Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming

Bighorn is one of the oldest government-protected forest regions in the United States, lying midway between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park and comprising 1.1 million acres in total. Bighorn is largely forest, but there are alpine meadows and lakes at higher elevations. The forest's trees contain alpine pine, spruce, fir, and aspen–a typical woodland mix. There is a vast population of animals in the region, including black bears, coyotes, deer, elk, moose, grouse, and other species.

While grizzly bears have not been seen in the forest since the early twentieth century, black bears remain common. Cougars, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and moose are among the other huge animals. Coyotes can also be seen in this woodland. Within the forest, there are several lakes, the majority of which are naturally supplied with trout and at least 100 other fish species. Meadowlark Lake is a famous leisure spot that was established in 1936 by Company 841 of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lakes' water quality samples reveal the greatest acid rain deposition of any mountain system in the Rockies.

Location: 2013 Eastside 2nd St, Sheridan, WY 82801-9638

Website: fs.usda.gov/bighorn/