Montana Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area map and highlights

Basic information for visitors to the  Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in South-central Montana, near  Hardin, to north-central Wyoming, near Lovell.     

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in South-central Montana, near Hardin, to north-central Wyoming, near Lovell.     

The most compelling attraction here is the geology of the  canyon, which is several thousand feet deep in places. Naturally,  Bighorn Canyon also has plenty of bighorn sheep, and it's the site of  the nations first wild horse range, the Bad Pass Trail. The Ok-A-Beh  scenic road winds through the park and past several historic ranches.  Look for the Bighorn River, located below the Yellowtail Dam. The area  was established in 1966.     

WHAT TO SEE & DO     

Boating (rentals, lake marina), fishing, hiking, hunting, ice  fishing, skiing, swimming, touring canyon. Facilities: 2 visitor  centers: Yellowtail Dam (Fort Smith, MT) and Bighorn Canyon (Lovell,  WY); outdoor interpretive exhibits, hiking trails. Bookstores, picnic  tables with fire grills. Programs & Events: Canoe trips,  interpretive talks, campfire programs (June-Aug.). Mustang Days  fireworks at Horseshoe Bend (Sun. before July 4), Afterbay Dam, MT,  fireworks (July 4). Tips & Hints: Watch for rattlesnakes and fragile  edges near drop-offs. Be aware of and respect Crow Indian Reservation  boundaries. Bighorn Canyon is relatively undiscovered treasure, with few  visitors there at any time.     

FOOD, LODGING & SUPPLIES     

Camping: 5 campgrounds ($5) in the park: Afterbay Canyon (29  sites; vault toilets), Black Canyon (17 boat-in sites; vault toilets),  Horseshoe Bend (54 sites; flush toilets), Medicine Creek (6 boat-in or  hike-in sites; vault toilets), Trail Creek (12 sites; vault toilets). In  Yellowtail, MT: Cottonwood Camp (3 mi north of Fort Smith, tel.  406/666-2391; 16 RV sites, tent-camping area, 19 cabins; $10-$65; flush  toilets, showers, hook-ups). 13 Hotels: None in park. In Hardin, MT:  Super 8 (201 14th St. W, tel. 406/665-1700 or 800/800-8000; 63 rooms;  $70), Lariat Motel (709 Center Ave., tel. 406/665-2683; 18 rooms; $44).  In Lovell, WY: Super 8 (595 E. Main, tel. 307/548-2725 or 800/800-8000;  32 rooms; $63). X Restaurants: In the park: grill and staples at  Ok-A-Beh Marina. In Hardin, MT: Purple Cow (Rte. 1, off Rte. 47 at north  end of town, tel. 406/665-3601; $6-$8), Lariat Country Kitchen, (721  Center Ave., tel. 406/665-1139; $5-$7; no dinner Sun.). & Groceries:  None in park. In Fort Smith, MT: Yellowtail Market (Parkdale Ct., tel.  406/666-2333). In Lovell, WY: Red Apple (9 E. Main St., tel.  307/548-2224)     

FEES, HOURS & REGULATIONS     

Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle. Montana or Wyoming state fishing  license required. No hunting in restricted areas. Leashed pets only. No  motorized or mechanical vehicles off paved or dirt roads. Park open  daily. Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily  9-5. Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center open Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily  8-6; Labor Day-Memorial Day, daily 8:30-5.     

HOW TO GET THERE     

North Unit (Montana side) 1 mi west of Fort Smith; South Unit  (Wyoming side) 14 mi northeast from Lovell. Closest airports: Billings  (90 mi from North District), Cody, WY (50 mi).     

CONTACTS     

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, North Unit (Box 7458,  Fort Smith, MT 59035, tel. 406/666-2412, fax 406/666-2415,). Bighorn  Canyon National Recreation Area, South Unit (20 U.S. 14A E, Lovell, WY  82431, tel. 307/548-2251, fax 307/548-7826). Hardin Area Chamber of  Commerce (15 E. 4th St., Hardin, MT 59034, tel. 406/665-1672). Lovell  Area Chamber of Commerce (287 E. Main St., Box 295, Lovell, WY 82431,  tel. 307/548-7552).   

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Basic information for  visitors to the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in South-central  Montana, near Hardin, to north-central Wyoming, near Lovell