Bighorn Canyon

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a vast protected landscape spanning 120,296.22 acres across the border of Wyoming and Montana. Established on October 15, 1966, its creation was intrinsically linked to the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam impounds the Bighorn River, forming the expansive Bighorn Lake, which stretches 71 miles (114 km) through the region and is a central feature for recreation.

The recreation area is managed by the U.S. National Park Service and is divided into two primary districts: the North District, accessed via Fort Smith, Montana, and the South District, reached through Lovell, Wyoming. Notably, there is no direct road connecting these two districts within the recreation area itself.

Geological and Historical Context

The canyon's formation is a testament to the enduring power of river erosion, with the Bighorn River carving its path over geological time. The subsequent construction of the Yellowtail Dam transformed the natural canyon into a significant reservoir, creating a unique environment for both nature and human activities. Archaeological findings indicate human presence in the area dating back as far as 12,000 years ago. The Crow people, or Apsáalooke, migrated to this region around the 16th century and established it as their territory, engaging in both conflict and cooperation with other tribes and the U.S. government. The canyon holds cultural significance for the Crow, who initially opposed the dam's construction due to its sacred status, though negotiations eventually led to the dam's creation and its naming in honor of Crow leader Robert Yellowtail.

Recreation and Ecology

Bighorn Lake provides extensive opportunities for visitors, including boating, fishing, water skiing, kayaking, and birding. The recreation area boasts seven designated campgrounds and fifteen hiking trails, offering diverse ways to explore the landscape. The waters below the Yellowtail Dam have transitioned into a cold tailwater fishery, renowned for rainbow and brown trout, while the reservoir supports species such as smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and walleye. The diverse habitats within the recreation area support a rich ecosystem, home to numerous bird species, as well as mammals like bighorn sheep, black bears, mule deer, and pronghorn. The area also includes notable features such as four historic ranches and the curious phenomenon of a "triple echo" phenomenon near Lovell.

Access and Facilities

Visitor services are available in both districts. The Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center in Lovell, Wyoming, serves the South District and is generally open year-round, with some seasonal closures. The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center in Fort Smith, Montana, is currently closed, as is its access road. Marinas in both districts, Ok-A-Beh Marina in the North and Horseshoe Bend Marina in the South, facilitate boating access to Bighorn Lake.