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.

Park Open Info: 

Memorial Day

Park Closed Info: 

Labor Day

Park Acreage: 

68490

Highest Point: 

Pryor Mountains

Highest Point Elevation: 

8822 feet

Visitor Count: 

177414

Visitor Count Year Recorded: 

2006

Has Volunteer Program: 

Yes

Has Recycling: 

Yes

Has Shuttle System: 

No

Park Sights: 

Yellowtail Dam; Bighorn River; Bighorn Lake

Endangered Species: 

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep; American Peregrine Falcon; Townsend's Big-eared Bat; Northern Leopard Frog

Entrance Fees: 

Vehicle: $5.00; Annual: $30.00; Commercial Tours: 1–6 passenger - $25.00, 7-25 passenger - $40.00, 26+passenger - $100.00

Nearest Major City: 

Billings, MT

Gateway Communities: 

Saint Xavier, MT

Nearby Airports: 

Billings Logan International Airport (BIL)