News Release

Bighorn Canyon continues to increase recreational access to the North District, near Fort Smith, MT.

Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center

NPS, Jen Prentiss

News Release Date: May 14, 2020

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

Lovell, WY – Following guidance from state and local public health authorities and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and in consultation with the Crow Tribe, Bighorn Canyon is increasing recreational access on the North District, near Fort Smith, MT. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.
May 15, 2020, in addition to river access, Bighorn Canyon will reopen access to:  

• The Grapevine Campground (campground fees apply)
• Restrooms at Afterbay river launch, 3 Mile river launch, and Grapevine Creek Campground
• 3 Mile Trail

May 22, 2020, Bighorn Canyon will reopen access to:
• Ok-A-Beh launch ramp

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• The Afterbay Campground and Afterbay Lake access through Government Cam
• MK Hill near Government Camp\
• Government Camp
• The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, near Fort Smith, MT, and the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center, near Lovell, WY.
• Ok-A-Beh Marina, slips, and fuel docks.
• Headgate Trail
• Beaver Pond Trail

On the South District of Bighorn Canyon near Lovell, Wyoming, Barry’s Landing and Kane boat ramps remain open. The Horseshoe Bend ramp is closed due to low launch levels. Trail Creek and Horseshoe Bend Campgrounds are open (campground fees apply) and all south district trails remain open to provide healthy outdoor options for the public. These areas continue to be monitored daily. 

The maintenance staff strives to clean restroom facilities in the park to the highest standards and keep them stocked, however, visitors should be advised that frequently used restroom facilities do pose a risk to the spread of COVID-19 and visitors should bring their own hand sanitizer.

Please, keep in mind Governor Bullock, and the Crow Tribe have issued directives requiring any individual coming into their states or reservation for non-work-related purposes to self-quarantine for 14 days. These directives are to discourage out-of-state visitation, reduce strain on resources, protect health care workers during the pandemic and reduce the spread of COVID 19. 
 
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continue to be paramount. At Bighorn Canyon our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

The park’s interpretive staff have been developing and sharing virtual tours of Bighorn Canyon on the park’s social media platforms for people who are still home schooling or not traveling at this time.  You can find those tours and updates to phased opening at:
 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BighornCanyonNRA/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bighorncanynps/
• Twitter:   https://twitter.com/BighornCanyNPS

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/BICA  and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.
www.nps.gov

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