Summer view of the Yellowtail Dam from the Ok-A-Beh road. (Fort Smith, MT District)
Photo: Sharron Genaux
About
The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 years of human history to explore.
Activities
Arts and CultureTheaterAuto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingJet SkiingBoat TourCampingCompass and GPSFishingFreshwater Fishing
Directions
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Lovell, WY from Billings, MT, take Interstate 90 west. Turn at exit 434 at Laurel, MT. Turn onto US 310 East/US 212 South. Turn at US 310 East to Lovell. The visitor center is on the east side of Lovell.
Get directions →Weather
North District: Semi-arid, receiving 18 to 20 inches of rain annually. South District: High-desert, receiving 6 to 10 inches of rain annually. Summer temperatures: Highs in the 80s (F) and 90s (F), lows in the 50s (F) and 60s (F). Summer temperatures can peak over 100 degrees. Winter temperatures: Range in the 20s and 30s with low temperatures averaging the 10s (F) and 20s (F). During the winter the thermometer can drop below 0 (F) with extreme wind chill factors.
News
Apr 28, 2026
"Reel" Fun Adventures Cast Off at Bighorn Canyon This Summer
Bighorn National Recreation Area is launching its new “Reel” Fun Adventures program series this summer, offering hands-on fishing experiences for youth, families, and first-time anglers.
Apr 17, 2026
Roads Open in the Yellowtail Habitat Area
The roads in the Yellowtail Habitat are open and cleared of hazardous trees thanks to the work of United States Forest Service, National Park Service and Wyoming Game and Fish crews.
Apr 14, 2026
Junior Ranger Day at Bighorn Canyon
Join Bighorn Canyon staff and volunteers for the annual Junior Ranger Day scavenger hunt on April 18, 2026. This year the park is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center’s 50th anniversary. The theme of the scavenger hunt is ‘Then and Now’.