Why go
The Bighorn Mountains are one of Wyoming's greatest surprises. While most travelers focus on Yellowstone and Grand Teton, those who take a detour to this mountain range experience one of the most original regions in the American West.
Alpine lakes, dense forests, waterfalls, wide flower meadows and spectacular panoramic roads await you at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres. Despite this impressive landscape, the region remains pleasantly quiet even in the summer months.
For RV travellers, the Bighorn Mountains are an ideal stopover between Cody, Devils Tower and Black Hills in South Dakota.
At a glance
Category | Information
Highest summit | Cloud Peak (4013 m)
Ideal stay | 2–3 days
Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.
Landscape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walking tours | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Transport | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-14)
This panoramic road is one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the USA.
The road from Sheridan winds up over 2,900 meters and leads through deep gorges, dense forests and alpine plateaus.
Numerous viewpoints and picnic spots await you on the way.
RV tip
The route is also easy to ride with larger Fifth Wheels. However, you should schedule enough time as there are several longer climbs and descents.
Shell Falls
The waterfall, which is about 36 metres high, is one of the most famous sights in the region.
A short, barrier-free walk leads to several viewing platforms.
Photo Tip
In the morning, the waterfall is usually in the best light.
Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
On a mountain plateau is one of the most important spiritual monuments in North America.
The more than 700-year-old stone circle monument is still used as a sacred place by various indigenous peoples.
The visit provides an impressive insight into the culture of the natives.
Respectful Association
Stay on the marked paths and respect ceremonies or spiritual objects that may be located at the Medicine Wheel.
Burgess Junction
A small junction in the middle of the mountains.
Here you can find:
Service station
Restaurant
small lodge
Starting point for hiking tours
Ideal for a break during the panoramic ride.
Cloud Peak Wildery
The heart of the Bighorn Mountains.
A huge wilderness with:
over 150 alpine lakes
Falls
High mountain landscapes
numerous hiking trails
Motorised vehicles are not allowed here, which makes the region particularly quiet and original.
Hike to Mirror Lake
Distance: about 6 km
Duration: 2–3 hours
Difficulty: easy to medium
A beautiful mountain lake with crystal clear water.
Especially in July, numerous wildflowers bloom along the way.
Fishing
The Bighorn Mountains are considered a paradise for trout anglers.
Many lakes and rivers are excellent for fly fishing.
Watching Wildlife
With a little luck you can discover:
Moose
Mule deer
Bighorn sheep
Black bears
Coyotes
Whitehead sea eagle
Best animal observation
The chances are particularly high in the early morning hours.
Scenic Drives
In addition to the US-14, it is also worth driving over the Bighorn Scenic Byway (US-16).
Many RV travellers prefer this route, as it runs slightly less steeply and offers particularly beautiful views.
Insider tip
If you have time, the US-14 will go in one direction and return over the US-16. This is how you experience two completely different landscapes.
Shopping
Bigger shopping is only available again in:
Sheridan
Buffalo
Greybull
Within the mountains you will find only small shops with the most necessary.
RV tip
Fill food and fuel already before the driveway.
Bear Lodge Resort Restaurant
Cozy restaurant in the middle of the mountains.
Especially popular:
Steaks
Burger
Homemade soups
Burgess Junction Restaurant
Perfect for breakfast or lunch during the panoramic ride.
Wyoming High Country Lodge
Rustic kitchen with beautiful views.
Sibley Lake Campground
Located directly on an idyllic mountain lake.
Ideal for nature lovers.
No hook-ups.
Tie Flume Campground
Quiet forest campsite with spacious pitches.
Suitable for medium sized RVs.
Sheridan KOA Journey
Perfect starting point for exploring the Bighorn Mountains.
Full hook-up.
Ideal for large Fifth Wheels.
Buffalo KOA Journey
Good alternative on the south side of the mountain.
RV tip
Even if both Scenic Byways are well developed, you should check the brakes and switch them to a lower gear before longer falls. Especially with heavy Fifth Wheels a defensive driving mode pays off.
Internet & Mobile
In large parts of the Bighorn Mountains there is no or limited mobile reception. Download maps and navigation data offline before driving.
Refuelling
Between Sheridan and Greybull there are only a few tank options. Start as far as possible with full tank into the mountain region.
Avoid frequent errors
Plan enough time for photo stops – the Scenic Byways constantly invite you to stop.
The weather can change quickly even in summer at over 2,500 meters. Warm clothes therefore always belong in the vehicle.
Snow can already occur in autumn and spring.
Our recommendation
The Bighorn Mountains are one of those places that many travelers discover only after their journey – and then regret not having visited them earlier. Here you will find no large crowds, but quiet mountain lakes, winding panoramic streets and a nature that often reminds us of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
If you don't just want to get to know Wyoming through its famous national parks, you should definitely devote two or three days to the Bighorn Mountains. For us they are among the most beautiful and at the same time most underestimated regions of the state.