Must See: Crazy Woman Canyon

Written By: Sarah Reish

We love exploring Wyoming and this adventure was outstanding, amazing, beautiful and we cannot wait to head back. Numerous readers and people we have met on our travels keep telling us we have to drive Crazy Woman Canyon in Bighorn National Forest and we heard you! So, on this last trip we rerouted our drive home to ensure we included the canyon in this months issue. 

The History

The history is as interesting and mysterious as the drive is beautiful. There are many legends about how the canyon received its name, Crazy Woman Canyon, we will focus on two. It is unknown which legend is true. The first is of an Indian woman who was left alone to live in her teepee. After being left alone for such a long period of time she went insane - thus leading to the naming of the canyon. The second and more common legend is that of the heartbreak a woman experience after she witnessed the capture and murder of her husband. She lived on, but alone. After her tragic loss and years of solitude she eventually lost her mind living out her life alone in the Bighorn Mountains. 

Things To Note

You can drive Crazy Woman Canyon on Bighorn National Forest Rd. 33; however, this is a one lane dirt road that is just over 13 miles. Low clearance vehicles should avoid this route, while it isn’t so rough to be considered off roading - the road does have narrow and rough areas that low clearance vehicles may struggle navigating. Speaking of narrow roadway, large vehicles and trailers will be unable to navigate the roads. Signs are posted stating no trailers.

Driving Crazy Woman Canyon

The dirt road is nestled along Crazy Woman River and follows the flowing water through the Bighorns. The Road twists and turns making its way through the canyon while stone walls cradle the route by rising majestically overhead. There are many unique features that make this such a stunning drive, one being that with each turn an entire new landscape comes into view. There are magnificent rock formations and we pulled over quite often to explore, take photos and get a close look at everything. From start to finish this 13 mile drive is magnificent. 

Camping in Crazy Woman Canyon

This is the Bighorns, so of course there is camping! There are amazing camping spots in Crazy Woman Canyon that are situated along this 13 mile dirt road. Some smaller than others, but being in the Bighorns no two sites are the same nor have the same views. Most spots are directly off the trail. You will note them as there will be small pull-offs. Please take note of the any posted fire restrictions. When we drove through there were restrictions in place. 

Hit the road! 

This needs to be on your roadtrip, weekend get a ways, and any other list you are keeping. It truly is a gem and a treasure of Wyoming! Get in your car and go check it out. Be sure to take photos and when you post them on social media tag us @LiveWYldMag and use #LiveWYld