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Medicine Wheel Trail

Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
June through September
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, approximately 5,000 years old
  • Sacred site for numerous Native American tribes including Crow, Lakota, and Arapaho
  • 9,642-foot elevation with views across the Bighorn plateau
  • High-elevation wildflower meadows along the road walk
  • Interpretive program with ranger-led guided tours

Overview

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark sits at 9,642 feet on Medicine Mountain in the northern section of Bighorn National Forest, near US-14A between Lovell and Burgess Junction. The stone structure has 28 radiating spokes, a central cairn, and smaller cairns at various points on the outer rim, and is estimated by archaeologists to be approximately 5,000 years old, though some elements may be older or more recent additions.

The site is managed by the USFS in active consultation with the Crow, Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, Shoshone, Arapaho, and other tribes who consider it sacred. Visitors are expected to behave respectfully. Prayer ties and offerings attached to the fence surrounding the structure should not be touched.

The Route

Miles 0.0 to 1.5: Seasonal Gate to Medicine Wheel

The walk follows a closed gravel road across the high plateau of Medicine Mountain. The elevation is above 9,000 feet throughout and the plateau is open and windswept. High-elevation wildflowers bloom in the meadow edges in July.

Miles 1.5: Medicine Wheel

The stone structure is enclosed by a low fence to protect the site from foot traffic. Walk the outer perimeter trail and read the interpretive signage. Ranger-led tours are available at scheduled times during the summer season.

Miles 1.5 to 3.0: Return

Return via the same road.

When to Hike

June through September the access road gate is typically open. The site can be visited year-round by those willing to hike or ski longer distances, but the seasonal gate limits most summer access to the 3-mile walk.

July for high-elevation wildflowers on the plateau.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. The plateau is exposed to wind even on summer days; a wind layer is recommended. Sun protection applies to the open road walk.

Trailhead Access

The gated road entrance is on US-14A approximately 28 miles east of Lovell. The gate is closed to vehicle traffic seasonally. No fee to park or hike (as of 2026). Vault toilet at the parking area.

Nearby

Bucking Mule Falls Trail on the eastern escarpment is accessible from the same US-14A corridor. Solitude Loop near Burgess Junction provides a longer hiking option in the same northern section.

Check gate opening status and any temporary closures for ceremonial periods at checking conditions before you go. Practice Leave No Trace principles with special attention to cultural respect at the Medicine Wheel site.

Trailhead Parking

Medicine Wheel gate parking area on US-14A at the seasonal gate. Paved lot with vault toilet.

← Back to Bighorn National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Medicine Wheel?
The Medicine Wheel is a stone structure approximately 80 feet in diameter with a central cairn and 28 radiating spokes, located on Medicine Mountain at 9,642 feet. It is estimated to be approximately 5,000 years old. It is considered sacred by many Native American tribes and is a National Historic Landmark managed by the USFS in consultation with affiliated tribal nations.
Is access to the Medicine Wheel restricted?
The access road is gated seasonally; the 1.5-mile walk (3.0 miles round trip) from the gate to the Medicine Wheel is the only way to access the site. Visitors should approach respectfully. During certain ceremonial periods, access may be temporarily restricted; check with the Bighorn National Forest before visiting.
Is the Medicine Wheel Trail dog friendly?
Dogs are permitted on the road walk to the Medicine Wheel. Keep dogs on a leash and maintain respectful behavior at the site.