Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area carves a dramatic landscape where towering canyon walls plunge nearly 1,000 feet to meet the pristine waters of Bighorn Lake, creating one of the West's most striking geological amphitheaters. On the Wyoming side, you'll discover intimate vistas and quieter trails that reward those willing to venture beyond the crowds, where golden eagles soar overhead and the canyon's geology tells stories written in stone across millennia. This is where high-desert beauty meets outdoor adventure—a place to hike rim trails at sunrise, kayak turquoise waters at midday, and watch the canyon walls glow amber at sunset.
Key Attractions
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Bighorn Lake
A stunning 71-mile-long reservoir created by Yellowtail Dam, offering expansive water views and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation along the dramatic canyon walls.
Photo by Deb Hayes on Pexels
Horseshoe Bend
Oren F. Morton / wikimedia (Public domain)
Yellowtail Dam
United States. Bureau of Reclamation United States. Bureau of Land management / wikimedia (Public domain)
Itineraries Here
Planning a Trip to Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side): FAQs
When is the best time to visit Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side)?
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The best time to visit Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side) is summer.
How many days do you need in Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side)?
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Plan on about 2 days to cover Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side)'s highlights at a comfortable pace.
How do you get to Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side)?
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The nearest airport is Billings Logan International (BIL, Montana, 90 minutes away). From Billings, take I-90 South to Montana Highway 72 toward Lovell, Wyoming, then follow signs to the Bighorn Canyon visitor center on the Wyoming side (total ~2 hours). From Cody, Wyoming, it's approximately 90 minutes southeast via Highway 14A.
What are the top things to do in Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side)?
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Top attractions in Bighorn Canyon NRA (WY side) include Bighorn Lake, Horseshoe Bend and Yellowtail Dam.