Bighorn Mountain Vista Loop
Bighorn Mountain Vista
One of the most breathtaking ways to reach the Bighorn Mountains from Billings is to trade the fast interstate for the US-14 and US-14A Bighorn Scenic Byways. These winding routes climb from open plains into dramatic canyons, alpine meadows, and lofty mountain passes, rewarding you with stunning views at every turn.
Start by heading south from Billings on US-310 toward Lovell, Wyoming, about 90 miles away. This stretch takes you through the rugged beauty of the Pryor Gap, where weathered cliffs rise above rolling grasslands. Keep an eye out for wild horses from the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, often spotted grazing near the road. Before reaching Lovell, make a stop at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, where deep canyon walls plunge to turquoise waters and scenic overlooks give you unforgettable photo opportunities.
From Lovell, begin the steep, spectacular climb into the mountains on US-14A, the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway. The switchbacks carry you to more than 9,000 feet, with panoramic views of the vast Bighorn Basin unfolding behind you. Near the summit, pull over to visit the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, a sacred Native American site set against sweeping mountain vistas. Alpine wildflowers often blanket the meadows here in summer, and elk or moose sightings are not uncommon.
If you have time for more exploration before looping back to Billings, continue east from Burgess Junction on US-14 toward Sheridan. The road descends through the jaw-dropping Shell Canyon, where towering cliffs and rushing water create a natural masterpiece. Be sure to stop at Shell Falls, where an easy walk takes you to an overlook above a dramatic cascade surrounded by colorful rock walls.