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| The Cloud
Peak Scenic Skyway, U.S. Highway 16 from Buffalo, Wyoming (above), is the
fastest, safest and most scenic route to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton
National Park over the Big Horn Mountains. Along this route you will see the tallest
snow-capped peaks of the magnificent Big Horn Mountains. Wildlife, including deer and
moose, are often seen along this route. |
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There are many things
to see and do during any season in the Big Horn Mountains and Bighorn National Forest. Springtime in the Big
Horns provides brilliant
wildflowers which are highly visible in the many parks throughout the Bighorn National
Forest and along the roadsides.
Outdoor recreational opportunities
are endless in the Big Horns. Horseback riding, camping, hiking and backpacking,
climbing, trout fishing, hunting, photography, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing,
snowmobiling, and just plain sightseeing are all popular activities. |
There are many activities for kids in Buffalo, Wyoming, the
Big Horn Mountains, Bighorn National Forest and the surrounding areas. Buffalo has an
abundance of activities for kids with all kinds of interests. Buffalo has the
region's largest outdoor FREE swimming pool which is open to all during the summer months.
The pool area includes beautifully shaded park with a snack bar, wading pool,
skateboard park, skating rink, outdoor theater and playground equipment. |
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Johnson County YMCA
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Buffalo is the smallest city in the United States
to have a YMCA. This fine facility includes basketball court/gymnasium, exercise and
weight room, indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, outdoor tennis courts, and other
recreational features. The YMCA maintains a complete schedule
of annual athletic and recreational events. It is located at 101 Klondike Drive in
Buffalo. The facility can be reached by telephone at (307) 684-9558.
The Clear Creek Hiking Trail begins at the south end of
Buffalo and runs into the Bighorn Mountains. The trail is very scenic and wildlife
can often be seen along the route. |
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Photo courtesy of
Wild Wyoming Images
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HUNTING
Johnson County offers marvelous hunting opportunities for several types of
big game species including elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, black bear, mountain lion
and pronghorn antelope. There are also a variety of upland game birds. Outfitters in
the area are available for guided hunts….or go it on your own! ... either way it is
an experience you will never forget!
Hunting is allowed
on National Forest lands. However, Wyoming statute requires that nonresidents must
have a licensed guide or resident companion to hunt big or trophy game in national forest
wilderness areas. The resident companion will need to obtain a free non-commercial
guide license from a G&F office. The law
does not prohibit nonresidents from hiking, fishing or hunting game birds or coyotes in
wilderness areas. Only nonresident big and
trophy game hunters must have a licensed guide or resident companion. For Wyoming License information, telephone (307) 777-4600. |
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FISHING
Most streams and
lakes provide good trout fishing. Fish species include brook, brown, and cutthroat trout,
and grayling. Fishing opportunities abound in the Middle Fork of the Powder River near
Kaycee, area reservoirs, and the mountain streams and lakes within the Bighorn National
Forest and Cloud Peak Wilderness Area near Buffalo. Two of the most popular fishing sites
near Buffalo are Lake DeSmet and Healy Reservoir.
Licenses are required for fishing and hunting. Contact the
Wyoming Game and Fish
Department for more information. |
Photo courtesy of
Wild Wyoming Images
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Photo courtesy of
Wild Wyoming Images
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There are over 200 lakes in the Big
Horn Mountains
and Bighorn National Forest. Most have fish, but there are a few that do not. Some lakes are easily accessible by hiking - others are best accessible by
horseback. Guided fishing trips, pack trips and drop camps are available. Contact the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce for more information on guide services available
in the area. |
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