News Release

August Programs at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Kayaking at Horseshoe Bend

NPS, Jen Prentiss

News Release Date: July 28, 2020

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

Are you running out of activities while self-isolating with your friends and family?  Bighorn Canyon may have the solution.  

Kayak Programs at Bighorn Canyon

Bighorn Canyon is again offering guided kayak programs this year on the Bighorn Lake. Programs will be presented by park rangers on both ends of the lake.  The programs will cover proper paddling techniques, general safety precautions, and fun facts about Bighorn Canyon. 

These excursions will be offered free of charge on a first come, first serve basis. To decrease the possibility of community spread of COVID 19, the programs will be restricted this year to family groups of 6 to 8 people.  Face coverings are required. Participants must call ahead and register.

To register for programs please call the Bighorn Canyon NRA Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.  Have a list of the people in your group and their life jacket sizes available.  Programs will be:

South District
Date Time Description
August 6  10:30 AM – 1:00 PM   Horseshoe Bend to Crooked Creek
August 7  10:30 AM – 1:00 PM   Horseshoe Bend to Crooked Creek   
August 20    10:30 AM – 1:00 PM   Horseshoe Bend to Crooked Creek
August 21    10:30 AM – 1:00 PM   Horseshoe Bend to Crooked Creek

North District
Date Time  Description
August 13  11 AM – 1:30 PM      Ok-A-Beh to Box Canyon
August 27    11 AM – 1:30 PM      Ok-A-Beh to Box Canyon


Lockhart Ranch Tour

August 22 – Join Bighorn Canyon Volunteer, Lynn Richardson, for a tour of the Lockhart Ranch.  Enjoy learning about the buildings and the life of author and adventurer, Caroline Lockhart.  Join Lynn at the Ranch any time from 10am to 2pm.  

Junior Ranger Programming

Families are encouraged to participate in the Junior Ranger program. Booklets can be picked up at the visitor centers or downloaded online. Once completed, participants will be sworn in as Junior Rangers during regular visitor center hours, or booklets can be completed by mail and badges sent to you.  

Visitor Centers

The Bighorn Canyon visitor centers are open but have limited hours because of reduced staffing.  The hours are:

Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, Fort Smith, MT – Open Friday through Monday, 9AM to 4PM

Bighorn Canyon Outdoor Visitor Center, Lovell, WY – Open Wednesday through Sunday, 9AM to 4PM. 

More Information

Bighorn Canyon continues to keep the health and safety of our visitors and staff as a priority. All programming is dependent on weather and local COVID 19 conditions.  

Bighorn Canyon staff has missed giving programs and we hope to see you at one of our FREE August programs. If you have questions about these programs, please contact the Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.