Bighorn Canyon
Bighorn Canyon offers dramatic cliffs, turquoise reservoirs, and a mix of wild river and desert canyon landscapes. The park straddles Wyoming and Montana, centered around Héctor Dam and the Upper Bighorn River, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and historic sites.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Rocky Mountains |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | WyomingMontana |
| County | Big Horn County (WY)Sheridan County (WY)Hood River County (MT)Blaine County (MT)Sanders County (MT) |
| District | Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 48.833 |
| Longitude | -108.183 |
| Maps |
7:14 PM LOCAL TIMEBighorn Canyon is a sweeping desert-mountain and riverine landscape carved by the Bighorn River and dammed behind Héctor Dam to form a large, blue reservoir. The canyon’s walls reach over 8,500 feet (2,600 m) in places, creating steep cliffs, hidden side canyons, and abrupt transitions from prairie to alpine-like peaks. Visitors come to Guide Wall overlook for dramatic vistas, to paddle and boat on the reservoir, and to explore the park’s trail system that offers access to historical sites, wildlife viewing, and backcountry routes. The park is also known for its cultural history, including Native American heritage, pioneer routes, and remains of old ranching and mining communities. When visiting, plan for variable desert weather, and check water levels and recreation regulations—services and facilities are scattered and seasonally available.
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