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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation AreaThree Pryor Mountain horses in the snow
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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Hiking
Mother and son hiking the Upper Layout Creek Trail on a crisp fall day. 

NPS Photo

Mother and son hiking the Upper Layout Creek Trail on a crisp, fall day. 

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 opportunities are in the South District and are a great way to experience Bighorn Canyon. With a gentle breeze on your face, a lone bird singing in the background, and the rocks shifting under foot, one realizes this is the time to reflect on the natural differences in the environment as well as time to reflect on our role in nature.

The 13 trails offer varying sights and tranquil settings to better explore the natural diversity the park has to offer. Some trails go through historic ranches while others take visitors to scenic vistas. The trail system is a wonderful way to extend your visit and make it truly unique.

Hiking guides may be purchased at the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, the Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Visitor Center, the Afterbay Contact Station, or the Crooked Creek Contact Station.

The following is a list of the trails in Bighorn Canyon. Click on the highlighted trails for more information.

Sykes Mountain   Mouth of the Canyon   State Line   Rangers Delight    Sullivan's Knob   Lower Layout Creek   Upper Layout Creek   Hillsboro   Barry's Island   Lockhart Ranch   Bighorn Head Gate   Beaver Pond Nature Trail   Three-Mile Access

Click here for information about the Bighorn Canyon Trail and Access Plan

Caroline Lockhart's ranch house, photo by D. Cory  

Did You Know?
Caroline Lockhart Owned the Ranch from 1926 through 1955. Starting with 160 acres, she added land through purchase, homesteading and leases until she controlled over 6,034.75 acres. The Lockhart Ranch is the best preserved historic homestead available for public viewing in the Bighorn Basin.
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Last Updated: May 25, 2009 at 13:31 EST