Buffalo KOA

The Big Horn Mountains

The majestic Big Horn Mountains have a magnetic effect, drawing people to them because of their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Whether back packer, fisherman, rock climber, wildlife observer, skier or snowmobiler, you too can be drawn to the Big Horn Mountains. The highest peak, 13,175 foot Cloud Peak, named for its cloud capturing summit, reaches up into the clean, fresh, pure air toward the bluest of blue skies. U.S. Highway 16 West from Buffalo to Tensleep is one of the most scenic routes for viewing these majestic mountains and to gain access to many recreation options. This highway climbs the Big Horns to the mountain summit at 9,666 foot Powder River Pass, and is a favorite route to Yellowstone. Through this journey you are aware of the towering country of the Cloud Peak Wilderness to the north and west. Once you have seen this breathtaking beauty, you too will be a captive of the Big Horn Mountains and their memory will linger with you forever.

Custer’s Battlefield/Little Big Horn

The historic Little Big Horn Battlefield, where General George Armstrong Custer and his troops engaged the massive forces of approximately 5000 Indians from seven tribes in 1876, is located within a two hour drive from Buffalo. Bus tours of the battlefield explain the positions and actions of the combatants and a well stocked museum offers view of the battlefield, pictures and items collected from the area by researchers.

Hole In The Wall/Butch Cassidy Outlaw Cave

Located on state land in the lush valley between the Red Wall and the Big Horn Mountains, the Hole in the Wall’s limited access made a natural hideout for cattle rustlers and thieves. The “Hole” was the supposed hideout for Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and the Wild Bunch.

Indian Rock Art Cave

The cave is located on Bureau of Land Management/Public Lands. There are 17 motifs of late prehistoric fine line work. A large warrior figure plus others are visible on the ceilings of the cave.

Crazy Woman Canyon

This scenic canyon joins Highway 16 with Highway 196 south of Buffalo. Legend say the canyon was named after a white woman, who became deranged following a brutal attack on her camp, which was along the bank of Crazy Woman Creek. The drive through this spectacular canyon will take approximately one hour. Numerous picnic areas are located throughout the canyon.

Dry Creek Petrified Tree Area

The Bureau of Land Management maintains a visitors walking trail around the petrified tree area. The petrified stumps, which were once cypress trees, tell an interesting story of how time affects nature.

Fort Phil Kearney

Fort Phil Kearney was built on the Bozeman Trail. It was located in the heart of the Sioux Indian hunting grounds, between Fort Laramie and the Montana gold fields. Many clashes with the Sioux, Arapaho and Cheyenne tribes in the area gave Fort Phil Kearney the bloodiest history of any fort in the West. In 1868 the fort was abandoned and then burned by the Indians. The fort and visitor’s center are located 17 miles north of Buffalo off I-90 and U.S. 87.