We drove through last week and enjoyed the pass. Were on a motorcycle and it was a bit chilly but still beautiful and well worth the drive. There was a lot of road work being done at the top of the pass which slowed things down a bit but gave more opportunity to study the scenery.
Wyoming--Big Horn Mountains Scenic Byway
Date: Tuesday, 12. December 2006
The 60-mile drive on U.S. 14 from Dayton to Shell takes about two hours.
The road is occasionally closed in the winter. Drive west on U.S. 14 from
Dayton and follow the Tongue River as it runs toward the Big Horn Mountains.
On your way to the Little Tongue River Canyon, stop at the Sand Turn Pullout to view Buffalo Tongue Rock. This is one of the rock layers that tilted as the Big Horn Mountains rose around 2.9 billion years ago. At the Little Tongue River Canyon, stop at the Fallen City turnout to view large limestone chunks that fell from the ridgeline along the canyon. To see the ancient Indian stone circle and Medicine Wheel, take the hour trip up U.S. 14A.
Staying on U.S. 14 brings you to Granite Pass, at 9,033 feet. Descend to Shell Canyon and visit the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. A self-guided nature trail along the granite chasm overlooks the falls. Driving below the falls, you will pass roadside exhibits that show where Bighorn Sheep congregate during winter. Past here, Shell Creek has carved cliffs of pink, orange, beige, and reddish brown. You exit the western side of the Big Horn Mountains and drive into Shell about two hours later.
Starting Point:
Dayton, WY
Distance of Drive:
58 miles
Must Eat:
Branding Iron Steak House
517 Main Street, Dayton, WY 82836
Phone:307-655-2334
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:Steaks
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Shell Falls Interpretive Site
Buffalo Tongue Rock
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All Comments (4)
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Gores,
Jonh & RachelKunkle,
We loved this drive it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been.We enjoyed the time spent in the BEAUTIFUL state of Wyoming.Plan on doing it again.We are from PA.
Tori,
It's beautiful, all right, but it's nowhere near 30,000 years old. Most of it dates back about 200 years with some parts dating earlier than that. Still, definitely a place of power.
Snakerpoo,
The Medicine Wheel is one of the biggest secrets about Wyoming. This is good. Too many tourists would spoil this ancient artifact. USFS says a few thousand years maybe. Scientists have taken charcoal from the center point and tested with Fluorspar dating to over 30,000 years! Yes, It could of been charcoal from old forest fire.....But....? This is not the only one in North America. Many more exist.
