Features
About this place
Loaded with viewpoints and hiking trails along the way, the Bighorn Scenic Byway is a 57-mile scenic drive that carves its way through the mountains of Bighorn National Forest. The byway runs between Shell and Dayton, Wyoming along US Highway 14. This route is open between May and September.
One of the first major stops is the Shell Canyon Falls Interpretive Site. It is 11 miles outside of the town of Shell and has a decent sized parking lot. There is a walkway that overlooks the falls as the water plunges 120ft over granite cliffs into a carved out canyon below. The observation walkway wraps around in a small mile loop following the canyon edge providing views of Brindle Falls and Copman’s Tomb.
The road continues to twist and turn as it works its way up the western slopes of the Bighorns, past the old ski slopes of Antelope Butte, and crosses over the crest of the mountains at Granite Pass. Here the drive levels out a bit, but continues its awe-inspiring journey past Burgess Junction and Sibley Lake.
Steamboat Point is a fantastic stop at mile 45 providing gorgeous views of the Bighorns. There is a steep single track trail lined with wildflowers that weaves between large boulders terminating in an incredible 360 vantage point.
The official end of the Byway is Dayton, but it is highly recommended to keep on charging to Sheridan. It is called “Wyoming’s Jewel” due to its fabled western history and dramatic mountain vistas. King’s Saddlery should not be missed.
Pro tip: Start the trip at the Shell Store by enjoying a delicious (and huge) ice cream sandwich. Relax on the lawn behind the store where there are picnic tables and trees that provide plenty of shade.
Bonus add-on: Only 15 minutes west/southwest of Shell along Hwy 14, check out Red Gulch Dinosaur Tracksite. It is the largest dinosaur tracksite in Wyoming and perfect for a quick pitstop, especially when traveling with kids.