52 Weeks of Fun

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Wyoming Historical Society

Bighorn Medicine Wheel

Situated atop Medicine Mountain in Wyoming's Bighorn National Forest, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to ancient wisdom and spiritual connection. This sacred site, estimated to be over 700 years old, draws visitors from around the world who seek to experience its powerful energy and contemplate its mysteries.

Approaching the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, one is struck by its stark beauty against the backdrop of the rugged mountain landscape. The wheel itself is a circular arrangement of stones, with 28 spokes radiating from a central cairn. Various cairns and alignments within the wheel are believed to hold astronomical significance, suggesting that the site was used for observing celestial events and marking the passage of time.

Visitors to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel often report a sense of peace and tranquility, as well as a heightened awareness of their surroundings. Some describe feeling a connection to the ancient people who built the wheel, while others simply appreciate the opportunity to reflect in such a serene and inspiring setting. The site is considered sacred by many Native American tribes, and visitors are encouraged to approach it with respect and reverence.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Bighorn Mountains. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles, taking in the majesty of the peaks and valleys that stretch out below. The hike to the wheel is moderately challenging, but the reward of reaching this ancient site and experiencing its unique energy is well worth the effort.

A visit to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a journey of both physical and spiritual exploration. It is a chance to connect with the natural world, contemplate the mysteries of the universe, and gain a deeper appreciation for the wisdom of those who came before us.

Stanford Solar Center
Trip Advisor

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Bighorn Medicine Wheel

In the 1970s, Astronomer John Eddy also noticed that some of the wheel's spokes pinpoint the direction of the sunrise on different solstices, and other spokes mark the rising point of other stars, suggesting the site may have once been an observatory.

Attraction Advice

The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is accessible daily from mid-June through mid-September, depending on winter conditions. Admission is free. The walk from the lower parking lot and interpreter's cabin to the Medicine Wheel is roughly 1.5 miles each way (three miles round trip).



Association of American Indian Affairs

The Medicine Wheel, consisting of a large circular arrangement of stones with spokes resembling a wheel, is believed to be over 700 years old, making it one of the oldest known archaeological sites in North America.
Cody Wyoming

The site continues to be used for spiritual and ceremonial purposes by Native American tribes and visitors are encouraged to respect the sanctity of the site and be mindful of ongoing ceremonies.
Trip Advisor

The Medicine Wheel is a sacred Native American site that has been used for centuries for spiritual and ceremonial purposes by various Native American tribes, including the Crow, Lakota, and Cheyenne.
Trip Advisor

Along the trail and at the site, interpretive signs provide information about the history, cultural significance, and geology of the Medicine Wheel.

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