Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Welcome to the relaxing surroundings of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, bursting with forests, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, high desert, lake and wetlands. The Canyon was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. Since its establishment, people have been able to find tranquil settings to better explore recreation, nature, wildlife and history.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Darrell J. CookPhone Number: 406-666-2412; 307-548-2251
Entrance Fees: Vehicle: $5.00; Annual: $30.00; Commercial Tours: 1–6 passenger - $25.00, 7-25 passenger - $40.00, 26+passenger - $100.00
Sights: Yellowtail Dam; Bighorn River; Bighorn Lake
Endangered Species: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep; American Peregrine Falcon; Townsend's Big-eared Bat; Northern Leopard Frog
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 15, 1966By The Numbers
Acres: 68,490.00Highest Point: Pryor Mountains (8822 feet)
Annual Visitation: 177,414 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :45.184080 / -108.135250 (map it)
State: MT
Nearby Big City: Yellowtail, MT
Gateway Communities: Saint Xavier, MT
Nearby Airports: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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In Detail
Camping Campgrounds Afterbay Campground Open All Year Near Fort Smith, Montana, on the south shore of the Afterbay, the 28 RV and tent sites are located around a line of nice shade trees. Composting vault ... read more.
In A Nutshell Getting Around The North end of Bighorn Canyon is surrounded by the Crow Indian Reservation. Please respect their land and stay on the road, or on the water, except in areas that are open to travel. ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Bighorn Canyon's Junior Ranger Program is a great way for children, as well as their parents, to experience Bighorn Canyon. By completing several different activities, the whole fa ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Lodging and additional camping options are available in Lovell, Wyoming, Hardin, Montana, and Fort Smith, Montana. For more information: Hardin Chamber of Commerce Lovell Chamber of Commerce ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Accessibility DUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES, TOURS OF THE DAM AND ACCESS TO THE TOP OF THE DAM ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, Fort Smith, Montana, and the top of the ... read more.
Things To Do Boating Boating Boating, kayaking, or Canoeing are excellent ways to enjoy the colors and scenic beauty of Bighorn Canyon. If you are unable to bring your boat or do not own a boat, there is still ho ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking There are approximately 27 miles of described trails (13 trails park wide) within the park. The North District of Bighorn Canyon has 3 trails totaling two miles. The majority of trail o ... read more.
Recent News
- Bighorn Canyon Gets Superintendent September 2, 2008, 1:10 pm
Bighorn Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
