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Recreation Opportunities

Rising between the Powder River and Bighorn Basins, this scenic Forest offers year-round recreation connecting visitors to a land rich in history and solitude. For centuries, the mountain landscape has provided for Native Americans, homesteaders and modern day explorers creating a human connection with this spectacular place. Today there is a bond with "the mountain" for local residents, which contributes to the quality of life in local communities. Viewing scenery and wildlife, while incorporating a rich history, connects locals and travelers to this accessible landscape.

Woman riding a mountain bike on a trail
There are many opportunities for bicycling in the Bighorn National Forest. Many trails are multi-use, so expect to share the trail. Be sure to have a…
A man crawling through a cave
Rock climbers from around the world visit to climb the dolomite cliffs and granite spires of the Bighorns. The vertical to overhanging pocketed faces…
A small boy fishing in a high mountain lake.
For hunting and fishing license information, please visit Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
A trail through a forest
Hiking opportunities abound in the Bighorn National Forest. Grab your pack, water bottle, and hiking shoes and enjoy all of the wonders the Forest…
Image of a horse looking across a mountain meadow at a dog
The Bighorn National Forest has numerous horse friendly trails available to enjoy from the saddle. Please call ahead for current road conditions.…
USDA Forest Service Logo
For hunting and fishing license information, please visit Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
An all-terrain vehicle navigates a steep trail
Motorized vehicle travel is allowed on designated roads and trails throughout the Bighorn National Forest.  OHVs are restricted to 50" at the widest…
A Forest Service employee teaches kids map skills
The Forest Service has a long and proud tradition of reaching out to Americans on behalf of conservation. From Smokey Bear, to Nature Watch, to…
Clouds shad distant peaks in a forest
The Bighorn National Forest offers a great variety of picnicking and group picnicking locations. 
A geology sign along a forest road
The most popular form of outdoor recreation in America is scenic driving.  Three scenic byways traverse the Bighorn National Forest - the Bighorn…
Image of two girls and a dog on paddle boards on a forest lake.
Opportunities for boating in the Bighorn National Forest are plentiful. Grab your boat and enjoy a summer day on one of the many lakes the Forest…
A snowmobile circles a mountain meadow
Before you go, check out snow depth at the Snotel Information site and the local weather. It's also important to know the avalanche conditions, vist…
An image of a recreational vehicle in a Forest Service dump station
The Bighorn National Forest dump stations are open during the warmer months of the year.  They are weather dependent and close before the first hard…