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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation AreaThree Pryor Mountain horses in the snow
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Hiking
Mother and son hiking the Upper Layout Creek Trail on a crisp fall day. 

NPS Photo

Mother and son hiking the Upper Layout Creek Trail on a crisp, fall day. 

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 opportunities are in the South District and are a great way to experience Bighorn Canyon. With a gentle breeze on your face, a lone bird singing in the background, and the rocks shifting under foot, one realizes this is the time to reflect on the natural differences in the environment as well as time to reflect on our role in nature.

The 13 trails offer varying sights and tranquil settings to better explore the natural diversity the park has to offer. Some trails go through historic ranches while others take visitors to scenic vistas. The trail system is a wonderful way to extend your visit and make it truly unique.

Hiking guides may be purchased at the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Visitor Center, the Afterbay Contact Station, or the Crooked Creek Contact Station.

The following is a list of the trails in Bighorn Canyon. Click on the highlighted trails for more information.

Sykes Mountain   Mouth of the Canyon   State Line   Rangers Delight    Sullivan's Knob   Lower Layout Creek   Upper Layout Creek   Hillsboro   Barry's Island   Lockhart Ranch   Bighorn Head Gate   Beaver Pond Nature Trail   Three-Mile Access

Click here for information about the Bighorn Canyon Trail and Access Plan

Spotted Bat resting at the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center, photo by J. Ryan  

Did You Know?
The Spotted bat, Euderma maculatum, echolocation calls are audible to the unaided human ear. They are listed as a sensitive species of concern in Montana and Wyoming.
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Last Updated: May 25, 2009 at 13:31 EST