Summary
However, there is a Big Horn Mountains Wilderness in the state of Wyoming, so the information provided below pertains to that location:
The Big Horn Mountains Wilderness is located in north-central Wyoming and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area offers visitors a chance to hike, fish, hunt, camp, and more.
Some of the specific points of interest to see in the Big Horn Mountains Wilderness include the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area, which is home to the highest peak in the Bighorn Range, Cloud Peak; the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, a prehistoric stone circle that is sacred to many Native American tribes; and Shell Falls, a stunning waterfall that plunges 120 feet into a canyon.
Interesting facts about the Big Horn Mountains Wilderness include that the area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, and elk; and that it is also known for its world-class rock climbing and bouldering opportunities.
The best time of year to visit the Big Horn Mountains Wilderness depends on what activities you are interested in. Summer is a popular time for hiking, camping, and fishing, while fall is a great time for hunting and wildlife viewing. Winter offers skiing and snowmobiling opportunities, and spring is a great time to see wildflowers and newborn wildlife. It is important to note that the weather can change quickly in the Big Horn Mountains, so visitors should always be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References