Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
For anyone traveling through Montana and Wyoming, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area provides a refreshing and educational outdoor adventure. This national recreation area is highly recommended for visitors who want to learn about the area's heritage while enjoying scenic trails and local wildlife.
About Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a national recreation area located in Montana and Wyoming. North District: Semi-arid, receiving 18 to 20 inches of rain annually. South District: High-desert, receiving 6 to 10 inches of rain annually. Summer temperatures: Highs in the 80s (F) and 90s (F), lows in the 50s (F) and 60s (F). Summer temperatures can peak over 100 degrees. Winter temperatures: Range in the 20s and 30s with low temperatures averaging the 10s (F) and 20s (F). During the winter the thermometer can drop below 0 (F) with extreme wind chill factors.
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Lovell, WY from Billings, MT, take Interstate 90 west. Turn at exit 434 at Laurel, MT. Turn onto US 310 East/US 212 South. Turn at US 310 East to Lovell. The visitor center is on the east side of Lovell.
π° Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Bighorn Canyon is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
π₯Ύ Things to Do
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Arts and Culture, Theater, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, and 44 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
π¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Bighorn Canyon
π Visitor Planning Tips for Bighorn Canyon
- βBeat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Bighorn Canyon before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- βVerify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Bighorn Canyon can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- βSecure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Bighorn Canyon get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- βPack Map Backups: Cell coverage is notoriously spotty or non-existent in remote sections of Bighorn Canyon. Download offline maps (such as on AllTrails or Google Maps) and carry a physical compass and paper map.
- βAltitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Bighorn Canyon
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer β National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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