Big Horn Mountain Coalition, EDD

Big Horn Mountains

 

BIG HORN MOUNTAIN COUNTRY

Visit Wyoming’s Big Horns if you can stand the quiet”

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Wilderness Ranch

From the peaks of the majestic Big Horn Mountains to the depths of breath-taking Big Horn Canyon, from the softly winding scenic by-ways through the Big Horn National Forest to the delicately trod upon wildlife trails in the foothills, Big Horn Mountain Country is an un-crowded year-round paradise enjoyed by visitors and area residents alike.

This four-county area encompasses numerous square miles of vast open spaces and rugged beauty.  Lying in the center of this region are the spectacular Big Horn Mountains, so named after the great numbers of big horn sheep that were once found in the area.  Steep canyon entryways and high walls lead to a sky-high realm of forests and meadows, with remarkable scenic beauty and historic roots.

Most of the Big Horn Mountain Country is public land, under the management of the Bighorn National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management.  Here, the combination of outdoor recreation, wildlife, scenery, wood, water and forage resources create a multiple use retreat where unlimited adventures await the visitor.

The area boasts many developed recreation sites, which include camping areas, scenic areas, hiking trails and spectacular canyons.  A paradise for rock hounds, archaeologists and historians, Big Horn Mountain Country also features many geologic formations and interpretive signs explaining historic attractions.

Numerous area streams and lakes provide outstanding fishing opportunities for the angler, while the large open spaces, gentle slope of the land and abundance of snow in the winter supply some of Wyoming’s best snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Large herds of deer and elk live in Big Horn Mountain Country, along with many other wildlife species, including moose, big horn sheep, waterfowl and upland game birds, to name a few.  These animals provide a multitude of photo opportunities and excellent hunting in season.  Back-country roads and trails provide access to these areas.

The 189,000-acre Cloud Peak Wilderness Area is located within the Bighorn National Forest boundaries.  The entire are lies at elevations above 8,500 feet and travel is by foot or horseback only.

Cattle and sheep grazing among the wildflowers are not an uncommon sight in the Big Horns, where many acres of grazing land exist.  Under a permit system, ranchers pay to use the rangelands for grazing purposes.  In the spring and fall, visitors to the area can see cattle and sheep being moved to and from the mountain, a most unique Wyoming sight.  Timber harvesting, part of planned timber management, plays an important part in maintaining the overall health of the forest.

Big Horn Mountain Country has something for everyone—whether you’re an outdoor recreationist, sightseer, traveler or merely wish to kick back and relax.  The breath-taking terrain and foliage, pristine air and unspoiled mountain beauty of the Big Horns beckon those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There is no place in the world like Big Horn Mountain Country—we invite you to come and experience it for yourself.


"Esther McWilliams purchased her first 35mm camera in the early 1980's and
began to record with her own distinctive flair the beauty of her beloved Big
Horn Mountains
.  Her only rule of photography, she says, is to keep her
camera always "at the ready" so as not to miss those once-in-a-lifetime
shots.  She has a knack for being able to capture the things so many of us
notice--but never truly see."


Bob Mountain
Laramie, Wyoming

Produced in cooperation with the Big Horn Forest Service, "Beauty of the Big Horns" is in its
second printing and can be purchased at the following retail locations: Retail Stores


 

Photos displayed with permission by Esther McWilliams   

A flower meadow near Burgess Junction

Evening light on a peak near Lake Sibley

Red twig dogwood leaves

Gathering cattle in Shell Canyon in the fall

Lake Solitude in August

Overlook near Story

Big Horns from the west side, hwy 14

Eroded rocks in Castle Gardens, Big Horn Basin

Badlands in Devil's Kitchen, Big Horn Basin

Porcupine Falls

Shell Falls

Sunrise

Willows near Antelope Butte

Sheep on Hunt Mountain

White tail fawn

Wolf Creek

Frosted weed

Steamboat

Moore's Slough near Lake DeSmet

Elk yearling

Hole in the Wall country near Kaycee

Meadow above Buffalo, near hwy l6

Mixed flower garden

Bull elk, resting

Mixed flower garden, mostly lupine and paintbrush

Aspen leaves

Cedar waxwing fledglings

Aspen grove

Monarch butterfly

Buffalo cow, mouth of Tongue River Canyon

Aspen grove

Cloud scene

Porcupine

Heavy snow on east face of the Big Horns

Antelope


                                
         

 


Big Horn Mountain Coalition, EDD © 2009

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Last updated: 8/02/2009