Bighorn Canyon

https://www.nps.gov/bica/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_Canyon_National_Recreation_Area Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam. It straddles the border between Wyoming and Montana. The dam, named after the famous Crow leader Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River by turning that variable watercourse into Bighorn Lake. The lake extends 71 miles (114 km) through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles (89 km) of which lie within the national recreation area. About one third of the park unit is located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Nearly one-quarter of the Pryor Mountains Wild Horse Range lies within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. 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. 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. Cal S. Taggart Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center (Lovell, WY. South District) The visitor center includes various exhibits and programs ranging from a large regional relief map, to films about the wild horses, canyon/area geology, and authentic historic displays. The Cal S. Taggart Visitor Center is just east of Lovell, Wyoming, at the junction of US Highway 14A and US Route 310. Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center (Fort Smith, Montana. North District) The Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center is on the Fort Smith, MT District and is only open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Construction of the Yellowtail Dam was completed by by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnesses the waters of the Bighorn River and turns this variable stream into a magnificent lake. This visitor center offers a variety of displays focused on the building of the dam and the functions of the dam. To reach the Yellowtail Dam Visitor Center, take Montana Highway 313 southeast from Hardin to Fort Smith. Continue straight through Fort Smith and continue on the road (stay left at the fork after Ft. Smith, drive past the government camp, and the Bureau of Reclamation office), continuing up the hill until you see the visitor center located near the top of the dam. Afterbay Campground - Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year - $35 per night for full utility sites - $18 per night for non-utility/tent camping sites - 22 RV and tent sites are located on the south shore of Afterbay lake - All sites have fire rings and picnic tables - Composting vault toilets - All sites are back in (not pull through) - All sites have electric and water - RV dump station available across the road near the Headquarters building Full Utility Sites 35.00 Sites with electric and water hook up. Cash and check only at this time. Please make checks payable to: Crow Tribe of Indians Non-Utility Sites and Tent Camping 18.00 Site with no electric or water hook up. Cash and check only at this time. Please make checks payable to: Crow Tribe of Indians Afterbay Campground upper spots A gravel campground spot with a fire pit and picnic table with trees and afterbay lake in the back. Upper camp spots at Afterbay Campground Afterbay Campground looking toward Grapevine Campground. Campground with lake in the background and Grapevine Campground in the distance. Afterbay Campground looking toward Grapevine Campground. Afterbay Campground Map A hand drawn sketch of the layout of afterbay campground. Afterbay Campground Map Afterbay Campground A gravel road with several side by side campgrounds lining the left side. Lower units at Afterbay Campground. Barry's Landing & Trail Creek Campground Barry's Landing & Trail Creek campgrounds are located on the south district near Barry's Landing, 27 miles north of Lovell, WY on HWY 37. - Open All Year - $18 per night during the summer season (Mid April through October) - 14 RV sites, 16 tent sites - Most RV sites are small for a 28 ft RV or smaller - Vault toilets only, no running water or electricity Trail Creek Campground Fee 18.00 The Trail Creek Campground fee is $18 per site from mid April through October, per night. Only one RV is allowed per site. NPS Senior Pass discounted price is $9 per night. Please make checks payable to: Hidden Treasure Charters. Add 4% for credit cards. Credit Cards can only be taken at Horseshoe Bend Marina (13 miles south). Fee free October through mid May. Barry's Landing Camping A gravel drive through campground with the canyon and lake in the background. Barry's Landing Campground Trail Creek Tent Campground Several small tent campgrounds in the cotton wood trees. Trail Creek Tent Campground Trail Creek RV Campground A gravel road with several well spaced out camp spots along a red rock background. Trail Creek RV Campground Black Canyon Campground Black Canyon is a boat-in-only campground located five lake miles from the Ok-A-Beh boat ramp. Black Canyon is currently closed (as of 8/30/22) because of aggressive bear activity due to them receiving food rewards from campers. - Open All Year - Docks in seasonally (Memorial Day - Labor Day) - 17 tent sites Black Canyon Campground 0.00 There is no campground fee for Black Canyon Campground. Black Canyon Stream Flowing water over rocks Beautiful stream flowing at the Black Canyon Campground Black Canyon dock system and floating comfort station Looking into Black Canyon at the dock system and floating comfort station. Black Canyon dock system and floating comfort station Black Canyon Campground Several primitive tent sites in the foreground with the lake and canyon in the background. Black Canyon Campground Dayboard 9 Campground This small boat in only campground is located at Dayboard 9, approximately 9 miles south of Okabeh Marina. During the summer season (Memorial Day - Labor Day) this location features a courtesy dock and floating comfort station. The primitive gravel campsites include picnic tables, bear boxes, and fire pits. Fee Free 0.00 This is a first come first serve fee free boat access only campground. Dayboard 9 A primitive campground in the foreground with lake and canyon walls in the background. Dayboard 9 Grapevine Campground - Near Fort Smith, Montana - Open All Year! - $18 per night fee (50% off with Senior Pass) - 14 RV and tent sites are located on the north shore of Afterbay lake - RV sites are back in (not pull through) - All sites are handicapped accessible, have fire rings, and picnic tables - Vault toilets are accessible - There are no RV hookups - Trash cans available seasonally (May-Oct) - RV dump station and drinking water available across Afterbay lake near the Headquarters building and Afterbay Campground Grapevine Campground 18.00 ALL Sites: $18 per night. NPS Senior Pass, Golden age, Golden Access Passport, Golden Eagle Pass, or Access Pass: $9.00 per night. Cash and check only at this time. Please make checks payable to: Crow Tribe of Indians. Grapevine Campground Looking down the gravel drive with campground sites on both sides and pit toilet. Grapevine Campground Grapevine Campground looking toward Afterbay Campground A gravel camp site with picnic table and bear box looking through a few trees to the lake. Grapevine Campground looking toward Afterbay Campground Grapevine Campground Map A hand drawn sketch of the layout of Grapevine Campground. Grapevine Campground Map Grapevine Tent Only Sites A gravel road and parking area with several tent sites in some cotton wood trees. Grapevine Tent Only Sites Horseshoe Bend Campground - Located near Lovell, WY - Open All Year - All sites include fire pit and picnic table. - 68 RV and tent sites - 28 sites have water and electrical hook-ups. The water is only available at these sites Memorial Day to Labor Day. The electricity remain on year round. - 3 pull through sites - Modern Restrooms, RV dump station and drinking water are available - Swim beach and picnic less than 1 mile hike from the campground - Horseshoe Bend Marina and boat docks less than 1 mile hike from the campground Horseshoe Bend Campground fee for Utility sites 35.00 The sites with electrical and water hook-ups are $30 (which includes sales tax) per night per site. Only one RV is allowed per site. No discounts apply. Add 4% for credit cards. Please make checks payable to: Hidden Treasure Charters. Fee free during off season (October 30 through mid April 15). No utilities during this time either. Horseshoe Bend Campground Fee for Non-Utility sites 18.00 The Horseshoe Bend Campground fee for sites without hook-ups is $18 per site (includes sales tax), per night. Only one RV is allowed per site. NPS Senior Pass discounted price $9 per night. Add 4% for credit cards. Please make checks payable to: Hidden Treasure Charters. Fee free during off season (October 30 through mid April 15). Horseshoe Bend Campground Map Simple map of a campground's site layout Horseshoe Bend is one of the most popular, and more accessible, campgrounds at the park. Horseshoe Bend Campground Several despersed camp sites on an open desert plain with the lake and red cliffs in the background. Horseshoe Bend Campground Horseshoe Bend Campground from loop B A paved road with gravel campsites disperse in a dessert plain with bright blue sky and a few clouds Horseshoe Bend Campground from loop B Medicine Creek Campground Medicine Creek campground is a boat-in or hike-in only campground. It is approximately 3 miles north of Barry's Landing by land or water. - Open All Year - Lake level affects the proximity of the boat mooring to campsites Medicine Creek Campground 0.00 There is no fee for Medicine Creek Campground Medicine Creek Looking into medicine creek from Bighorn Lake Medicine Creek Yellowtail Dam (Fort Smith, MT District) Summer view of the Yellowtail Dam from the Ok-A-Beh road. Summer view of the Yellowtail Dam from the Ok-A-Beh road. (Fort Smith, MT District) Spring Cactus spring cactus with yellow flowers Spring Cactus Kayaks at Barry's Landing (Lovell, WY District) Four orange kayaks laying with their tips on the red rocks at Barry's Landing. Kayaks at Barry's Landing ready to go. (Lovell, WY District) Bighorn Sheep Overlooking the Canyon Bighorn Sheep Overlooking the Canyon Bighorn Sheep Overlooking the Canyon Devil Canyon Overlook from Sullivan's Knob Trail (Lovell, WY District) Looking up canyon toward Devil Canyon from the rim at Sullivan's Kob. Devil Canyon Overlook from Sullivan's Knob Trail (Lovell, WY District) On The Lake smooth water just south of Barry's Landing A Great Day on the Lake Horseshoe Bend from the Sykes Mountain (Lovell, WY District) Red hills in the foreground with Bighorn Lake in the background with a brilliant blue sky. Horseshoe Bend from the Sykes Mountain (Lovell, WY District) Grand Teton National Park Fire Management Program Transfers Fire Engines to Rural Wyoming Fire Districts Grand Teton National Park Fire Management Program Transfers Fire Engines to Rural Wyoming Fire Districts Fire engine on a trailer ready to be transported NPS Structural Fire Program Highlights 2014 Intern Accomplishments NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Montana and Wyoming Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. rocky cliffs Wildland Fire in Douglas Fir: Western United States Douglas fir is widely distributed throughout the western United States, as well as southern British Columbia and northern Mexico. Douglas fir is able to survive without fire, its abundantly-produced seeds are lightweight and winged, allowing the wind to carry them to new locations where seedlings can be established. Close-up of Douglas fir bark and needles. Crew Performing Structure Assessments Responds to Wildfire Hot, dry conditions in July 2012 pushed Bighorn Canyon NRA into extreme fire danger and fire restrictions, as well as prompting a severity request and stepped up staffing. Bandelier Wildland Fire Module was sent to mop up a fire near Bighorn Canyon’s boundary. While they were there, the crew conducted thorough assessments on all four historic ranches in the NRA and helped suppress a wildland fire. Their work helps create fire–adapted human communities. A log cabin schoolhouse sits in a grassy field with trees nearby, mountains in the distance. Mastication Treatments Help Protect Unique Riparian Habitat The Big Fork fire started on private land near the Shoshone River in northern Wyoming. It quickly spread through a unique and critical riparian corridor. When the 1,509-acre fire reached Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, firefighters used a recent mastication treatment to prevent the fire from spreading further onto the treasured landscape within the park. The treatment was done in service of the NPS goal to maintain and restore resilient landscapes. Wildland Fire in Ponderosa Pine: Western United States This forest community generally exists in areas with annual rainfall of 25 inches or less. Extensive pure stands of this forest type are found in the southwestern U.S., central Washington and Oregon, southern Idaho and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Recently burned ponderosa pine forest. Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Paleozoic Era During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era. fossil corals in a rock matrix Pennsylvanian Period—323.2 to 298.9 MYA Rocks in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park represent vast Pennsylvanian-age swamps. Plant life in those swamps later became coal found in the eastern United States. fossil tracks on sandstone slab Mississippian Period—358.9 to 323.2 MYA The extensive caves of Mammoth Cave and Wind Cave national parks developed in limestone deposited during the Mississippian. Warm, shallow seas covered much of North America, which was close to the equator. fossil crinoid The Precambrian The Precambrian was the "Age of Early Life." During the Precambrian, continents formed and our modern atmosphere developed, while early life evolved and flourished. Soft-bodied creatures like worms and jellyfish lived in the world's oceans, but the land remained barren. Common Precambrian fossils include stromatolites and similar structures, which are traces of mats of algae-like microorganisms, and microfossils of other microorganisms. fossil stromatolites in a cliff face Paleozoic Era During the Paleozoic Era (541 to 252 million years ago), fish diversified and marine organisms were very abundant. In North America, the Paleozoic is characterized by multiple advances and retreats of shallow seas and repeated continental collisions that formed the Appalachian Mountains. Common Paleozoic fossils include trilobites and cephalopods such as squid, as well as insects and ferns. The greatest mass extinction in Earth's history ended this era. fossil corals in a rock matrix Scientist Profile: Andrew Ray, Ecologist Meet Andrew Ray, ecologist with the Greater Yellowstone Inventory & Monitoring Network! Andrew is fascinated by aquatic habitats and wetland plants. Learn about his favorite project studying the unique Crater Lake Manzama newt, and discover how he got to be where he is today. Scientist gestures to something in a fishing net as two people in NPS uniform observe. Water Flow in the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana Daily flow measurements on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, are recorded from a U.S. Geological Survey streamflow gage. Most recent discharge results are presented here. A river flowing through an arid landscape Bighorn River Water Quality near Fort Smith, Montana Each year, we collect water from across the entire width of the river and at multiple depths to test for chemical and metal components. We also collect core water quality measurements, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductance, pH, and turbidity. A person standing in a river holding a bottle on a pole under water to collect river samples Water Quality Criteria for the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana, and Additional Water Quality Information Links Links to federal and state water quality standards that apply to the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, and other related links. A river flowing through a snowy landscape containing some shrubs and a few bare trees. Series: Water Resources Monitoring in the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors water quality and analyzes river discharge in the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, each year. This sampling location in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is just downstream of the Yellowtail Afterbay Dam. Water quality is relatively good at this location. We will update this site each year as new information is collected. Two boats on the side of a blue river lined by green plants and a few trees Monitoring Methods for the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana The Greater Yellowstone Inventory and Monitoring Network monitors water resources in parks, including the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT, in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. This long-term monitoring is based on peer-reviewed protocols. Read about our monitoring methods here and explore the protocols by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page. A person holding a bottle and water quality equipment standing in a river Bighorn River near Fort Smith, Montana The Bighorn River flows from Wyoming north into Montana. It is formed below the confluence of the Wind River and the Popo Agie River in central Wyoming and flows 236 miles to the Yellowstone River in Montana. We monitor the Bighorn River near Fort Smith, MT on Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. A blue river and an afterbay dam. Changing Patterns of Water Availability May Change Vegetation Composition in US National Parks Across the US, changes in water availability are altering which plants grow where. These changes are evident at a broad scale. But not all areas experience the same climate in the same way, even within the boundaries of a single national park. A new dataset gives park managers a valuable tool for understanding why vegetation has changed and how it might change in the future under different climate-change scenarios. Green, orange, and dead grey junipers in red soil, mountains in background Volcanic Ash, Tephra Fall, and Fallout Deposits Volcanic ash, pumice, and tephra ejected in volcanic eruptions ultimately falls back to Earth where it covers the ground. These deposits may be the thin dustings or may be many tens of feet (meters) thick near an eruptive vent. Volcanic ash and tephra can present geohazards that are present great distances from the erupting volcano. photo of a bluff with exposed fine-grained volcanic ash and pumice. Water Quality Criteria for the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming The Bighorn River in Wyoming is designated as a Class 2AB water. This classification means it can support drinking water uses and game fisheries for at least part of the game fish life cycle. The river is also protected for nongame fisheries, fish consumption, other aquatic life, recreation, wildlife, industry, agriculture, and scenic values. A brownish river with rocky banks and the shadows of trees on the water. Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming The Bighorn River is the largest tributary of the Yellowstone River, flowing from central Wyoming north into Montana. The monitoring site at Kane, Wyoming, is upstream of Bighorn Lake and is within the Yellowtail Wildlife Management Area. From Kane, Wyoming, to Fort Smith, Montana, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area straddles the Bighorn River. A flowing river with steep banks covered in shrubs and grass and a few lone trees. Water Flow in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming We monitor water discharge at the USGS gaging station at Kane, Wyoming (USGS 06279500). This part of the river has a mostly natural hydrograph with flows from several large tributaries. Discharge is generally highest in the spring coinciding with snowmelt at higher elevations. A graph that is not meant to be read, but rather signifies that this section has data in it. Monitoring Methods for the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming We monitor water chemistry in the Shoshone River generally following USGS depth and width-integrated protocols and the Greater Yellowstone Network Regulatory Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Discharge data are collected from a USGS gaging station at Kane, Wyoming (USGS 06279500). Aerial view of the bighorn river, surrounding lands, and the monitoring site on a bend in the river. Bighorn River Water Quality at Kane, Wyoming We monitor water quality in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming, from April through August. Total suspended solids and total phosphorus are at their annual maxima during high flows. We compare our results to federal and state water quality standards. A low flow river with high dirt banks and leafless trees and brown grass and shrubs on the banks. Series: Water Resources Monitoring in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors water quality and analyzes river discharge in the Bighorn River at Kane, Wyoming, each year. The Bighorn River watershed contains 16 impaired stream segments downstream of Boysen Reservoir and upstream of Bighorn Lake. We present results of our monitoring and links to data from previous years in this series. We will update this site as new information is collected. A bend in a river lined by rocky shores and dirt banks with mountains in the distance. Series: Water Resources Monitoring in the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming The Shoshone River flows for about 100 miles from western Wyoming to its confluence with the Bighorn River in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. The upper reaches of the river are a destination fishery, and rafting and kayaking are popular activities. Lower reaches have experienced fish kills and one segment of the river is considered impaired. The Greater Yellowstone Network monitors discharge and water quality at Kane, Wyoming. We will update this site as we collect more information. A river lined by gravel banks and shrubs. Water Quality Criteria for the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming The Shoshone River in Wyoming is designated as a Class 2AB water. This classification means it can support drinking water uses and game fisheries for at least part of the game fish life cycle. The river is also protected for nongame fisheries, fish consumption, other aquatic life, recreation, wildlife, industry, agriculture, and scenic values. A river lined by shrubs winding into the distance. Shoshone River Water Quality at Kane, Wyoming Despite its regulated status, suspended solids and total phosphorus are at their annual maxima during high flows in the Shoshone River. We monitor water quality in the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming, and compare our results to federal and state water quality standards. A river paralleling a dirt road and a short gravel bar in the center. Water Flow in the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming We monitor water flow from the USGS gaging station near Lovell, Wyoming. This gage is six miles from our monitoring site at Kane, Wyoming. Despite being regulated by two dams, the hydrograph for the Shoshone River at this location is generally highest in the spring, coinciding with snowmelt at higher elevations. Representative graph of discharge that is not meant to be read. Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming The Shoshone River begins at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork of the Shoshone River that meet at the Buffalo Bill Reservoir near Cody, Wyoming. The reservoir was created following the construction of the Buffalo Bill Dam between 1905 and 1910. We monitor the river at Kane, Wyoming. A narrow river along a dirt road and road debris on one side and gravel bank on the other side. Monitoring Methods for the Shoshone River at Kane, Wyoming We monitor water chemistry in the Shoshone River generally following USGS depth and width-integrated protocols and the Greater Yellowstone Network Regulatory Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Discharge data are collected form a USGS gaging station near Lovell, Wyoming (USGS 06285100). Aerial view of the Shoshone River with a star marking the monitoring site at the Highway 37 bridge. Studying the Past and Predicting the Future Using Rat Nests In the western United States, packrat middens are one of the best tools for reconstructing recent environments and climates. These accumulations of plant fragments, small vertebrate remains, rodent droppings, and other fossils can be preserved for more than 50,000 years. Packrat middens have been found in at least 41 National Park Service units. Photo of a wood rat. Series: Park Paleontology News - Vol. 14, No. 2, Fall 2022 All across the park system, scientists, rangers, and interpreters are engaged in the important work of studying, protecting, and sharing our rich fossil heritage. <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/newsletters.htm">Park Paleontology news</a> provides a close up look at the important work of caring for these irreplaceable resources. <ul><li>Contribute to Park Paleontology News by contacting the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/common/utilities/sendmail/sendemail.cfm?o=5D8CD5B898DDBB8387BA1DBBFD02A8AE4FBD489F4FF88B9049&r=/subjects/geoscientistsinparks/photo-galleries.htm">newsletter editor</a></li><li>Learn more about <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossils/">Fossils & Paleontology</a> </li><li>Celebrate <a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/fossilday/">National Fossil Day</a> with events across the nation</li></ul> Photo of a person sitting while using a laboratory microscope. Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface Understanding Dynamic Ecosystems: Science for Parks in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem National parks are the guardians of our unique American natural and cultural history. But parks are part of a rapidly changing landscape. Urban growth, replacement of native species by nonnatives, air and water pollution, increasing visitor use, and climate change all impact the natural web of life. How healthy are our parks? How are they changing? Learn how the Greater Yellowstone Network monitors natural resource "vital signs" in parks to help answer these questions. Carpet of pink flowers on floor of a recently burned forest. Making an Impact: Long-Term Monitoring of Natural Resources at Intermountain Region National Parks, 2021 Across the Intermountain Region, Inventory & Monitoring Division ecologists are helping to track the effects of climate change, provide baseline information for resource management, evaluate new technologies, and inspire the next generation of park stewards. This article highlights accomplishments achieved during fiscal year 2021. A man looks through binoculars at sunrise. I Didn't Know That!: Biological Soil Crusts You’ve heard people say to stay on the trail, but what does it matter in the desert? It’s just dirt... right? Wrong—it's alive! Discover what biological soil crusts are and why they're so important in dry environments. a promo image for "I Didn't Know That! Biological Soil Crusts" with image of a biological soil crust Updated Species Database Will Help Boost Amphibian Conservation Across the National Park Service To steward amphibians effectively, managers need basic information about which species live in parks. But species lists need constant maintenance to remain accurate. Due to recent efforts, the National Park Service now has an up-to-date amphibian species checklist for almost 300 parks. This information can serve as the basis for innumerable conservation efforts across the nation. A toad sits on red sand, looking into the camera.

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Hiking Guide Experience Bighorn Canyon 15 13 14 Hiking the approximately 17 miles of designated trails within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area is a great way to experience the park. You will be surrounded by the effects of both the distant and recent past. For example, the Hillsboro Trail takes hikers through a historic ranch where Dr. Barry used the recreational opportunities of Bighorn Canyon to create a successful guest ranch, a type of ranch focused on visitors and tourism. Other hikes wander through areas of disturbance, natural and human, that nature has begun to reclaim. Whether hiking to be close to nature, for exercise, or just taking a break, stop and consider the effects of your own footsteps. What will you leave behind? Trail Safety and Tips Bighorn Canyon NRA is a desert with many terrific views. For your safety, please take the following precautions whenever hiking. 12 11 9 810 7 6 5 4 2 3 1. Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes and on hot summer days. 2. Wear good, sturdy shoes with closed toes. The canyon trails are rocky and have a lot of spiny vegetation. 3. There may be rattlesnakes anywhere in Bighorn Canyon. Although they generally shy away from people, you need to watch where you put your hands and feet. 4. Do not get too close to the canyon rim. In some places there may be weak, unstable overhangs and winds can become hazardous. 1 5. Don’t forget sunscreen, a broadbrimmed hat, and sunglasses to keep you protected from the sun. 6. After any spring or summer hike, check your skin and clothing for ticks. 7. Stay on the trails; there is poison ivy in the park. Remember, “Leaves of three, let them be.” 8. If hiking alone, let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Enjoy your hike and remember to stop and look around occasionally. Sometimes the best views are behind you. 1 1 Visitor Center Pond Description: Easy, Handicapped accessible, 0.26 Miles Round Trip The Visitor Center Pond is located behind the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center just past Lovell, Wyoming. There is a concrete loop around the pond, which offers a great place to see red-winged blackbirds and boreal chorus frogs during the summer. The pond was originally built to reflect light on solar panels that have long since been removed from the building. The pond is now slowly being reclaimed by nature and will one day become a small marshland. Photo by Virginia DuBowy 2 3 Photo by AIRs Diane Durant & Devyn Gaudet 2 Sykes Mountain Trail Description: Hard, 4.6 Miles Round Trip with 250 feet elevation gain Sykes Mountain Trail is a rugged hike up a desert mountain that directs the hardy hiker to overlooks of Bighorn Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. This is a favorite hike for many but is less enjoyable during hot summer days. The trail begins at the Horseshoe Bend access road sign. You may park in the Ranger Station parking area across the road. Follow the trail markers around the hill and into the first drainage until you see a small game trail. At the rockslide, cross to the east side of the drainage. Here the game trail disappears. Continue to follow the trail markers, making your way upward. At the top, a deep canyon forces you to go east. Follow the ridge to where it begins to bend into a horseshoe. From here follow the trail markers through the shallow drainage to the overlook. There are two hills southwest of the overlook. The taller of the two is called Crooked Creek Summit. For a longer hike cross the juniper flats and proceed to the summit. From here you can see vistas of surrounding landscapes and the mountains that enclose the Bighorn Basin. 4 5 3 Mouth of the Canyon Trail Description: Moderate, 1.8 Miles Round Trip Seldom-seen views of the canyon, as well as spectacular views of the Pryor and the Bighorn Mountains, can be seen from this trail. The deep red Chugwater outcrops are a sharp contrast to the surrounding geologic colors of Bighorn Canyon. To explore the colors and contrasting scenery Horseshoe Bend has to offer, begin hiking at the service road on the north end of loop B in Horseshoe Bend Campground near campsite number B-15. Just before reaching the water storage tank, veer right onto an abandoned two-track. Follow the two-track up and around the hills toward the canyon. When the road disappears, follow the trail markers along the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range boundary fence. From this vantage point, you can see the mouth of the canyon and its union with Crooked Creek. This colorful setting invites one to rest and watch the horses graze below and the birds soar above. You may either go back the way you came along the abandoned two-track road or follow the trail through a juniper-lined draw to the top of the ridge and back to the road. Please stay on the trail to help preserve the cryptobiotic soil. Photo by AIRs Diane Durant & Devyn Gaudet 6 7 4 State Line Trail Description: Easy to Moderate, 1.52 Mile Rou