Crooked Creek Plateau

The Crooked Creek Plateau Trail begins from an informal trailhead along Crooked Creek Road, west of the canyon rim in Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. From the parking area, the route follows an unmarked path across open rangeland before gradually climbing through juniper-studded terrain toward the canyon’s edge. At a faint junction with an old two-track, veer right and continue toward the high plateau. As the trail gains elevation, expect occasional Class 2 scrambling on rocky sections and long stretches of full sun exposure. Once on the plateau, the route levels out and traverses wide expanses of grassland, broken by scattered rock outcrops and seasonal springs. The views east toward Bighorn Canyon are expansive, with sheer sandstone walls dropping thousands of feet to the river below. Wildlife sightings are common—wild horses often graze near the rim, and raptors soar overhead. There are no reliable water sources along this route, and trail markings are minimal. This high-elevation route rewards prepared hikers with solitude, big sky scenery, and a commanding vantage over one of the most remote areas in the canyon.