Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
Location	Big Horn and Carbon counties, Montana & Big Horn County, Wyoming, USA
Nearest city	Billings, MT
Coordinates	45°11′40″N 108°7′50″W
Area	120,296 acres (48,682 ha)
Established	October 15, 1966
Visitors	203,747 (in 2007)
Governing body	National Park Service

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, following the construction of the Yellowtail Dam by the Bureau of Reclamation. This dam, named after the famous Crow chairman Robert Yellowtail, harnessed the waters of the Bighorn River and turned this variable stream into a lake. Archeological and historical resources complement the natural scene. About one third of the area is within the Crow Indian Reservation.

Barry's Landing

Yellowtail Dam, Montana

Bighorn Lake WY & MT - SW part

Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Bighorn Lake extends 71 miles (114 km) through Wyoming and Montana, 55 miles (89 km) of which are held within spectacular Bighorn Canyon. The Recreation Area straddles the northern Wyoming and southern Montana borders. There are two visitor centers and other developed facilities; one in Fort Smith, Montana, and one near Lovell, Wyoming. The Afterbay Lake below the Yellowtail Dam is a good spot for trout fishing and wildlife viewing for ducks, geese, and other animals. The Bighorn River below the Afterbay Dam is a world class trout fishing area. North of Lovell, there is a spot where one can stand on the canyon rim, shout, and hear a "triple echo."

References

• The National Parks: Index 2001-2003. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior.

External links

• "Bighorn National Recreation Area". National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/bica/index.htm.