Connect with Earth and Sky at This National Landmark in Wyoming

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is an ancient stone circle. It sits on top of Medicine Mountain in the Bighorn National Forest near Lovell, Wyoming. Travelers know it as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1970. The simple stone pattern at the medicine wheel has attracted visitors to the high plains of Wyoming for over a century.

What Is the Medicine Wheel?

The wheel is made of white limestone stones set on bedrock. The circle is about 80 feet wide. Twenty-eight stone “spokes” stretch from the outer ring to a central rock pile. Six more piles of stones sit near the rim. The main cairn in the middle is about 10 feet across. The wheel stands at 9,642 feet above sea level, near the summit of Medicine Mountain.

A Glimpse into History

No single Native American tribe claims to have built the wheel. Elders from the Crow Nation say it was already there when their ancestors arrived. A carbon date on a piece of wood found there shows the medicine wheel is at least 250 years old. Clues in the rocks hint that people used the wheel for ceremonies, for marking time, and for wise “talks with the land.”  The medicine wheel remains a place of respect for Native Americans today.

Astronomy and the Stones

Some of the stones at the wheel line up with the sunrise on the summer solstice. Other stones point toward bright stars like Sirius and Aldebaran. With these alignments, people could track seasons and mark special days. The wheel is one of only five known astronomical medicine wheels in the Rocky Mountains. It shows how ancient people studied the sky and linked earth to stars.

Cultural Significance

Today, Native Americans still use the wheel for prayers and ceremonies. It is sacred to many Native American nations. The Crow people call it “Annáshisee,” meaning “Large campsite.” Because the wheel is considered sacred, it is respectful to stay on marked paths, to not move or take any stones, and to avoid making noise. Respect like this helps keep the place special.

Visiting the Bighorn Medicine Wheel

To find the wheel, drive along U.S. Highway 14A east of Lovell, Wyoming. Turn onto Forest Service Road 12 and go north for three miles to reach the lower parking area. Along this road, you will pass pine forests and mountain meadows. In summer, yellow and purple wildflowers bloom next to the path. Deer and other wildlife may cross the road. From the parking lot, walk 1.5 miles along a gravel road to the site. The path is gentle but the high altitude can feel steep. The site is open from mid-June to September. It is typically open from 8 AM to 5 PM, weather permitting. There is no fee to visit. It can be useful to check ahead for any closures for ceremonies.

It would also be useful to bring a small daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen and warm layers. Strong, sturdy shoes are recommended. The air at the medicine wheel is thin. Taking your time and moving at your own pace will make any visit more enjoyable.

Why You Should Visit

Visiting the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is an adventure in history. It is like standing among stones that have watched the sky for centuries. You can feel the wind and admire clear views of forests and mountain peaks. Camping and fishing spots are nearby in the national forest. After visiting the medicine wheel, look up at the night sky. The stars are clearer and shine more brightly away from city lights. Do plan your trip and step into a place where nature and human wonder meet: Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Wyoming.