Bighorn Canyon

Add another destination to the places I want to take a vacation. This one would have never made my list without a short teaser visit earlier this month.

Usually my travel wish list consists of islands with beaches and light blue water or exotic overseas locales. This respite from the hustle and bustle of life is in the middle of Montana.

I'm talking about Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.

My "tease" of a visit came at the Yellowtail Dam near Ft. Smith, Montana. The dam was constructed in the 1960s and created a 71-mile reservoir that extends south into Wyoming. The dam itself is impressive - 525 feet high and 1450 wide, damming the Bighorn River.

Behind the dam is the Bighorn Lake, winding those 71 miles through towering steep-sided canyons to desert shrubland. No roads connect the northern and southern entrances to the area, so you'll need a boat to traverse this area of tranquility.

While you're cruising, keep your eyes open for buffalo, wild horses, bighorn sheep and more than 200 species of birds.