Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark

Perched at a breathtaking elevation of 9,642 feet on the western peak of Medicine Mountain, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a sacred sanctuary that offers the priceless gift of perspective. To stand before this 75-foot diameter alignment of stone—which has been part of the alpine landscape for nearly 7,000 years—is to disconnect from the frantic noise of modern life and reconnect with the profound, ancient rhythms of the Earth.

A Sacred Connection

This site is far more than an archaeological marvel; it is a living "vision quest" landscape. As you wander through the Bighorn National Forest to reach the wheel, you are invited to shed the baggage of the daily grind and enter a space where peace and tranquility have been cultivated for millennia. The complex includes:

• Ancient Traditions: Ceremonial staging areas, altars, and fasting enclosures that reflect thousands of years of Indigenous adaptation and spirituality.

• The "Type Site": As the most well-preserved ancient Native American sacred site complex in North America, it serves as the foundational model for medicine wheels across the continent.

The Journey Toward Peace

The trek to the Medicine Wheel is an adventure in the simplest aspects of life. The two-mile walk from the parking area to the summit serves as a moving meditation, allowing you to reset your mind while surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Bighorn Range.

• Plan Your Visit: The site is open from mid-June through mid-September, during daylight hours only. Because this remains a site of active prayer and ceremony, the wheel occasionally closes for short periods to allow for traditional use.

• Respect the Sanctuary: To preserve the tranquility of this sacred space, group sizes are limited to 25 people. There are no facilities or camping on-site, ensuring the land remains a pristine "wooded oasis" (and alpine tundra) for all who seek its wisdom.

When you visit, let the thin, mountain air clear your thoughts and the ancient stones remind you that you are part of a beautiful, enduring journey.