Highway 14 South•Bighorn National Forest

00:00     Title
00:15     Highway 14 East
03:30     Highway 14 Southwest
06:00     Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
07:30     Highway 14A West
13:29     Fin
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The Bighorn National Forest is the land of wide open spaces and panoramic views. No matter which highway through the Bighorn that a traveler chooses, the trip will be guaranteed to be a memorable scenic drive. The Bighorn borders cover a mountain plateau that rises above the surrounding high plains. The Bighorn Mountain Range elevations range from 5,000 feet at the base of the bluffs to over 13,000 feet on the highest mountain. Summer temperatures in the valley can be over 80ºF, while the temperatures can be below freezing in elevations above 9,000 feet in the Bighorn. In fact, snowstorms during the second week of August are not uncommon way up top. Because of the environmental extremes, the Bighorn National Forest offers many microclimate terrains to experience.  

Just like with most national forests, only a few paved roads run through the Bighorn. U.S. Highway 16 runs through the southern end of this national forest and Highway 14 is the travel route through the northern portion. In between the two highways is a vast wilderness area that can only be access by 4×4, horseback, mountain biking or hiking. In the northern section, a large portion of the National Forest has been turned into ranch land, but there are still plenty of deep woods. 

For those planning a trip to the Bighorn, there is no reliable cel phone service or data signal. Most of the business land line phones are unreliable, so just plan on having no communications when visiting this place, unless you have a satellite system. I worked in the Bighorn for a short time and I actually had to drive 30 miles to Dayton, Wyoming just to get a cel phone signal. In order to get fast internet access, I had to drive all the way to a public library in Ranchester or Sheridan, which was a real pain in the neck when trying to do business on the mountain. When touring the Bighorn it is good to bring a paper map or GPS and do any internet research prior to arrival.

The Bighorn is an outdoorsman’s paradise and during the summer season the main activities are trout fishing, hiking, wildlife watching and 4×4 trail riding. Autumn is the rutting season and this is when the hunters head up into the Bighorn Mountains. During winter, the Bighorn offers cross country skiing, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling. Outdoor outfitters, grocery stores and modern amenities can be found in the neighboring town of Sheridan. The rest of the small towns near the Bighorn do not offer much more than a gas station and maybe a dollar store. On the plus side, hunting and fishing guides can be found in all of the small towns that surround the bighorn. ATV and snowmobile rentals are available too, so there is plenty of opportunity to join in on the fun.

Points of interest and scenic views along Highway 14 south between Burgess Junction and Greybull are featured in this article’s photos. As can be seen, the high elevation terrain ranges from mountain meadow cattle ranches to deep forested wilderness areas. A few roadside campsites and hiking trailheads can be found aloung Highway 14 when going south and there are a few Jeep trails. It is the canyons section at the edge of the mountain plateau near Greybull that receives the most attention on this touring route, because this is a good place to spot Bighorn Sheep on the rocky terrain. 

The Bighorn offers endless outdoor adventures during the summer season and planning an extended stay basecamp is the best way to go. Campfire cuisine is the best dining option and some fresh caught Brook Trout for breakfast always gets the nod. The wildlife is everywhere in this and there are a few famous landmarks to be seen. Daytime temperatures up on the mountain are comfortable during summer and the nights can be quite chilly, so be prepared to bundle up when the sun goes down even in July.