Trailhead often reaches capacity during July weekends due to wilderness access. Arrive before mid-morning to secure a spot for day hikes.

High Country Dead Zones

Expect total loss of signal on Highway 14 and Highway 16 between gateway cities. Satellite messengers are recommended for backcountry travelers.

Last Chance Supplies

Fuel is generally unavailable between Sheridan/Buffalo and the mountain interior. Top off tanks before beginning the ascent.

Seasonal Road Openings

High-altitude forest roads typically open in mid-June and close by late October. Check the Forest Service road status map for current gate openings.

Steep Grade Navigation

Highway 14 contains 10% grades and sharp switchbacks. Drivers of large RVs should consult specific road grade maps before choosing their route.

Check current conditions:Bighorn National Forest

2RVs, campervans & cars near SHR

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
American N952AA Boeing 737-900 Takeoff CLT0225.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to SHR

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at SHR
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at SHR

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at SHR
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at SHR
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at SHR

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at SHR
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Bighorn Mountains

  1. 01

    Alpine Heights and Ancient Landmarks

    Suggested: 8 AM from Sheridan

    • Steamboat Point

      Ascend this prominent limestone outcrop for panoramic views across the Bighorn Basin.

    • Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark

      Walk the high-altitude path to this sacred stone structure, used for centuries by indigenous tribes.

    Allow 2.5 hours for steep mountain grades; conditions vary.

    Medicine Wheel is at nearly 10,000 feet; snow may block access through late June.

    Pick up your vehicle at SHR →
  2. 02

    Canyon Falls and Glacial Lakes

    Suggested: 9 AM from Burgess Junction

    • Shell Falls

      Observe the powerful drop where water cuts through ancient granite at this interpretive site.

    • Sibley Lake

      Enjoy the quiet alpine waters for shore fishing or a stroll through the pine forest.

    Allow 1.5 hours; conditions vary with mountain weather.

    Shell Falls Interpretive Center has limited seasonal hours; check before arrival.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Cloud Peak Skyway and High Passes

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Buffalo

    • Powder River Pass

      Stand at the highest point on Highway 16, reaching 9,666 feet with views of the Cloud Peak Wilderness.

    • Tensleep Canyon

      Drive through the dramatic limestone switchbacks and observe the popular rock climbing walls.

    Allow 2 hours; conditions vary based on vehicle braking needs.

    Use low gears on the descent into Ten Sleep to avoid brake overheating.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

Seasonal Forest Road and Historic Site Access

Most campgrounds and historic sites like the Medicine Wheel are seasonal and require official status checks. While general forest access is open, specific developed sites and group areas may require booking via the national reservation system; always verify current fire restrictions.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

SHRBighorn Mountains

Sheridan County Airport · 50 min drive

Find flights to SHR

Plan your road trip

From Sheridan County Airport

50 min

about 36 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Bighorn Mountains on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Bighorn Mountains on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Bighorn Mountains

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Bighorn Mountains

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Bighorn Mountains

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Viator

Tours & experiences near Bighorn Mountains

Explore guided activities around Bighorn Mountains. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Bighorn Mountains

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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