Bighorn Canyon, just like the Flaming Gorge and many other famous canyons, offers fantastic recreational opportunities. From boating to hiking, you can spend days in this remote area on the boarder of Montana and Wyoming. We only spent a day in the park but would like to return at some point and kayak a bit. The canyon is spectacular, so even if you just visit for a day, you’ll appreciate its beauty. Below are suggestions for four amazing things to do at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Four amazing things to do at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
1. Admire the vistas from Devil Canyon Overlook
Devil Canyon Overlook offers some of the most spectacular views in the park. The colorful cliffs of the Bighorn and Devil Canyons rise over 1000 feet over the lake and provide great picture opportunities. The overlook is located just north of the Montana-Wyoming boarder, on the Montana side., past the Horseshoe Bend marina.
2. Hike the Sullivan Knob trail
This is a short 1 mile trail to the rim of the canyon and back. The views are truly magical, so I was really glad we decided to do the hike. You are basically looking towards Devils Canyon. The trailhead is not well marked from the road, so it’s helpful to get a map and directions at the visitor center in Lovell. I definitely recommend the hike.
3. Enjoy the wild horses throughout the park
Wild horses at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area appear to be plentiful. We saw them in several locations just driving through the park. They have been at Bighorn Canyon since 1968 and there are well over 100 of them now. I remember seeing wild horses at Theodore Roosevelt NP several years ago but it’s pretty unique to actually see them.
4. Boat or swim at Horseshoe Bend Marina
If you visit Bighorn Canyon from the south, you’ll have 2 boat launch areas available to you. One is at the Horseshoe Bend and the other at Barry’s Landing. We camped right above the Horseshoe Bend Marina and explored it fairly well. The water level was quite low in the summer of 2021, so swimming didn’t look attractive. Nevertheless, it was good to dip my feet into the somewhat muddy water and cool down a bit. There is a little bar with a nice patio overlooking the bay, which may be a nice option if you’d like some shade and a cold beverage.
