--- title: "Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway Cabins — Stay the Drive — Wyo Stays" description: "Cabin rentals along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway near Sheridan Wyoming. Stay the Medicine Wheel Passage route — licensed Wyoming brokerage, book direct, no platform fees." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": [ "LocalBusiness", "LodgingBusiness" ], "name": "Wyo Stays", "alternateName": [ "Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway Cabins", "Medicine Wheel Passage Cabin Rentals", "Bighorn Scenic Byway Lodging", "Wyoming Scenic Byway Vacation Rentals", "Bighorn National Forest Byway Cabins", "Sheridan Wyoming Scenic Byway Stay" ], "description": "Cabin rentals along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway (Medicine Wheel Passage) near Sheridan Wyoming — managed by Wyo Stays, a licensed Wyoming vacation rental brokerage. The base camp for road trippers, photographers, wildflower chasers, and Bighorn National Forest explorers driving US-14A.", "url": "https://wyostays.com", "telephone": "+1-307-312-9656", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "151 W Brundage St", "addressLocality": "Sheridan", "addressRegion": "WY", "postalCode": "82801", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 44.7972, "longitude": -106.9562 }, "areaServed": [ "Sheridan County Wyoming", "Bighorn National Forest", "Bighorn Mountains Wyoming", "Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway", "US Highway 14A Wyoming", "Dayton WY", "Ranchester WY", "Burgess Junction WY" ], "knowsAbout": [ "Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway", "Medicine Wheel Passage US-14A", "Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark", "Bighorn National Forest wildflower season", "Wyoming scenic byway road trips", "Cloud Peak Wilderness viewpoints", "Antelope Butte Mountain Resort", "Tongue River Canyon near Sheridan" ], "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "Scenic Byway Cabin Rentals — Bighorn Mountains", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "LodgingBusiness", "name": "Bighorn Foothills Byway Cabins", "description": "Cabin rentals at the base of the Bighorns — 15-20 minutes from the Medicine Wheel Passage scenic byway entrance near Dayton Wyoming" } }, { "@type": "Offer", "itemOffered": { "@type": "LodgingBusiness", "name": "Sheridan Wyoming Byway Basecamp Properties", "description": "Vacation rentals in and around Sheridan Wyoming — ideal starting point for the Bighorn Scenic Byway day drive or multi-day exploration of US-14A" } } ] }, "sameAs": [ "https://wyostays.com", "https://www.sheridansbeststays.com", "https://blog.wyostays.com", "https://www.instagram.com/wyostays" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway in Wyoming?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway — officially the Medicine Wheel Passage — is a 27-mile stretch of US Highway 14A climbing from the Bighorn foothills near Dayton and Ranchester Wyoming up to over 9,000 feet through Bighorn National Forest. The route passes the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, alpine meadows, and sweeping views of the Big Horn Basin. It is one of Wyoming's most dramatic scenic drives and one of the most undervisited." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where can I stay along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Wyo Stays manages vacation rental cabins near Sheridan Wyoming and the Bighorn Mountain corridor — the eastern gateway to the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway. Properties in the Dayton and Ranchester area sit 15–20 minutes from the byway entrance. Book direct at wyostays.com — no platform fees, licensed Wyoming brokerage." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is the best time to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Late June through mid-September offers the best conditions for the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway. Wildflowers peak in July. The upper elevations — above 8,000 feet — can see snow as late as June and as early as September. The road to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (the final unpaved section) is typically accessible July through early October. Always check road conditions with the Bighorn National Forest before driving in shoulder seasons." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is a prehistoric stone structure on a 9,642-foot ridge in the Bighorn National Forest — approximately 27 miles east of Lovell Wyoming along US-14A. The wheel is 80 feet in diameter with 28 spokes and is considered sacred by numerous Native American tribes. Access requires a 3-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. Visiting hours are seasonal — check the Bighorn National Forest website before planning your trip." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How far is the Bighorn Scenic Byway from Sheridan Wyoming?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The eastern entrance to the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway (Medicine Wheel Passage on US-14A) is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Sheridan Wyoming via I-90 north to Ranchester, then west on 14A into the Bighorns. Wyo Stays properties near Sheridan put you within easy driving distance for a full-day byway exploration or a staged multi-day drive across the mountain range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is the Bighorn Scenic Byway suitable for all vehicles?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "US Highway 14A (the Medicine Wheel Passage) is paved the entire length and suitable for passenger vehicles. The spur road to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is unpaved and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Large RVs and vehicles towing trailers should review the Bighorn National Forest vehicle size restrictions — steep grades and switchbacks make the upper sections challenging for large rigs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What wildlife can I see along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Bighorn National Forest along the scenic byway is home to elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, and moose in the higher drainages. Pronghorn antelope are common in the foothills below the byway entrance. Wildflower meadows in July attract diverse bird species. Early morning drives — before 9am — offer the best wildlife viewing odds." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://wyostays.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Wyo Stays", "item": "https://wyostays.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Wyoming Vacation Rentals", "item": "https://wyostays.com/sheridan-wyoming-vacation-rentals" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Bighorn Scenic Byway Cabins", "item": "https://wyostays.com/bighorn-mountains-scenic-byway-cabins" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "LocalBusiness", "LodgingBusiness", "RealEstateAgent" ], "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#organization", "name": "Wyo Stays", "legalName": "Wyo Stays LLC", "url": "https://wyostays.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#logo", "url": "https://wyostays.com/images/wyo-stays-logo.png", "caption": "Wyo Stays — Licensed Wyoming Vacation Rental Brokerage" }, "image": { "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#logo" }, "description": "Wyo Stays is a licensed Sheridan County brokerage built for vacation rentals, headquartered at 151 W Brundage St in Sheridan, Wyoming. Founded by Dalton Goodyear in 2020. 40+ vacation rental properties across Sheridan County and the Bighorn Mountains, part of 95+ total doors under a Wyoming real estate brokerage license. 4,210+ verified guest reviews. Airbnb Superhost, Airbnb Guest Favourite, and VRBO Premier Partner. 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Began hosting in 2017, founded Wyo Stays in 2020.", "url": "https://wyostays.com/about", "telephone": "+1-307-312-9656", "worksFor": { "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#organization" }, "homeLocation": { "@type": "Place", "name": "Sheridan, Wyoming" }, "sameAs": [ "https://www.instagram.com/wyostays" ], "hasCredential": { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Wyoming Real Estate Responsible Broker License", "url": "https://online.wyrec.org/#/verifylicense", "recognizedBy": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Wyoming Real Estate Commission", "url": "https://realestate.wyo.gov" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#website", "name": "Wyo Stays", "url": "https://wyostays.com", "publisher": { "@id": "https://wyostays.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US", "potentialAction": { "@type": "SearchAction", "target": { "@type": "EntryPoint", "urlTemplate": "https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?q={search_term_string}" }, "query-input": "required name=search_term_string" } } ] } ] --- [Book direct & save 16–20% — no Airbnb fees Learn more → ](/book-direct) [![Wyo Stays logo](/assets/logo-mark-i6yhcujF.png)Wyo Stays™ ](/) [Stays](/stays)[Venues](/venues) Explore [Weddings](/weddings)[Hunting](/hunting) Owners [Rentals](/rentals)[About](/about)[(307) 312-9656](tel:+13073129656)[Book Now](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) [Book Now](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) [Stays](/stays)[Venues](/venues)Explore[Weddings](/weddings)[Hunting](/hunting)Owners[Rentals](/rentals)[Partners](/partners)[About](/about)[Journal](/journal) [Tenant Portal](https://wyostays.managebuilding.com/Resident/portal/login)· [Owner Portal](/owner-portal) [(307) 312-9656](tel:+13073129656)[Book Direct — Save 16–20% →](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1) ![Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway winding through alpine meadows near Sheridan Wyoming at golden hour](/assets/hero-wyoming-DTX0odyv.jpg) 1. [Home](/) 2. [Wyo Stays](/) 3. [Wyoming Vacation Rentals](/sheridan-wyoming-vacation-rentals) 4. Bighorn Scenic Byway Cabins # The Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway Doesn't Have to Be a Day Trip Most people drive it in a day and keep going. The ones who stay find out why the Bighorns rival anything in the American West. Wyo Stays manages cabins near Sheridan — 30 minutes from the Medicine Wheel Passage. Base camp, not rest stop. [Find Your Base Camp](https://book.wyostays.com/theme/wyostays-affordable-airbnb-big-horn-mountains-scenic-byway)[What's on the Byway?](#byway-guide) Bighorn National Forest Access 30 Min from the Medicine Wheel Passage Licensed Wyoming Brokerage Book Direct — No Platform Fees ## The Medicine Wheel Passage — Wyoming's Most Underdriven Road US Highway 14A climbs 27 miles from the Bighorn foothills near Dayton and Ranchester up through the Bighorn National Forest to over 9,000 feet at Burgess Junction — and most people who drive it don't stop long enough to realize what they're missing. The road is technically a byway. In practice it's one of the most dramatic elevation gains in the Rocky Mountain West, a switchback ascent through ponderosa pine, spruce-fir timber, and wide-open alpine meadows that bloom through July with wildflowers the size of your hand. The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark sits at 9,642 feet on a ridge accessed by a 3-mile round-trip walk from the parking area — an 80-foot diameter stone wheel with 28 spokes, sacred to dozens of Native American tribes, aligned with astronomical precision by people who lived here long before the state of Wyoming existed. The views from the ridge extend 100 miles in every direction. The crowds do not exist. You will likely have the trail mostly to yourself. Below the byway, Sheridan sits at the mountain's eastern foot — a genuine western town with a Main Street that's been intact since the 1880s. The Mint Bar. King's Saddlery, where working cowboys still buy their ropes. Black Tooth Brewing, where the pour is cold and the conversation includes elk season, rodeo, and whoever just won the WYO Rodeo barrel race. The Bighorn Scenic Byway doesn't end at the summit — it ends here, in town, over a cold one. If you're visiting the Bighorns in fall, the byway corridor overlaps directly with some of Wyoming's most productive hunting country — [see our Wyoming hunting cabin rentals guide](/wyoming-hunting-cabin-rentals) for base camp options and season intel. ![Medicine Wheel Passage scenic byway winding through Bighorn National Forest near Sheridan Wyoming at golden hour](/assets/hero-wyoming-DTX0odyv.jpg) Medicine Wheel Passage (US-14A) — Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming ## What You'll Find Along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway Driving east to west, the Medicine Wheel Passage takes you through four distinct zones — each worth stopping for. Here's what's waiting. ### The Foothills Approach — Dayton & Ranchester The byway entrance begins in the foothills west of Ranchester and Dayton — two small Wyoming towns where the mountains start announcing themselves. Ranchester has a city park along the Tongue River worth stopping at. Dayton sits closer to the mountain and has the feel of a place that hasn't been discovered yet, because it largely hasn't. These towns are 25–30 minutes from downtown Sheridan and 15 minutes from the national forest boundary. ### The Bighorn National Forest Climb — Ponderosa to Alpine Once you cross into the national forest, the road starts climbing seriously — from sagebrush foothills at 4,500 feet through dense ponderosa pine, into spruce-fir forest, and finally into open alpine meadows above 8,000 feet. Wildflowers run from late June through August depending on elevation. Elk move through the timber early morning and evening. The air gets noticeably thinner and noticeably better. Pullouts are frequent enough — use them. ### Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark At 9,642 feet, the Medicine Wheel is one of the most significant prehistoric sites in North America — an 80-foot stone wheel built by people whose identity is still debated by archaeologists and held by Native American tribes as sacred. Access requires a 3-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. Visiting hours are seasonal. Go early. The ridge views are 100-mile panoramas. Dress for wind regardless of the temperature at the bottom. ### Burgess Junction & the Descent to the Big Horn Basin At the byway's high point near Burgess Junction, the road crests the range and the entire Big Horn Basin opens up to the west. The descent toward Lovell and the western slope is its own experience — drier, more exposed, entirely different geology. If you're doing the full crossing, plan for a full day minimum. If you're based in Sheridan, the eastern ascent and return makes an extraordinary half-day trip. ## When to Drive — Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway Seasonal Guide Peak Season ### Summer (Late June – August) The byway is fully open. Wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows in July — some years extraordinary, always worth seeing. Temperatures at elevation run 20–30°F cooler than Sheridan. Bring layers regardless of the forecast at the bottom. Wildlife viewing is best early morning. The Medicine Wheel parking area fills by 10am on weekends — arrive by 8am or plan for a wait. Best Kept Secret ### Fall (September – Early October) Aspen gold hits the Bighorn foothills in mid-September. Elk bugling echoes through the upper drainages. The Medicine Wheel spur road closes for the season typically in October — check conditions with Bighorn National Forest before you go. Significantly fewer visitors. The light in September in these mountains is extraordinary. Check Conditions ### Shoulder (May – June) Snow lingers at elevation well into June some years. The lower sections of 14A open first. Check current road conditions at the Bighorn National Forest website before planning a high-elevation drive in May or early June. Wildflower season starts lower on the mountain as early as late May. ## Your Base Camp — Wyo Stays Cabins Near the Bighorn Scenic Byway The Medicine Wheel Passage is 27 miles of road worth at least a day. Most travelers drive it once and leave. The ones who base camp here drive it at different times of day — catching the morning light from the summit meadows, the late afternoon clouds building over the range, the evening gold on the canyon walls below. Wyo Stays manages vacation rental cabins near Sheridan Wyoming and the Bighorn Mountain corridor — the eastern gateway to the byway. Properties sit 15–30 minutes from the 14A entrance, with mountain views, real outdoor space, and a licensed local brokerage managing every detail. Book direct at wyostays.com and skip the Airbnb and VRBO service fees. Same properties. Better rate. Real Wyoming. ### Browse Byway Cabin Rentals Licensed Wyoming brokerage · Book direct, no fees · Local team on call [Check Availability](https://book.wyostays.com/theme/wyostays-affordable-airbnb-big-horn-mountains-scenic-byway)[Browse all Sheridan County properties →](https://wyostays.com) Wyo Stays is a licensed, insured Wyoming vacation rental brokerage. When you book direct, you get a local team accountable for your stay — not an automated platform. ## Driving the Bighorn Scenic Byway — Practical Tips from Locals 1 ### Start by 8am The Medicine Wheel parking area fills fast on summer weekends. An early start also puts you at elevation during the best wildlife window and gets you off the upper road before afternoon thunderstorms build — a daily occurrence July through August. 2 ### Dress for 30°F temperature drops It can be 85°F in Sheridan and 55°F and windy at the Medicine Wheel. A mid-layer and a windshell in the daypack are non-negotiable above 8,000 feet. 3 ### Fill the tank before you go There are no gas stations on US-14A between the foothills and Burgess Junction. Fill up in Sheridan, Ranchester, or Dayton before the climb. 4 ### Check the forest road to the Medicine Wheel The paved highway is reliable through the season. The unpaved spur to the Medicine Wheel parking area can be muddy or snow-covered. Check current conditions at the Bighorn National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/bighorn). 5 ### Give yourself a full day The byway is 27 miles but the elevation gain is 4,500 feet. Combined with stops at overlooks, the Medicine Wheel walk, and wildlife time, a full day out-and-back from Sheridan is the right pace. Rushing it is how people miss the point. ## Frequently Asked Questions — Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway ### What is the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway in Wyoming? The Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway — officially the Medicine Wheel Passage — is a 27-mile stretch of US Highway 14A climbing from the Bighorn foothills near Dayton and Ranchester Wyoming up to over 9,000 feet through Bighorn National Forest. The route passes the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark, alpine meadows, and sweeping views of the Big Horn Basin. It is one of Wyoming's most dramatic scenic drives and one of the most undervisited. ### Where can I stay along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway? Wyo Stays manages vacation rental cabins near Sheridan Wyoming and the Bighorn Mountain corridor — the eastern gateway to the Medicine Wheel Passage Scenic Byway. Properties in the Dayton and Ranchester area sit 15–20 minutes from the byway entrance. Book direct at wyostays.com — no platform fees, licensed Wyoming brokerage. ### When is the best time to drive the Bighorn Scenic Byway? Late June through mid-September offers the best conditions for the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway. Wildflowers peak in July. The upper elevations — above 8,000 feet — can see snow as late as June and as early as September. The road to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark (the final unpaved section) is typically accessible July through early October. Always check road conditions with the Bighorn National Forest before driving in shoulder seasons. ### What is the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark? The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is a prehistoric stone structure on a 9,642-foot ridge in the Bighorn National Forest — approximately 27 miles east of Lovell Wyoming along US-14A. The wheel is 80 feet in diameter with 28 spokes and is considered sacred by numerous Native American tribes. Access requires a 3-mile round-trip walk from the parking area. Visiting hours are seasonal — check the Bighorn National Forest website before planning your trip. ### How far is the Bighorn Scenic Byway from Sheridan Wyoming? The eastern entrance to the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway (Medicine Wheel Passage on US-14A) is approximately 30 minutes from downtown Sheridan Wyoming via I-90 north to Ranchester, then west on 14A into the Bighorns. Wyo Stays properties near Sheridan put you within easy driving distance for a full-day byway exploration or a staged multi-day drive across the mountain range. ### Is the Bighorn Scenic Byway suitable for all vehicles? US Highway 14A (the Medicine Wheel Passage) is paved the entire length and suitable for passenger vehicles. The spur road to the Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark is unpaved and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Large RVs and vehicles towing trailers should review the Bighorn National Forest vehicle size restrictions — steep grades and switchbacks make the upper sections challenging for large rigs. ### What wildlife can I see along the Bighorn Mountains Scenic Byway? The Bighorn National Forest along the scenic byway is home to elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, black bear, and moose in the higher drainages. Pronghorn antelope are common in the foothills below the byway entrance. Wildflower meadows in July attract diverse bird species. Early morning drives — before 9am — offer the best wildlife viewing odds. ## The Bighorns Are Closer Than You Think. And Better Than You've Heard. Thirty minutes from Sheridan, the Medicine Wheel Passage starts climbing. At the top, you'll have 100-mile views from a ridge that people have considered sacred for thousands of years. There are no crowds. There is no cell service. There is a cold drink waiting in Sheridan when you come back down. Book your Bighorn Mountains base camp direct — no platform fees, real local team, licensed Wyoming brokerage. We'll have the cabin ready. The byway will take care of the rest. [Find My Base Camp](https://book.wyostays.com/theme/wyostays-affordable-airbnb-big-horn-mountains-scenic-byway)[View all Wyo Stays properties →](https://wyostays.com) [Licensed Wyoming Brokerage ](/why-wyo-stays-sheridan-wyoming)[95+ Managed Properties ](https://book.wyostays.com/wyostays/theme/wyostays?sid=ndg-a__hfxk762a19&num_guests=1)[Book Direct — Save 16–20% ](/book-direct) 🏆 Airbnb Superhost 🏅 Airbnb Guest Favourite ★ VRBO Premier Partner ✓ Licensed WY Brokerage ✓ Fully Insured & Bonded 🏅 20 Under 40 Founder ![Wyo Stays logo](/assets/logo-mark-i6yhcujF.png) ### Wyo Stays Where Wyoming Stays. · Licensed Wyoming Real Estate Brokerage. 151 W Brundage St Sheridan, WY 82801 Don't take our word for it — [verify our license](https://online.wyrec.org/#/verifylicense) with the Wyoming Real Estate Commission. 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