Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area has a fun mix of programs for July. Park officials are offering programs in geology, tours of the ranches, ranger programs and more that can be enjoyed in the South District of the park near Lovell.

Most Thursdays and Fridays in July visitors may find volunteer geologist Greg Jones roving the park and talking about the geology. On July 14, join Greg at the Stateline Trail at 6:30 p.m. for a program called Walk Across a Ancient Beach to The Canyon.

On July 28, join Greg at the Sullivan’s Knob trail at 9 a.m. to hike and experience his program, A Window into Geology.

Ranch tours of the four historic ranches at Bighorn Canyon are also featured. On July 7 and 21, volunteers Lynn Richardson and Mike Bridgeman will be at the Lockhart Ranch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will be giving tours as groups come to the ranch. 

Summer weather can be rainy and impact the road to the ranch. Check conditions at the visitor center in Lovell before heading to the tours.

Ranger programs include a July 7 program with ranger Lynn at the Ewing-Snell ranch at 10 a.m. for a plant scavenger hunt. Each participant will receive a brief overview of plants that can be found in the area and then it is up to the visitors to find them. The person with the most plants will get a gift from the Western National Parks Association.

On July 15, hike with Ranger Martin on the Upper Layout Creek Trail. You will walk through time as the ranger shares stories from the Bighorn Canyon ranching history. 

Participants should plan on meeting at the corrals at the Ewing-Snell ranch at 7 a.m. After a safety briefing, participants will carpool to the upper trailhead. 

This is a 4-mile round trip hike with over a 1,000-foot elevation gain. Hiking sticks are recommended as well as proper clothing, water, and snacks. 

Bighorn Lake conditions: Due to high water, there is a sizable amount of driftwood and other debris in the lake. In several turns of the lake there are driftwood rafts with large trees in them. These driftwood rafts can cause serious damage to props and lower units.

The maintenance crew is trying to get the Day Board 9 and Black Canyon docks, but they are running into some difficulties. All other facilities are open and ready.

If you have questions about programs in the South District, call the Bighorn Canyon Visitor Center at 307-548-5406.