In Big Horn, a trail of discovery leads back to the Middle Jurassic: the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite is Wyoming’s largest dinosaur tracksite and one of only a few sites from this era worldwide. The site dates back about 160 to 180 million years, offering a tangible connection for anyone interested in the region’s long natural history.
Follow the Footsteps of Prehistory
A boardwalk, interpretive signs, trails, picnic tables, and benches are among the amenities at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. The access road is paved; the gravel parking lot has space for up to 15 cars and three buses. Visitors can take in the tracks and learn about their context during a visit to the site. The Red Gulch Dinosaur Track Site is also among the visitor attractions in Big Horn County.
Another archaeological discovery awaits at Medicine Lodge: the rock art covers a 750-foot-long sandstone cliff. Archaeologists found evidence there of human habitation dating back 10,000 years. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is also in the area, on the western summit of Medicine Mountain in Bighorn National Forest, east of Lovell.
Canyon, Water, and Scenery
At Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, there are different ways to experience the water. Activities include motorized and non-motorized options, such as boating, kayaking, and canoeing. About 17 miles of designated trails are spread across 15 hiking trails throughout the park. The protected area also preserves scenic, prehistoric, historic, cultural, and scientific resources.
For orientation: the entrance to the South District of Bighorn Canyon is about five miles north of Lovell. The visitor center in Lovell is at the intersection of Highways 14A and 310, eleven miles south and west of the south entrance. Check the park’s current visitor information when planning your trip.
Two scenic byways also offer different highlights. The Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway runs from Lovell along U.S. 14A. The Bighorn Scenic Byway follows U.S. 14 west of Greybull and stretches from the Powder River Basin to the Big Horn Basin. Along this route is the Shell Falls Interpretive Site, with a waterfall viewpoint and an interpretive trail. Shell Falls plunges 120 feet; nature trails and interpretive signs round out the visit.
Wild Horses and Tours
The Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range extends across the northern part of Big Horn County. There, you can observe free-roaming horses from a safe distance. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center is located east of Lovell on Highway 14A. PryorWild tours depart from there and are offered by reservation from May 15 through the end of October, Monday through Saturday, usually at 9 a.m. An evening tour is also available. The season and advance reservation requirement are key considerations when planning; confirm tour dates before your visit.
Museums and Insights into the Region
In Greybull, the Museum of Flight & Aerial Firefighting preserves the history of aerial firefighting and showcases various types of aircraft used for it. The Greybull Museum is devoted to local artifacts and stories from Greybull and the Big Horn Basin. You’ll find it at 325 Greybull Avenue; admission is free. Check opening hours in advance. The Bighorn Basin Geoscience Center in Greybull adds information about the paleontology of the Bighorn Basin to these topics.
Queen Bee Gardens offers a different kind of regional discovery: visitors can learn about beekeeping, sample products, and take some home. Visitor arrangements vary by season, so check in advance. Other attractions listed in Big Horn County include Bighorn National Forest, Cloud Peak Wilderness, and Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Refuge.
Discover more destinations: Greybull, Lovell, Crook County, Albany, Sheridan, Lincoln, Carbon, Laramie.
For the main travel overview: Wyoming.
