Outdoor Science and Learning
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 Project Learning Tree, the Forest Service has worked across programs and disciplines to integrate conservation education into much of what we do.
Cultural Sites/Exhibits
The Bighorn National Forest has a rich cultural history. Archaeological and ethnographic investigations indicate that people have lived in the area known as the Bighorn National Forest for at least 10,000 years. Indigenous people used the landscape for traditional cultural practices and subsistence living. Mountain men hunted, trapped, and traded here. Evidence of past uses remains in abundant and widely scattered prehistoric structures and in tie hack flumes, fire lookouts, mining districts, and historic ranger stations and lodges.
Interpretive Areas/Exhibits
Interpretive signs are located along U.S. Highways 14, 14A, and 16. They provide a diverse array of information on the area's geology, history, and cultural sites.
Viewing Wildlife
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the Bighorn National Forest. Look for special pull-outs along highways to safely park and observe wildlife, avoid blocking traffic movement.
Viewing Plants
The Bighorn National Forest is known for its spectacular wildflower filled meadows. Look for these splashes of color along most major routes.
Viewing Scenery
Three scenic byways traverse the Bighorn National Forest, for 115 miles of beautiful views.
Bighorn Scenic Byway follows US Highway 14 across the mountain from Dayton to Shell, Wyoming.
Medicine Wheel Passage follows US Highway 14A from Burgess Junction down the west side of the Bighorns.
Cloud Peak Skyway follows US Highway 16 from Buffalo to Ten Sleep, Wyoming.
Visitor Centers
The Bighorn National Forest operates the Shell Falls Visitor Center, approximately 17 miles east of Shell, WY along U.S. Highway 14. The site includes an interpretive trail and observation areas of the dramatic 120 foot tall Shell Falls. The site will not be open in 2025 due to construction.
Burgess Junction Visitor Center is operated by our cooperator, Sheridan Travel and Tourism. It is located in a beautiful flower-filled meadow with views of near-by Twin Butts, approximately 35 miles west of Dayton, WY along U.S. Highway 14.
Search for Outdoor Science and Learning Opportunities
Bald Mountain Campground
Bald Mountain Overlook
Beaver Creek Overlook
Beef T/Copman's Tomb Observation Site
Burgess Junction Visitor Center
Camp 6-Bruce Creek Interpretive Site
Crystal Creek Overlook
Duncom Mountain Burn Observation Site
Entrance Portal Interpretive Site
Fallen City Interpretive Site