The Medicine Wheel is an ancient native sacred place that is located high in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming. This is a great day trip destination and the access road to the trailhead is easy to find. The trailhead has facilities, adequate parking and there are several information kiosks that provide plenty of insight. The ancient Medicine Wheel certainly is a majestic sight to behold and the high elevation hike can be likened to a spiritual journey. The spirituality of this destination can be quite intense in a positive way and it is very easy to find a better outlook on life after doing the trek. This is a place where prayers, divination, ancestral reverence, healing and spiritual guidance all takes place.
A few precautions must be taken because this destination requires a 3 mile round trip hike in the high elevations. The Medicine Wheel is located about 9,600 feet above sea level, so altitude sickness can be a concern. The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to drink plenty of water and snack on small portions of food. It is best to relax for about an hour before strenuous physical activity, so the body has time to adjust to the thin air. If a dizzy spell occurs, then stop, rest and drink more water, instead of trudging onward. Overexertion in high elevations can cause severe illness or death, so taking it easy is the way to go.
Another precaution to consider is the weather, which can be unpredictable in the Bighorn Mountains. Summer is the best time of year to do this three mile round trip hike, but the summer season can be short high up in these mountains. The snow melt happens late spring or early summer and the first snow of winter can occur as early as late August, so the window of opportunity is relatively short. The Bighorn is subject to storms drifting from the high plains and a cold front can drop the temperature by 30ºF. Packing some warm outerwear may be necessary even on a warm day, especially if gray clouds can be seen on the horizon.
As long as a few minor precautions are taken, the three mile round trip hike to the Medicine Wheel should go off without a hitch. There is only one long uphill grade to negotiate, which can be strenuous for some. There are a few park benches along this section of the trail, so taking a break can be done comfortably.
The Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark Trail is also accessible for the physically challenged. This hiking trail actually is a narrow smooth dirt road and by requesting permission in advance, a Bighorn National Forest park ranger will open the gates for those who need vehicular transportation. The reason for the ease of access has to do with the Medicine Wheel being a traditional place of healing. Many people travel a long way to do the pilgrimage and nobody has to be left behind.
The Medicine Wheel is protected by a fence, so the rocks are not disturbed. All along this fence are prayer offerings that are tied to the ropes and the wooden rails. Most of the prayer offerings are scarves, handkerchiefs or fabric from a sick loved one's clothing. There are also dream catchers of every color imaginable. Visitors are encouraged to leave a prayer offering of their own.
The stone spokes of the wheel and their celestial alignment do inspire thoughts of wisdom and visions of ancient times. The Medicine Wheel truly is a remarkable place and the experience is deeper than words can express. This is a timeless spiritual destination that has always been there and will always be there. The three mile round trip can be done as an easy going nature walk, which certainly adds to the charm. This is a very special sacred place that should be toured at least once in a lifetime and the experience will provide fond memories to ponder over for many years to come!