Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into COD, drive to Bighorn Canyon
2 h 55 min drive83 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- COD
Airport drive- 2 h 55 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–3 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- High-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended for Pryor Mountain roads; check rental agreements for off-pavement restrictions.
Your route
COD
Yellowstone Regional Airport
Bighorn Canyon
About 2 h 55 min · 83 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to COD
Compare fares into Yellowstone Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at COD
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Bighorn Canyon. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at COD
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Bighorn Canyon
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Advance Boat and Campsite Planning for Bighorn Lake
Many Bighorn Canyon campsites are first come, first served; only a small number of South District sites are reservable through Horseshoe Bend Marina. Check the rules for your specific campground and current lake levels before arranging boat access.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
May – September
Your route
Day 1 · Canyon Rims and Crimson Cliffs
Devil Canyon Overlook → Sullivan Knob Trail
Day 2 · Pioneer History and High Desert Waters
Lockhart Ranch → Horseshoe Bend
Day 3 · Wild Mustangs and Mountain Vistas
Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range → Ewing-Snell Ranch
Viator
Tours & experiences near Bighorn Canyon
Explore guided activities around Bighorn Canyon. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Bighorn Canyon
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Eye protection
Polarized Cycling Sunglasses
Wrap-around cycling sunglasses with polarized lenses and a lightweight TR90 frame, according to the listing.
Wildlife & night viewing
WG9801 4K Night Vision Binoculars
3″ HD display · 48MP photo · 8X digital zoom. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$189.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional 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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Bighorn Canyon?
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from COD to Bighorn Canyon?
Roughly 2 h 55 min (about 83 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Bighorn Canyon?
Many Bighorn Canyon campsites are first come, first served; only a small number of South District sites are reservable through Horseshoe Bend Marina. Check the rules for your specific campground and current lake levels before arranging boat access.
