Which Is the Best Way Over the Mountain?

There are three major highways traversing the Big Horns in an east-west direction. Each offers its own distinct and memorable scenery, with relatively equal travel distances and comparable surfaces. So the choice is up to you depending on your travel objectives.

Big Horn Scenic Byway (U.S. Hwy. 14) connects Sheridan and surrounding communities with Greybull, Wyoming and includes 45 miles of scenic mountain driving. Look out over spectacular valley views from one of several roadside turnouts. On a clear day, you can see for miles and miles. Interesting stops include Shell Falls, Burges Junction Visitor Center and Sand Turn. Open year-round.

Cloud Peak Skyway (U.S. Hwy. 16) traverses the southern Big Horn Mountains and offers breathtaking vistas of distant snowcapped peaks along its 45-mile length. This route connects Buffalo and Tensleep, Wyoming. Highlights include Hospital Hill, Powder River Pass, Meadowlark Lake and Tensleep Canyon. Open year-round.

Medicine Wheel Passage (U.S. Hwy. 14A) rises sharply from the Big Horn Basin near Lovell, Wyoming and winds 25 miles through steep canyon terrain and high alpine meadows to Burgess Junction. This route provides primary access to the medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark. This may not be the best choice for those pulling or driving an RV. Grades exceed 10%. Open from memorial Day to mid-November.

Source: U.S. Forest Service