US Forest: Bighorn National Forest
Length: 47.0 miles / 75.6 km
Time to Allow: Allow 1 hour to drive this byway.
Whether you are planning to travel west to Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Parks, or east to Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and the Badlands of South Dakota, US 14, also known as the Bighorn Scenic Byway, is a great way to go. One of three highways that crosses the Bighorn National Forest from east to west, the Bighorn Scenic Byway crosses both rangeland and forest, offering a variety of different scenery from mountain peaks to valley overlooks, sub-alpine meadows to dense forest, and unique landscape features such as craggy limestone outcroppings.
The Bighorn Scenic Byway begins in the city of Shell, Wyoming, and enters the Bighorn National Forest on its western border at Shell Canyon. From there it's just a short drive to the breathtaking beauty of Shell Falls, where one can get a close up view of the falls or take a walk down the interpretive trail. From there the byway zigzags up the mountains while numerous turnouts give chances to stop and appreciate the stunning scenery. The highway levels out at the Antelope Butte Ski area, and then it's on to Granite Pass, the highest point on US 14. The byway continues north from here until it meets up with Highway 14A, the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway at the Burgess Junction Visitor Center, another stopping spot complete with information, exhibits, an interpretive trail, and a theater. The highway also continues to Twin Buttes, Sibley Lake, Steamboat Rock, and spectacular views of Tongue River Canyon and the Sheridan Valley.
Overview:
Bighorn Scenic Byway follows US-14 beginning in Shell and moving through Shell Canyon into Bighorn National Forest. The road winds up the Big Horn Mountains, showcasing craggy limestone outcroppings, colorful stacks of granite, and sandstone filled with fossil shells. Take a drive and explore Bighorn National Forest, stop and see Shell Falls, then end your drive with a relaxing picnic at Connor Battlefield State Historic Site.
Bighorn National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in northcentral Wyoming where a mild climate will keep you cool as you explore forests filled with fir, pine, spruce, and aspen trees. Here, all motorized or mechanical vehicles are prohibited, and wholesome recreation is the pleasant alternative. Camping, biking, and hiking are popular activities; 32 campgrounds and over 1,500 miles of trails accommodate many visitors each year. Go fishing at one of the many lakes loaded with trout and hundreds of other species of fish. Also, watch wildlife and see black bears, elk, moose, deer, and more.
Shell Falls (WY) [2]
Shell Falls, halfway into Shell Canyon, tumbles into Shell Creek, its water dropping at 3,600 gallons per second as it follows a course carved by fractures in granite. Millions of years of sedimentary erosion created this waterfall. Notice the colorful sheets of sedimentary rocks; flathead sandstone softly sits aloft the pink and gray granite. At 550 million years old, the sandstone holds fossil shells, revealing the source of the moniker for the canyon, the creek, and the waterfall. Even older than the sandstone, some granite layers date back three billion years. The trail leading up to the waterfall brings you close, and the thud of falling water resonates from your chest down to the soles of your feet, spreading sublimely through your body.
The Bighorn Mountains (WY) [3]
Finally, visit the Connor Battlefield State Historic Site, located in Ranchester just east of the byway's end. Back in 1865, General P.E. Connor and his men battled with a village of Arapahos in the Battle of Tongue River. Today, a monument stands at Connor Battlefield, a lush park with wide space to play and picnic or relax and nap. The Tongue River rushes past the park, perfect for fishing and wildlife watching.
From thick forests and steep valleys to sharp mountains and glassy lakes, the Bighorn Scenic Byway offers a journey through Wyoming's most diverse land. As you follow the route, you'll experience a recreational, scenic, and historic drive.
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