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Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area➤

While staying in Cody, Wyoming, we took a day trip East to visit Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Bighorn Canyon straddles southern Montana and Northeastern Wyoming. The park is characterized by its vast canyons, rugged landscapes, and the Bighorn River, which flows through the area. The canyon itself stretches over 120 miles, making it one of the longest and most impressive in the United States. The Fort Smith, Montana and Lovell, Wyoming sections of the park do not connect. We spent the day exploring from the Lovell entrance, including Sullivan’s Knob Trail. We stopped at the visitor center in Lovell before continuing a few miles up the road into the park.

Sullivan’s Knob Trail➤

After the Two Eagles Interpretive Trail we continued south to Sullivan’s Knob Trail. This trail runs around a mountain and out to an overlook on the canyon. It’s about a mile with 200 feet elevation gain. High up above the lake, we enjoyed the views of the canyon and it all to ourselves.

Sullivan’s Knob Trail overlooks Bighorn Lake, which is a reservoir on the Bighorn River. The lake was formed by the construction of Yellowtail Dam on the Bighorn River, creating a large, scenic body of water that winds through Bighorn Canyon. So, while the trail offers views of Bighorn Lake, the lake itself is part of the Bighorn River system.

Bighorn Canyon NRA Posts➤

• Devil Canyon Overlook
• Barry’s Landing
• Lockhart Ranch
• Ewing-Snell Ranch
• Two Eagles Interpretive Trail
• Sullivan’s Knob Trail
• Horseshoe Bend

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Location: Bighorn Canyon Road, Montana
Designation: National Recreation Area
Date designated/established: October 15, 1966
Date of my visit: September 26, 2023