- Bighorn Mountains
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a mountain range in N Wyoming, part of the Rocky Mountains. Highest peak, Cloud Peak, 13,165 ft. (4013 m). Also called Bighorns.
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Mountain range, southern Montana and northern Wyoming, U.S. It is a range of the northern Rocky Mountains extending 120 mi (193 km), rising abruptly 4,000–5,000 ft (1,200–1,500 m) above the Great Plains and Bighorn Basin.The highest summit is Wyoming's Cloud Peak, at 13,165 ft (4,013 m). Bighorn National Forest covers part of the range. On Medicine Mountain is the Medicine Wheel, a prehistoric stone-spoked circle 70 ft (20 m) in diameter.* * *
range of the northern Rocky Mountains in southern Montana, U.S., extending southeastward in an anticlinal arch across north-central Wyoming for 120 miles (193 km). Varying in width between 30 and 50 miles (50 and 80 km), the mountains rise abruptly 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 m) above the surrounding Great Plains and Bighorn Basin. Their average height is 8,000 to 13,000 feet (2,400 to 4,000 m), with the highest point being Cloud Peak (13,165 feet [4,013 m]) in Wyoming. In addition to the unique geologic formations, the scenic beauty of the mountain slopes is enhanced by the pine, fir, and spruce of the Bighorn National Forest. Hunting, camping, and fishing are popular in the area. The Powder River rises in several headstreams in the southern foothills. On Medicine Mountain is the “Medicine Wheel,” a prehistoric relic constructed of rough stones laid side by side, forming a circle 70 feet (20 m) in diameter with 28 spokes leading from the centre hub, which is about 12 feet (3.5 m) in diameter.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
