Bighorn Mountains
The Big Horn Mountains stretches 70 miles and is located between the Bighorn
Basin and the Powder River. Early explorers of the region called the Big Horns
the "Shining Mountains" for its snowcapped peaks. The Native Americans of the
area refer to the mountains as "Ahsahta" which means, "The Big Horns," referring
the the bighorn sheep that populate the area. Although the Big Horns are not as
majestic and jagged as the Teton Range of WyomingÕs northwestern border, they do
boast several peaks above 9,000 feet. Cloud Peak is the tallest peak of the Big
Horns and sits at 13, 175 feet.
The Bighorn National Forest encompasses nearly the entire Big Horn Mountain
range. The Bighorn National Forest is a multi-use area and provides excellent
hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, biking, skiing, and snowmobiling. With
beautiful terrain from ranging grass prairies, to thick evergreen forests, to
high alpine peaks, to meadows, to dessert lands, to deep canyons, you won't want
to forget your hiking boots or camera.
There are three major scenic byways which pass through the Big Horn Mountains.
These byways are all paved and provide excellent connections between Yellowstone
and the Black Hills. US Hwys 14 and 16 are plowed in the winter, whereas US Hwy
14A is typically closed from November through May. Do not be in a rush which
ever route you choose--you'll want to savor all the natural beauty.
US Hwy 16
US Hwy 16, also known as the Cloud Peak Skyway, is the easiest way to cross the
Big Horns. It starts at the southern end of the range at the town of Ten Sleep
and climbs to the town of Buffalo. This route is 45 miles long and passes
through a wide range of terrain. You'll start out beside red and yellow cliffs,
and then take switchbacks to Meadowlark Lake, a popular destination for
cross-country skiers and snowmobilers in the winter. The road then curves over
Powder River Pass and lets you get spectacular views of the Cloud Peak
Wilderness.
US Hwy 14
US Hwy 14, the Big Horn Scenic Byway, connects the town of Sheridan and
Greybull. It stretches 45 miles of sinuous mountain roads. This highway offers
views of the deep red rocks of Shell Canyon, and takes you pass Antelope Butte
Ski Area. You'll also come across the 120-foot Shell Falls. There is an
informative visitorÕs center here that provides excellent books and maps of the
area. The area is named "Shell" for the many fossilized invertebrates found in
the local rocks. US Hwy 14 connect with US Hwy 14A at the Burgess Junction.
US Hwy 14A
US Hwy 14A is known as the Medicine Wheel Passage. It rises abruptly from the
Bighorn Basin at the city of Lovell and winds 25 miles to Burgess Junction. The
Medicine Wheel Passage climbs up high alpine meadows. It is cleared of snow by
Memorial Day and is opened through October. This roads was modeled after
mountain roads in the Alps and is considered the most expensive stretch of road
in America. Highlights of this route include opportunities to visit the ancient
Native American Medicine Wheel, breathtaking views, and steep, adventurous
mountain roads with a 10 percent grade. Drive carefully and keep an eye out for
wildlife.
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