Should you find yourself meandering through the Midwest, then you certainly must make a stop to see the vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural world, the extraordinary site of Bighorn Canyon spans more than 120,000 acres in Montana and Wyoming and is comprised of a diversified landscape of forest, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, high desert, lake, and wetlands.

Since the recreation area was built, people have been able to find tranquil settings to better explore nature, wildlife, and history. We’ve compiled a list of activities to try while you’re there:

Boating

 

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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers a number of water-related activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing and boating at Bighorn Lake. During the summer, consider taking advantage of a scenic boat tour to explore the area with a knowledgeable guide.

Picnics

 

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Pack a lunch and your Canteen to enjoy the amazing views Bighorn Canyon has to offer while picnicking with your loved ones. Not quite sure where you should set up shop? Kick back, relax and enjoy a meal amidst the grandeur of Bighorn Canyon by the serene waters of the Afterbay.

Camping

Bighorn Canyon offers five camping areas with over 100 spots. Best of all, the majority are surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the west.

Hiking

 

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Ranging from short to much longer, there are a number of trails accessible to hikers. Trails feature a multitude of sights and tranquil settings for ease of exploration. 

Cycling

There are many different bike trails, so you can choose to take a scenic ride or go for a great workout! Cycling provides a stellar opportunity to better explore the natural diversity the park has to offer.


Dotted with hundreds of teepee rings, you can also catch a glimpse of herds of bighorn sheep, horses and more. Bighorn Canyon boasts an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.

About Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

bighorn canyon

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a magnificent lake. Bighorn Lake extends approximately 71 miles through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon.

So, what’s holding you back? Get started on your adventure to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area today!

Bighorn Canyon boasts an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.