Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a magnificent lake. Bighorn Lake extends approximately 60 miles through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area is composed of 70,000+ acres, which straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders.
There are two visitor centers and other developed facilities in Fort Smith, Montana and near Lovell, Wyoming. The afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for ducks, geese and other animals. The Bighorn River below the afterbay Dam is a world class trout fishing area. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a lesser known treasure waiting to be discovered. It boasts breath-taking scenery, countless varieties of wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, ice fishing, camping and hiking. Bighorn Canyon offers visitors what few other National Park areas can, that of solitude, serenity and beauty. In the midst of our chaotic world, this is a truly unique quality.
Recreation
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, hiking, magnificent vistas, wildlife watching, camping and biking. Rental boats are available during the summer from the two marinas located in the recreation area.
Getting There
By Plane
Billings, Montana International Airport for either North or South entrances. Cody, Wyoming Airport for South entrance.
By Car
Interstate 90 to Hardin, Montana. Highway 313 40 miles south to Fort Smith, Montana for North entrance. Highway 310 to 14A to Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming. Continue 2 miles east on Highway 14A to Highway 37, north 9 miles to South entrance.
Getting Around
Automobile and boat are the best ways to see this recreation area. There is no road connecting the two sections. Boat travel is the only way to go directly from one section to the other. The North end of Bighorn Canyon is surrounded by the Crow Indian Reservation. Please respect their land and stay on the road, or on the water, except in areas that are open to travel. The South end can be traversed by auto or boat. Hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are other ways to enjoy this end of the recreation area.
