Gorgeous canyon country is a hallmark of the forest. Shell, Tensleep and Crazy Woman Canyons are among those that can be enjoyed from your car window. Others, like Tongue and Devil’s Canyon are better viewed on foot.

Geology is noteworthy in the Big Horns. Watch for highway signs that trace the geologic history of this regin as you travel the major highways.

One of our many treasures is an abundance of large mountain meadows. These natural openings, caused by soil type and moisture levels, favor grasses and wildflowers rather than trees. Wildflowers are truly extraordinary in the Big Horns during June and July.

Interspersed with mountain meadows are large patches of cool evergren forest extending from just above the foothills to timber line. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir populate the lower slopes with lodgepole pine, subalpine fir and Englemann spruce at the higher elevations.

Open landscapes make for great wildlife viewing as well. Watch for moose munching on a tasty bite of willow streamside or a family of mule deer bounding away, then stopping to look back with large ears raised and listening.

History buffs come to this region to explore the land that once felt the footsteps of legendary giants like Jim Bridger, Lewis and Clark, Red Cloud, Plenty coups and Buffalo Bill. Big Horn country was highly valued by tribes like the Crow, Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, and Arapahoe. Some of the most famous battles between American Indians and the U.S. military were waged at the foot of the Big Horn Mountains or in close proximity.

Source: U.S. Forest Service