Sacred Medicine Wheel of the Bighorns

Two weeks ago, while visiting the museum in Riverton, we were told to visit the Medicine Wheel National Historical Site on top of the Bighorn Mountains.  Put it on our list to do if we can figure out how to get there.  Since we were at the base of the Bighorns visiting the Bighorn Canyon, and the mountain was right above us, let's do it.  SO so glad we did not bring the RV up here - the road up was so steep!  And, where the Medicine Wheel is located, RVs are not allowed.

We begin our climb to 9500 feet

Zigzagged up 

Snow - and - FAA building up on top right

Traveled up the Bighorn Scenic Byway to where the Medicine Wheel is located.  Snow still clings to the sides of the mountains in places, temperature about 25 degrees cooler than when we started.  Altitude was 9500 at the parking lot/ranger check in and the ranger said we would gain only 60 feet, but would have to hike 1 1/2 miles to get to the Wheel.  Did not seem too big of a deal so we decided to do it.  Phew, altitude got me.  

The wildflowers - every color you could imagine!

The wildflowers along the way - truly beautiful.  Some where phosphorescent in color, so stunning.  The dirt roadway was flat, a couple of granite stones to contend with, but we did it.  Approached the Medicine Wheel with reverence, this is a very sacred place to Native Americans.  The wheel is 80 feet in diameter with 28 spokes (stone lines) radiating out of the center.  This wheel has been dated to sometime around 1200 AD, not sure who or why, but to the Native American Indians, this is a sacred place.

The start of our walk - snow pack ahead on left

Prayer bundles, spirit bundles hang from the ropes surrounding the wheel.  Saw feathers, animal skulls, a dog's tail, beadwork, dream catcher, dolls, jewelry, so much.  Had a chance to talk with the ranger at the Wheel and she said that on July 4th there were 6 ceremonies, all were public, but sometimes she said that the ceremonies are private which means who ever is visiting at the time must vacate and leave the wheel while the private ceremony is conducted.  Sometimes there ceremonies are large groups of Native Americans, sometimes it is only 1 person.  Most ceremonies are public, the person wants to share their culture with who ever is visiting.  The Medicine Wheel is only open from May to September - winter comes to the mountains early here. 

FAA watching

First glimpse of the Medicine Wheel

Just amazing to see

Noticed an animal skull near center

On the way down we observed a number of marmots feeding on the rocks and grass.  At one point a pika came scurrying by but did not want it's picture taken.

Fat marmot