Why Bighorn Canyon Is Perfect For Your Next Wyoming Adventure

If you're going to visit Wyoming, you'll need more than just a couple of days. Travel experts recommend spending at least 4 days to explore Yellowstone. If you're not planning on checking out the rest of the state, you're missing out on some excellent opportunities.

One of the sites you need to set your map to is Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

Maybe Yellowstone is too crowded for your liking, but if you still want great hiking, swimming, and other adventures, Bighorn Canyon is right up your alley.

With over 120,000 acres, multiple campgrounds, hiking trails, wildlife, and water sources, the sky is the limit on the things you can experience.

The South District in Lovell, WY, is largely land-based recreation and includes:

- Cal Taggart Visitor Center (Open year-round)
- Horseshoe Bend Marina (Open Memorial Day to Labor Day)
- Devil Canyon Overlook
- Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range
- 12 hiking trails
- Four historic ranches open to self-tours
- Many campgrounds with hookups available

The best part about the area is that it's free to enter. You'll also find many other free possibilities if you're looking to save a little money. Twenty-five miles of free hiking trails, free backcountry/ disbursed camping, free swimming at the swim beach, launch your kayak or canoe, and spend the day on the water or fish the Bighorn Lake.

A couple of hundred thousand people visit the Bighorn Canyon each year, which is certainly quite a bit less than Yellowstone, Grand Teton, or Devil's Tower. If you've been considering an in-state vacation, it's Bighorn Canyon is a great option.