National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation AreaThree Pryor Mountain horses in the snow
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
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.
Rock cairns mark the Bad Pass Trail, photo by D. Cory  

Did You Know?
Jim Bridger, Jedediah Smith, Thomas Fitzpatrick and Bill Sublette were just a few of the mountain men who traversed the Bad Pass Trail though Bighorn Canyon to transport their furs to St. Louis from 1807 to 1840.
more...

Last Updated: January 27, 2008 at 14:48 EST