Bighorn Scenic Byway: A Stunning Route Full of Hidden Gems (2024)

In the shadow of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, you’ll find a stunning and uncrowded outdoor paradise filled with scenic drives, outdoor recreation, charming small towns and abundant wildlife. The best way to experience this beautiful region? Spend a few days on a gorgeous loop from Basin to Greybull, looping Highway 14, the Bighorn Scenic Byway, through Burgess Junction to Bighorn Canyon Recreation Area and Lovell.

“So many folks tell us that they wish they’d had more time here,” says Lovell Area Chamber of Commerce manager Linda Morrison. “Don’t miss out on really experiencing this piece of Wyoming.”

Tip: Mapping apps can often lead you astray in this part of Wyoming. Pick up a paper map to ensure you’re on the best route and stop for gas often, especially if you’re traveling in an RV.

Petroglyphs and Paddling near Basin

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Start at Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site, a state park in Hyattville with an impressive rock art panel measuring 700 feet long. The petroglyphs and pictographs on the sandstone cliff date back as far as 2,000 years. Don’t miss the cultural center, which opened in 2024 and showcases life in the Bighorn Mountains 10,000 years ago. The interactive exhibit is narrated by members of local Indigenous groups and tells their peoples’ stories. You’ll also find camping, hiking and fishing on site.

The Basin area is a great place to get out on the water whether you float a section of the Bighorn River Blueway Trail, a water route that runs from Thermopolis to Lovell, or get out on one of the region’s many reservoirs. Check out the annual “float in” each August which coincides with Greybull’s Brew Fest. Start the public float in Basin and end in Greybull for a pint. Wardel and Harrington reservoirs are both managed by the Bureau of Land Management and offer an uncrowded and beautiful boating or fishing experience. Remember that many waterways in Wyoming border public lands and it’s important to be respectful of the land, livestock and wildlife you encounter along the way.

Before you head north to Greybull, don’t miss a stop in Basin for a delicious slice of homemade pie from Copper Corner Cafe. You’ll also find all-day breakfast and lunch favorites like salads, sandwiches and burgers on the menu. Stroll around town to check out historic buildings like the century-old courthouse and a beautiful library along with great public parks. You’ll also find lodging, shopping and more dining options, making it a great place to stay to see the entire region.

World War II Bombers, a Speakeasy and Dinosaur Tracks in Greybull

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Next stop, Greybull. If you’re a history buff, this is the spot to be with a rich and varied past ranging from dinosaurs to World War II bombers. Start at the Museum of Flight and Aerial Firefighting, where you can see planes that later were used for combating wildfires. Also in town, you’ll find the newly renovated and free Greybull Museum with a large assortment of fossils, antiques, rocks and minerals. Kids will love checking out the train caboose.

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Stop into the Historic Greybull Hotel for a drink. This spot was once ground zero for the area’s bootleggers and you can order a cocktail in the renovated speakeasy which still has the original buttons used to alert employees when the authorities were on the way. For a small town, Greybull is an excellent basecamp. Grab breakfast at Bob’s Diner & Bakery, or dinner and a drink at the upscale Lisa’s Western Cuisine & Spirits. There’s plenty of dining, shopping and lodging options for your stay.

Outside of Greybull you’ll find the opportunity to go back even further in time at the Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite where you’ll see footprints of dinosaurs from the Jurassic period.

Take a Drive on the Bighorn Scenic Byway

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From here, head to Highway 14, the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Stop for lunch at the Old Shell Store in the small town of Shell which serves excellent burgers and then head further east to see Shell Falls. This gorgeous cascade is right along the highway making for an easy pitstop.

As you continue on the byway, passing through Burgess Junction before looping back west, you’ll see some of the prettiest country Wyoming has to offer. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of elk, moose and other wildlife that call this part of the state home. Take your time as the byway offers scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, picnic areas and camping. It’s the perfect place to slow down and connect with nature. Note that the road is closed during the winter. Opening dates vary year to year, but generally July through October are the best months to take this scenic drive.

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One of the most intriguing sites along the byway is Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. Sitting on the edge of Medicine Mountain at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation, the site is made up of stones placed on the ground in a wheel pattern measuring 82 feet in diameter. This spot has been central to Indigenous groups in the area for more than 7,000 years and the site remains a sacred place for ceremony today. Visit with respect. The hike is fairly easy and is 3 miles roundtrip, but be aware that the high elevation may make it seem more difficult if you aren’t used to altitude.

See Bighorn Canyon and Pryor Mountain Mustangs near Lovell

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Lovell is the perfect place to basecamp to visit both Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Range. Both visitor centers are located in town and are a great resource for planning your adventures. The Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center is a particularly good stop as they keep track of the location of the horses, giving visitors the best chance of spotting them on the range north of Lovell on the Montana border. The center also offers guided tours, which is a great way to get an insider’s perspective. In town, you’ll find great restaurants, small town shopping and a variety of lodging options making it easy to stay and play.

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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a hidden gem of the National Park System. Centered around the towering Bighorn River canyon, the third largest in the United States, getting out on the water is the primary activity here, though you’ll find plenty of fun on land as well. Head to Horseshoe Bend Marina where you can rent paddle crafts like kayaks, canoes and SUPs, or motorized boats. You can also go on a two-hour guided boat tour to learn more about the canyon and spot wildlife with a knowledgeable guide. Rusty Anchor Cafe, located at the marina, is the perfect place to relax after a day on the water at a table overlooking the lake.

For More Information:

Basin Area Chamber
407 West C Street
Basin, WY 82410
(307) 568-3055
Basin Area Facebook Page

Greybull Area Visitors Center
521 Greybull Avenue
Greybull, WY
(307) 765-2100
townofgreybull.com

Lovell Chamber of Commerce
287 E. Main Street
Lovell, WY
(307) 548-7552
visitlovell.org

Bighorn Scenic Byway: A Stunning Route Full of Hidden Gems (2024)
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