U.S. Forest Service - Bighorn National Forest

06/02/2026

Construction on Red Grade Road/Big Goose Road access to the Bighorn National Forest is expected to begin the week of June 15. This U.S. Federal Highway Administration and Sheridan County–led project will include temporary road closures during work hours.

During the May 18 preconstruction meeting, officials shared the following (subject to change):
• Temporary closures are planned Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–6 p.m.
• Equipment and materials have already begun mobilizing to the site.
• Survey work is expected to begin around the first week of June.
• Traffic control will be in place starting the week of June 15.

Thank you for your patience!

06/01/2026

Join Bighorn National Forest and Wyoming Game and Fish fisheries biologists for our annual Kids Fishing Day at Bear Lodge Pond off U.S. Highway 14 on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kids of all ages are welcome. Please note: Children 14 and older must have a valid Wyoming Fishing License. License requirements for youth under 14 vary by residency status, so please consult the 2026 Wyoming Fishing Regulations.
Free lunch will be provided thanks to our partners at Trout Unlimited and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. Participants should bring their own equipment, water, snacks, sunscreen and other items for a day of fishing.

This fun, family-friendly event is brought to you by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Powder River Basin Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Bighorn National Forest. We hope to see you there!

Photos of 2025 Kids Fishing Day, Bear Lodge Pond, courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish Department

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Due to freezing temperatures expected over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the opening of Burgess and Leigh Creek dump stations will be delayed. The forest facilities crew expects these sites to open later next week. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause visitors. This delay will help prevent damage and costly repairs.

2023 photo Leigh Creek dump station.

05/19/2026

June 6 is ! Activate your local community and join the nationwide movement to give back to trails! Whether you’re cleaning up public lands, volunteering for trail maintenance, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, your efforts make a lasting impact.

National Trails Day® is a time to connect with people near you who share your love of being outside!

Find a local event and take the National Trails Day® pledge. bit.ly/trails-day

05/18/2026

Tongue River Canyon Trail is open again following the late‑April rockslide. Crews have built new tread through and around the slide area, but livestock is not recommended at this time due to soft shoulders and a narrow path. Additional work is planned to continue improving the trail and bring it fully back to standard. Enjoy your hike and stay safe out there!

04/29/2026

Bighorn National Forest and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) staff are developing a plan to reopen Tongue River Canyon Trail. A large band of rock broke into slabs and fell on the trail, blocking access and causing significant damage to the trail on April 23, 2026. The trail remains closed on WGFD land until the debris can be suitably cleared. The trailhead and access points downstream of the trailhead remain open.

04/25/2026

Tongue River Canyon trail 002 is closed on Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) land due to a rockslide. Forest Service and WGFD staff were on-site today, April 24, 2026, assessing trail damage and beginning to clear debris. Updates will be shared early next week.

04/23/2026

The Bighorn National Forest just received a report of a rock slide on the Tongue River Canyon Trail 002. The slide is about ½ of a mile west of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department Trailhead on the trail. Crews are planning to be onsite tomorrow morning to assess the situation and attempt repairs.

It is best to avoid traveling in canyons during precipitation events or during spring snow runoff. Soils become saturated and can be unstable, releasing rocks without warning.

04/13/2026

With the warm, dry winter, snow is coming off quickly in the Bighorns. However, travel regulations will not change to open routes earlier than stated in the Motor Vehicle Use Map and additional closures may be marked on the ground. Roads and trails are most vulnerable in the Spring because wet conditions make it easier to displace soils and damage the route. If you choose to drive Forest roads, always stay on the designated route, and do not attempt to drive around muddy spots or snowdrifts. This causes damage and is illegal. Please continue to respect road and trail seasonal closures, even if you think the route looks suitable. The intent of some seasonal closures is to protect wildlife.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/bighorn/maps-guides/motor-vehicle-use-map

Forest Service photo taken April 6, 2026