Making the big hike
Several days before, I had stopped at the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area’s visitor center in Lovell with plans to get a map, talk to a Ranger and find a trail to hike. Little did we know that a four-day snowstorm, the stomach flu and dense fog advisories would keep us from putting our boots on the ground for a week.
The Visitor’s Center had unique things to look at, geological information about Bighorn Canyon, and a kid’s area with puzzles and drawings related to the Recreation Area. After talking to the Ranger, we chose a short hike called the “State Line Trail.” This trail is well-marked and begins right at the MT/WY state line, but it is impossible to know where the beauty of one state ends and the other begins. There were several other easy to moderate level trails to choose from. “Next week!” we proclaimed laughingly, knowing that our family’s health, the weather and many other occurrences are unpredictable.
The day finally came where everyone was feeling well and the weather was cooperating, so in the afternoon my sons and I headed out to hike. The fog was just lifting as we drove closer to the trailhead, and the brilliant blue sky quickly warmed the air. My one year old, Cash, loves sitting in a backpack and when I hoisted him on my back, he began jabbering happily. At four years old, Tyler thinks of himself as an experienced outdoorsman, and so he chose to wear double layers of snowpants, coats and socks.
It appeared we were the first ones to hike the trail all winter; fortunately there were markers to guide us through the juniper and shrubs. It was tempting to follow big and little critter tracks in the snow, but we tried to stay focused and not veer too much. “Next hike!” we agreed to bring a tracking book, or my husband, who is better at identifying the footprints.
About 15 minutes into the hike, Tyler started shedding layers and his quick pace became a trudge. The sun was warm, and I knew the vitamin D and fresh air we were getting was nourishing. He wasn’t giving up, but made sure to let me know how hard he was working.
“What do dizzy legs feel like?” I asked.
“Just ready to sit down!” he panted.
Unexpectedly, Tyler surged ahead and announced that he had found the edge of the canyon. The views
were incredible, as were the colors. Red cliffs, tan rock walls, green juniper, blue sky and brilliant white snow. The quiet was only broken when an airplane cruised by. The boys and I looked and looked for members of the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang herd, but only saw their tracks in the snow.
We would have liked to continue on along the ridge, but a breeze picked up and the sun began to inch down into the western mountains. “Next time!” we decided to visit this trail again when the snow had melted and there was more time for us to explore.
Information: The Visitor’s Center is located in Lovell at the junction of Hwy 14A and Hwy 310. From September 2012 until late May 2013, the visitor’s center is open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Visitor’s Center phone number: 307-548-5406
The park website was very helpful and had a ton of tips and information: www.nps.gov/bica
Entrance fees apply all year long and are listed at the visitor’s center, the website and entrance kiosks.
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