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Wyoming Ranch Life among Wild Horses and Bighorn Sheep

September 27, 2026 - October 3, 2026

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Located within a day’s drive of major population centers, it offers camping, hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, canoeing, picnicking, and cave tours.

Precipitous canyon walls carved out by Layout Creek await you on this trip along with two water cascades and magnificent expansive views of the surrounding landscape. Layout creek descends off of the Pryor Mountains and eventually runs through the historic Ewing-Snell Ranch, where the group camp will be located, before it makes is final descent into the main channel canyon itself along the Lower Layout Creek Trail.

Volunteers will work on the Layout Creek Trail a 2.4-mile long trail with 1,500+ feet of elevation gain. Project work will include brushing, re-establishing sections of trail tread, the rehabilitation of user created trails in switchback areas, opening up waterfall viewsheds, and delineating sections of braided trail.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of around 68–72°F and lows of 42–48°F. Late September along Bighorn Canyon is pleasantly cool with generally dry conditions and only occasional light showers.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgement:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, Cheyenne, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Crow people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.

Register

Host

National Park Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will hike from the campsite to the worksite. The farthest distance camp to the furthest point of Upper Layout Creek Trail is 2.4 miles (4.8 miles round trip) and the elevation gain from camp will be 1,500+ feet. Work will primarily occur 1.2 miles in and beyond where the trail transitions into a traditional hiking trail with minimal width, steep side slopes, significant grades, and tops out at an elevation of approximately 5,600 feet.

Project Rating

Strenuous

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

7

Area and Attractions

Bighorn Canyon offers many opportunities to explore as the area is famous for its herds of wild horses, bighorn sheep, and its natural and cultural histories. The recreation area features 4 historic ranches, indigenous cultural sites, and incredible views into the colorful canyon from canyon rim overlooks and shorter hike opportunities. Bighorn Lake is the centerpiece of the recreation area and spans the Wyoming and Montana boundary. The canyon, which is the 3rd largest in the United States, carves through eons of canyon geology and there are opportunities to view it from both the rim and from various water accesses. The surrounding areas and mountains offer plenty more opportunities to explore and recreate. The town of Lovell is about a 30-minute one way drive from the campsite at Ewing-Snell Ranch for basic amenities, if needed.

Accommodations Description

Tent camping will be located at Ewing-Snell Ranch. There is a well sized area of flat grassy ground behind the historic orchard with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box on site. The vault toilet at Ewing-Snell is also within easy walking distance. The camp will not have Wi-Fi, power, or potable water. Water will be brought in to supply the camp as needed. Laundry and showers will available at the end of the week. The town of Lovell is about a 30-minute one way drive from Ewing-Snell Ranch for basic amenities, if needed. Volunteers need to bring their own tent and personal camping gear; sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Travel

Billings-Logan International Airport in Billings, MT is the closest airport. Airport pickup is provided. Scheduled pickup time is at 2pm on September 27. Scheduled drop-off time is at 10am on October 3.

Location

Private: Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
20 US Highway 14A East, Lovell, WY 82431 United States + Google Map