News Release

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

NPS, Jen Prentiss

News Release Date: May 6, 2020

Contact: Christy Fleming, 307-548-5406

Lovell, WY – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Bighorn Canyon is increasing recreational access on the North District, near Fort Smith, MT. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide 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 6, 2020, Bighorn Canyon will reopen access to:  

• Afterbay and Three Mile launch ramps accessing the Bighorn River
• Bighorn River and Afterbay Lake access, via Grapevine Road for fishing
• Bank fishing will be allowed along the Bighorn River

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

• Campgrounds in the North District will not be opened
• MK Hill or government camp
• Afterbay Lake access through Government Camp
• All Restrooms
• Ok-A-Beh Road and Marina due to water system contract work.

On the South District of Bighorn Canyon near Lovell, Wyoming, the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center is closed. The 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 and all trails remain open to provide healthy outdoor options for the public. These areas continue to be monitored daily. 

Please, keep in mind that both Governor Gordon, 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 continues 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.