Bighorn Scenic Byway: Camping, road trips & tips

What should you know before visiting Bighorn Scenic Byway?

No toll roads expected for a car.

The byway is 47 miles long and climbs over Granite Pass at 9,033 feet. It has mountain switchbacks, tight canyons with sharp corners and drop-offs.
No official length or weight limits for this route were found. The Wyoming Highway Patrol calls the Bighorn roads steep (grades of 8 to 10 percent in places) and not ideal for over-length loads; use low gears downhill.
Shell Creek Campground is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and can be booked through Recreation.gov. It is gated after the season ends.

The drive

The trip usually starts in Sheridan; Dayton lies about 6.5 miles before the official start. The road climbs through Bighorn National Forest to Granite Pass, with stops such as Burgess Junction. It then drops through Shell Canyon past Shell Falls and ends at Greybull. The corners are sharp and there are drop-offs. The Burgess Junction visitor center is listed as open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Camping

Shell Creek Campground lies about 17 miles east of Shell on US 14, then 1.2 miles south on Forest Road 17, at 7,500 feet. It is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting, and gated afterwards. Book through Recreation.gov. The Forest Service page gives no RV length limit, so ask the district office. For dispersed camping rules in Bighorn National Forest, ask the Forest Service.

FAQs

How long is the Bighorn Scenic Byway?

The byway is 47 miles long and runs from Dayton to Greybull. With stops at viewpoints and Shell Falls, allow a few hours.

How high is Granite Pass?

Granite Pass is at 9,033 feet. At that height weather can change quickly even in summer, so check forecasts and road conditions beforehand.

Are there vehicle restrictions?

No formal length limits were found. The Wyoming Highway Patrol describes the roads as steep, narrow and winding, with 8 to 10 percent grades. US 14A, the neighboring road from Burgess Junction, closes seasonally in winter; US 14 is the alternative WYDOT names. Check WYDOT before you go.