Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Welcome to the relaxing surroundings of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, bursting with forests, mountains, upland prairie, deep canyons, broad valleys, high desert, lake and wetlands. The Canyon was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. Since its establishment, people have been able to find tranquil settings to better explore recreation, nature, wildlife and history.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Darrell J. CookPhone Number: 406-666-2412; 307-548-2251
Entrance Fees: Vehicle: $5.00; Annual: $30.00; Commercial Tours: 1–6 passenger - $25.00, 7-25 passenger - $40.00, 26+passenger - $100.00
Sights: Yellowtail Dam; Bighorn River; Bighorn Lake
Endangered Species: Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep; American Peregrine Falcon; Townsend's Big-eared Bat; Northern Leopard Frog
Important Dates
Established as Park: October 15, 1966By The Numbers
Acres: 68,490.00Highest Point: Pryor Mountains (8822 feet)
Annual Visitation: 177,414 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :45.184080 / -108.135250 (map it)
State: MT
Nearby Big City: Yellowtail, MT
Gateway Communities: Saint Xavier, MT
Nearby Airports: Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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National Park Service
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In Detail
Camping Campgrounds Afterbay Campground Open All Year Near Fort Smith, Montana, on the south shore of the Afterbay, the 28 RV and tent sites are located around a line of nice shade trees. Composting vault ... read more.
In A Nutshell Getting Around The North end of Bighorn Canyon is surrounded by the Crow Indian Reservation. Please respect their land and stay on the road, or on the water, except in areas that are open to travel. ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger Bighorn Canyon's Junior Ranger Program is a great way for children, as well as their parents, to experience Bighorn Canyon. By completing several different activities, the whole fa ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging Lodging and additional camping options are available in Lovell, Wyoming, Hardin, Montana, and Fort Smith, Montana. For more information: Hardin Chamber of Commerce Lovell Chamber of Commerce ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Accessibility DUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY ISSUES, TOURS OF THE DAM AND ACCESS TO THE TOP OF THE DAM ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, Fort Smith, Montana, and the top of the ... read more.
Things To Do Boating Boating Boating, kayaking, or Canoeing are excellent ways to enjoy the colors and scenic beauty of Bighorn Canyon. If you are unable to bring your boat or do not own a boat, there is still ho ... read more.
Walking & Hiking Hiking 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 o ... read more.
Recent News
- Bighorn Canyon Gets Superintendent September 2, 2008, 1:10 pm
Bighorn Canyon In Depth
News from the Parks
Civil Rights Leaders Declare Fundraising Success for the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
December 4, 2008 - 3:10pm
Civil rights leaders gathered Wednesday to declare that they had finally overcome their money obstacles and raised more than $100 million to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.
Wildlife Biologist Cites Reasons Behind Bear Attacks
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
December 4, 2008 - 3:08pm
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Bill Stiver said bear management and education of the public must take place in order to decrease harmful bear and human encounters.
Park Develops Plan to Preserve Outcrops
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
December 4, 2008 - 3:05pm
Shenandoah National Park asked for comments on a study it did on how people affect rock outcrops and the rare vegetation that grows on them. Visitors have damaged some popular rock outcrops and the park is trying to decide how to best protect pristine areas while still allowing visitors to enjoy them.
White House Christmas Tree Lighting Closes Streets, Limits Parking
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
December 4, 2008 - 3:04pm
D.C. police are warning travelers of street closures near the White House during the afternoon rush hour for the lighting of the National Christmas tree.
Officials Prepare for Chronic Wasting in Deer
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
December 4, 2008 - 3:01pm
Chronic wasting disease, a contagious neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, could devastate local deer populations, and National Park Service officials want to be prepared if the disease makes its way inside the boundaries of Monocacy and Antietam national battlefields.
