With nature in full bloom, perfect weather, and an abundance of outdoor activities, this month offers an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those simply looking to escape into the wilderness. Whether you're hiking through lush trails, casting a line in pristine waters, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the mountains, June presents the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Here’s why June is the best time to visit our lodge in the Bighorn Mountains.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting in June is the fantastic weather. The lingering chill of winter has faded, and the intense summer heat has yet to set in. Daytime temperatures typically range between 50°F and 75°F, providing a comfortable climate for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and exploring the great outdoors. The evenings are cool but not frigid, making for perfect nights around a crackling campfire under a starlit sky.
Cool, crisp mornings make for invigorating hikes, while warm afternoons are perfect for a relaxing picnic by a mountain stream. The lower humidity levels also mean clearer skies, offering breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and lush valleys. The mild conditions also ensure that strenuous activities like hiking and biking are more enjoyable, allowing you to cover longer distances without the fatigue that comes with extreme temperatures.
June marks the peak of the spring bloom in the Bighorn Mountains. The meadows burst into a vibrant display of wildflowers, with Indian paintbrush, lupines, and columbines painting the landscape in hues of red, purple, and yellow. The forests are lush and green, teeming with life as wildlife becomes more active after the long winter months. The aroma of fresh pine and blooming flowers fills the air, creating an immersive sensory experience that heightens the joy of being in nature.
Birdwatchers will find this an especially rewarding time, as migratory birds return and fill the air with song. Hummingbirds dart from flower to flower, while eagles and hawks soar above the mountain ridges. Deer, elk, and even moose are frequently spotted near the lodge, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observation. If you're lucky, you may even see a newborn fawn or a mother bear with her cubs exploring their surroundings for the first time.
While summer travelers begin to arrive, June remains one of the quieter months in the Bighorns compared to the peak tourist season of July and August. This means you can enjoy the trails, lakes, and scenic overlooks without the crowds, making for a more peaceful and immersive experience in nature. Imagine having an entire trail to yourself, where the only sounds you hear are the rustling leaves and the distant call of a bird of prey.
For those seeking solitude or a romantic getaway, June offers the perfect balance of accessibility and tranquility, allowing you to enjoy nature’s wonders without the distractions of a bustling tourist season. Whether you're reading a book by the river, meditating on a mountaintop, or simply soaking in the views from your cabin porch, the stillness of June enhances the overall experience.
The Bighorn Mountains boast an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes. In June, these trails are at their best—snow has melted from most lower and mid-elevation paths, revealing lush greenery and rushing waterfalls. The sound of flowing water from melting snow adds a soothing background to your trek, making each step feel refreshing.
Popular trails like the Tongue River Canyon, Medicine Wheel Passage, and Cloud Peak Wilderness routes are particularly stunning this time of year. The moderate temperatures and lack of excessive mud or dust make for the perfect hiking conditions. For those seeking a challenge, higher elevation trails may still have some snow patches, adding a unique and adventurous element to your trek.
Anglers will find June to be one of the best months for fishing in the Bighorn Mountains. As the snowmelt feeds into the rivers and lakes, fish become more active, making for an exciting and productive fishing experience. The clear waters are teeming with trout, including brook, rainbow, and cutthroat varieties. The combination of melting snow and increased water flow means fish are biting, and anglers can enjoy a rewarding day by the water.
Whether you prefer fly fishing in mountain streams or casting a line in an alpine lake, the opportunities are plentiful. Our lodge provides access to some of the best fishing spots in the region, ensuring a memorable experience for anglers of all skill levels. Even if you’re a beginner, our expert guides can help you refine your technique and increase your chances of landing a trophy catch.
June is the best time to witness the waterfalls and rivers of the Bighorn Mountains in their full glory. With the melting snow feeding the waterways, the region’s waterfalls are at their most powerful and breathtaking. The rushing water creates misty rainbows in the afternoon sun, adding a magical element to the landscape.
Shell Falls, Porcupine Falls, and other cascading wonders are must-visit spots this time of year. The sound of rushing water combined with the fresh mountain air creates a refreshing and invigorating experience, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic by a waterfall for an unforgettable moment of tranquility.
With the summer solstice in June, the days are at their longest, providing more daylight hours to explore and enjoy the outdoors. Sunrise comes early, and sunset doesn’t arrive until late in the evening, giving you ample time to hike, fish, ride, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty around you. This means more time to enjoy every aspect of the Bighorn Mountains without feeling rushed.
The extended daylight also makes for some spectacular sunsets, with the sky painted in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips behind the mountains. It’s the perfect way to end an adventurous day—perhaps with a warm drink in hand, watching the sky transform into a masterpiece.
June is an incredible time for wildlife enthusiasts. The warming temperatures and abundant food sources mean that animals are more active, making sightings more frequent. With binoculars or a camera, you’ll have plenty of chances to observe the fascinating behaviors of mountain wildlife in their natural habitat.
Elk, deer, moose, and black bears can often be spotted in the meadows and forests. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a mountain lion or bobcat from a safe distance. Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting eagles, hawks, and a variety of songbirds returning to their summer habitats.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat before the peak summer crowds arrive, June is the perfect month to visit. Our lodge offers cozy accommodations, delicious home-cooked meals, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home in the heart of the mountains.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape into nature, June provides the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s a time to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with the great outdoors.
June in the Bighorn Mountains is truly a special time, and our adventure lodge is the perfect basecamp for your outdoor explorations. From breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures to serene moments in nature, this month offers the best of everything the mountains have to offer.
Don’t miss out on this incredible season—book your stay with us today and experience the magic of June in the Bighorn Mountains!