Explore ancient Buffalo Tongue Rock, limestone chunks, an Indian stone circle and Medicine Wheel, nature trails, a granite chasm, waterfalls, and colorful carved cliffs.
The sixty-mile drive on U.S. 14 from Dayton to Shell takes approximately 2 hours. The highway is occasionally closed in the winter. Head west on U.S. 14 from Dayton and follow the Tongue River as it runs toward the Big Horn Mountains.
On your way to the Little Tongue River Canyon, pull over at the Sand Turn Pullout to watch Buffalo Tongue Rock. This is one of the rock layers that slanted as the Big Horn Mountains rose around 2.9 billion years ago. At the Little Tongue River Canyon, pull over at the Fallen City turnout to view huge limestone chunks that fell from the ridgeline along the canyon. To find the ancient Indian stone circle and Medicine Wheel, take the hour tour up U.S. 14A.
Staying on U.S. 14 takes you to Granite Pass, at 9,033 feet. Descend to Shell Canyon and pay a visit at the Shell Falls Interpretive Site. A self-guided nature track the length of the granite chasm overlooks the falls. Driving below the falls, you will pass roadside exhibits that display where Bighorn Sheep congregate during winter. Past here, Shell Creek has carved cliffs of beige, orange, pink, and reddish brown. You leave the western side of the Big Horn Mountains and drive into Shell about 2 hours later.
Starting Point:
Dayton, WY
Distance of Drive:
58 miles
Must Eat:
Branding Iron Steak House
517 Main Street, Dayton, WY 82836
Phone: 307-655-2334
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Steaks
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Buffalo Tongue Rock
Shell Falls Interpretive Site
Tagged with: best time:spring and fall • limestone • mountains • Wyoming
Filed under: Best Road Trips