Medicine Wheel
4.8(317)google
ArchaeologyFolk CultureMountainSecluded & Uncrowded
Overview
Medicine wheels are petroforms or circular formations of rocks on the land. Historically, most medicine wheels followed a similar pattern of a central circle or cluster of stones, surrounded by an outer ring of stones, along with spokes radiating from the center out to the surrounding ring. Often, but not always, the spokes may be aligned to the cardinal directions (East, South, West, and North).
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeDue to its high elevation near 10,000 feet, this sacred site is only accessible during short summer months (mid-June to mid-September). Clear mornings or middays are ideal when mountain winds are calmer, providing crisp visibility of the ancient stone structure and panoramic peaks.
Getting ThereSituated atop the Bighorn National Forest. Driving is the only method; navigate the steep, winding US-14A highway, then turn onto Forest Road 12 to the parking area. From the lot, visitors must complete a mandatory 1.5-mile unpaved hike (one-way) to reach the sacred site.
Travel Tips
- Perched near 10,000 feet in the Bighorn Mountains, Forest Road 12 to the site is entirely locked and snowed-in from November to mid-June. Severe high-altitude blizzards can strike mid-summer; check active USFS rangers' logs before attempting the drive.
- Reaching the stone circle requires a mandatory, unpaved 3-mile round-trip hike from the gated parking area. The extreme altitude thin air triggers acute mountain sickness for non-acclimatized hikers; walk slowly and carry insulated hydration flasks.
- This is an active Native American sacred site. It is a federal offense to touch, cross, or step on the protective rope perimeter or disturb spiritual offerings like prayer cloths and feathers. Commercial filming, loud shouting, and flying drones are legally banned.
Reviews
Positive
- This giant mystical Native stone wheel sits at nearly 10,000 feet, radiating a sacred, solemn spiritual energy.
- The hike rewards you with grand sweeping views of the Bighorn Basin, and the mountain summit is dotted with gorgeous alpine wildflowers.
- Dedicated national park rangers are stationed on-site, sharing deep insights into its history and Native beliefs for free.
- The site is draped with native prayer cloths and offerings, with zero commercial pollution, keeping its pure religious and historic dignity.
Heads up
- Reaching the stone circle requires a 1.5-mile uphill gravel hike; due to the high altitude, average visitors will feel winded and strained.
- To respect the sacred site, thick boundary ropes are set up; visitors can only view from an outer loop and are strictly barred from touching stones.
- Due to harsh mountain weather, its open window is tiny—typically mid-June to mid-September—with the road snowed in otherwise.
- The summit restroom is just a basic eco pit toilet with pungent odors on windy days, and there are zero modern shelters from storms.