The Medicine Wheel is a mysterious, ancient Native American construction perched high in the Big Horn Mountains at 9,642 feet. Made of stones placed in a circle over 80 feet in diameter with spokes leading to a central cairn, the wheel is a revered spiritual site to many Native American tribes.
Getting there:
It’s 54 miles from the Lazy R Campground to the Medicine Wheel. This alternate day tour follows the same route as the Shell Falls tour as far as Burgess Junction, where you’ll take alternate US Highway 14A. From the Lazy R Campground, take Hwy 14 West from Lazy R to Burgess Junction. Turn right onto alternate US Hwy 14A at Burgess Junction and travel approximately 35 miles to Forest Road #12. Road 12 is a gravel road to the parking area. A one-mile hike to the Medicine Wheel is uphill at a moderate incline, which at 9,642 feet can be challenging.
Note: Getting to the Medicine Wheel requires traveling several miles on a gravel road not suitable for most RVs, trailers or low profile vehicles. US Highway 14A is closed during the winter months.