Bighorn Medicine Wheel in Lovell, Wyoming
Perched at an impressive elevation of 9,462 feet, near the summit of Medicine Mountain, resides a captivating and enigmatic landmark: the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. This ancient structure graces the landscape of the Bighorn National Forest in north-central Wyoming, beckoning travelers and researchers alike to unravel its mysteries and contemplate its profound significance.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel stands as a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual connection of its creators. Constructed from locally sourced white limestone, the wheel is meticulously laid upon a bedrock of gently sloping limestone. Its circular design spans an impressive 82 feet in diameter, featuring a captivating arrangement of 28 spokes that radiate from the center to the outer rim. Adding to its mystique, the wheel incorporates a series of seven stone circles, also known as cairns. Six of these cairns are strategically positioned at or near the rim, while a larger cairn, measuring approximately 12 feet in diameter, commands attention at the very heart of the structure.
Estimating the age of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel has proven to be a complex and challenging endeavor, with proposed timelines spanning from a few hundred years to over three millennia. While pinpointing its exact origins remains elusive, archaeological evidence suggests that the cultural history of the Bighorn Mountains stretches back over 10,000 years. Oral histories passed down through generations of Native American tribes further emphasize the antiquity of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, portraying it as a legacy of distant ancestors. The most definitive scientific data obtained to date comes from a tree-dating sample derived from wood incorporated into the western cairn, revealing a latest growth ring dating back to 1760 CE. Furthermore, artifacts and other archaeological discoveries clearly indicate that Native Americans have frequented the Medicine Wheel for nearly 7,000 years, highlighting its enduring importance as a sacred site.
Intriguingly, no specific indigenous group has definitively claimed to be the builders of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel. The Crow people, whose ancestral lands encompass the site, maintain that the wheel was already present when they arrived in the region. Similarly, oral traditions from various indigenous nations describe the Bighorn Medicine Wheel as a creation of "ancient ancestors," further shrouding its origins in mystery and intrigue. This lack of definitive attribution only adds to the allure and enigmatic nature of this ancient monument.
More than just an archaeological curiosity, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel serves as both a place of profound sacred ceremony and a subject of rigorous scientific inquiry. It embodies the intersection of spiritual practice and intellectual exploration, inviting individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with its mysteries and contemplate its significance. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel is a place of wonder and respect.
For centuries, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel has held a special place in the traditions of the Crow people, serving as a site for fasting and vision quests undertaken by young individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Beyond the Crow, numerous other tribes, including the Arapaho, Bannock, Blackfeet, Cheyenne, Kootenai-Salish, Lakota Sioux, Plains Cree, and Shoshone, have also journeyed to the Bighorn Medicine Wheel to offer thanks, seek healing, and participate in various tribal ceremonies. This widespread usage underscores the Medicine Wheel’s significance as a pan-tribal sacred site, attracting individuals from across the region to connect with its spiritual power.
Native American spiritual practices emphasize the importance of specific areas within the landscape for different activities, including staging, approach, ceremonies, prayer, vision questing, camping, and medicinal plant gathering. Ethnographic accounts from Native American communities refer to the Medicine Wheel as the "altar" for the Medicine Mountain complex, highlighting its central role in ceremonial and spiritual functions. This designation underscores the Bighorn Medicine Wheel’s significance as a focal point for religious expression and connection to the natural world. The Bighorn Medicine Wheel continues to be a site of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal for many Native Americans today.
In the 1970s, astronomer John Eddy made a groundbreaking observation, noting that certain spokes of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel align with the direction of the sunrise on different solstices. Furthermore, he discovered that other spokes mark the rising point of specific stars, suggesting that the site may have once served as an astronomical observatory. These findings sparked intense speculation about the knowledge and capabilities of the wheel’s builders, raising questions about their understanding of celestial movements and their potential use of the site for tracking astronomical events. Despite these intriguing discoveries, the identity of the original builders remains an enduring mystery.
While numerous medicine wheels have been discovered throughout North America, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel stands out for its impressive size and intricate design. As the largest known medicine wheel, it serves as a remarkable example of ancient engineering and astronomical knowledge. Its prominence among similar structures further solidifies its importance as a significant cultural and historical landmark.
Recognizing its profound historical and cultural significance, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel was designated a National Historic Landmark in August 1970. In 2011, its designation was updated to Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, reflecting the importance of the broader landscape surrounding the wheel. This designation underscores the importance of preserving and protecting this sacred site for future generations.
The National Historic Landmark encompasses a vast area of 4,080 acres, encompassing not only the Medicine Wheel itself but also a high concentration of natural formations and vistas considered integral cultural features. These include traditional use areas and associated archaeological sites, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance that defines the landmark. The preservation of this entire landscape is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel and its associated cultural traditions.
As an active Native American sacred site, the Medicine Wheel demands respect and reverence from all visitors. The site may be temporarily closed to visitation for private Native American ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the spiritual needs of indigenous communities. During such ceremonies, visitors are kindly requested to observe from a distance, refraining from any actions that could disrupt or interfere with the proceedings. By showing respect and understanding, visitors can contribute to the preservation of the Bighorn Medicine Wheel as a sacred space for generations to come.
To visit the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, travelers can take Medicine Wheel Passage, located 32 miles east of Lovell, Wyoming, on U.S. Highway 14A. From there, a 1.5-mile drive northwest on Forest Road 12 leads to the parking area and gate. Please note that the final approach to the wheel involves a two-mile walk. The site is open during daylight hours only, typically from mid-June through mid-September, depending on weather conditions. Planning your visit within these guidelines ensures a safe and respectful experience at this remarkable historical landmark.
The Bighorn Medicine Wheel remains an enigmatic testament to the ingenuity, spirituality, and astronomical knowledge of its creators. Its enduring presence on the landscape serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the Bighorn Mountains and the importance of preserving sacred sites for future generations. Whether viewed as a place of spiritual pilgrimage, a subject of scientific inquiry, or simply a source of awe and wonder, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all who venture to its remote and breathtaking location.