Thus far, we have looked only at scenic bike routes that could be completed as relaxing day trips. However, if you are looking for a multi-day experience with some of the best scenery in America, you might consider a 230-mile tour in, around, and through the Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. This route is one of the most well known bike tours in the US.
The route is pretty simple to follow. You start in Buffalo, Wyoming, anywhere along Interstate 25 (SR 87). Buffalo has a good selection of comfortable hotels and motels that make a good place to rest before embarking on your journey.
You'll take Rt. 16 west out of Buffalo, heading straight for the Bighorn National Force. Rt. 16 turns directly south before heading west again. Eventually it turns south-west where you can pick up County Road 49. Take that to Highway 31 north, back to 16 north, and then Rt. 14 east into the town of Sheridan.
The Roads
If you are like most over the road bike riders, you will enjoy the different kinds of roads you encounter. This isn't one of those flat, straight routes like the old Route 66 in the Southwest. It is a combination of steep climbs, sharp turns, gentle hills, and a few straightaways here and there. Moreover, because most of the run takes place within the borders of a national forest, the roads are in tiptop condition.
There are a number of places where the road can be narrow, especially as you make your way through some of the mountain passes. At these spots, you'll want to be careful around the turns, being unable to see oncoming traffic in some cases. Overall, we expect you'll find the roads very enjoyable the whole way.
The Scenery
It goes without saying that the scenery is what makes this trip. You will take in mile after mile of open countryside dotted only by a few man-made structures every couple of miles. You will come around a corner and look straight into a gradual ascent through one of the local foothills, passing over the crest to see a beautiful valley with groves of trees and splendid prairie grass. It is absolutely breathtaking.
Those who love the mountain scenery will be pleased as well. There is no shortage of steep mountain passes with jagged rocks that remind you of certain locations in Colorado and New Mexico. But even in the mountain portions of the ride, the climbs and descents are easy to take.
The only thing lacking on this route are roadside amenities. There is not much to speak of outside of Buffalo, Sheridan and a couple of small towns in between. One recommended stop is Manderson, a tiny town with a population of no more than a couple hundred. You can also stop at Greybull or Basin. Other than that, the route is nothing but raw countryside. It is 230 miles of exquisite riding that you will remember for the rest of your life.
The best time to ride the Bighorn National Forest route is the summer season, for obvious reasons. If summer is not possible for you, early autumn is a better choice than the spring. You will definitely not be making the trip during the winter.
