Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
The vast, wild landscape offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120 thousand acres, you can find astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10 thousand years of human history to explore.
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Discover Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
The wild beauty of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is defined by towering red cliffs that rise above the winding waters of the Bighorn River. Spanning Montana and Wyoming, this hidden gem offers breathtaking scenery, rich wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. Explore dramatic overlooks, hike through diverse landscapes, or boat through the striking canyon walls. Wild horses roam the Pryor Mountains, while bighorn sheep navigate the rugged cliffs. Come seeking solitude, history, outdoor thrills, or all three, because you’ll find them all at Bighorn Canyon.
Visit the WNP park store
Stop by the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center, which manages the South District of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and shop at the park store. Find books, apparel, collectibles, toys, and more.
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Explore Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a stunning natural wonder located in two separate districts, one in southeastern Montana and one in north-central Wyoming. Covering more than 120,000 acres of land, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has two visitor centers: Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center near Lovell, Wyoming, and Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center near Fort Smith, Montana. Bighorn Lake, the area’s centerpiece, was created by construction of the Yellowtail Dam and hydroelectric power station in 1967 as part of the Missouri River Basin Project. A year later, on October 15, 1966, Congress established Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area for public outdoor recreation and for the preservation of the scenic, scientific, and historic features of one of the nation’s most beautiful places.
Exploring Yellowstone, Little Bighorn Battlefield, & Bighorn Canyon
Journey through Yellowstone National Park, Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area with this seven-day itinerary packed with experiences.
Visit smart
Take a scenic drive
The park offers stunning viewpoints like Devil Canyon Overlook, where you can take in the sheer scale of the canyon.
Look for wildlife
Keep an eye out for wild horses, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species, especially in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.
Explore by boat
Kayaking, canoeing, or boating on Bighorn Lake provides a unique perspective of the towering cliffs and hidden coves.
Visit both districts
The North District (Montana) and South District (Wyoming) offer distinct experiences, from historic ranches to deep canyon vistas.
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Upcoming events
Our contribution
Over $176 million
Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $176 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.
Why stop at just one?
If you love Bighorn Canyon, check out these other amazing parks.
Over 70 parks to explore
