Is Lovell Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Lovell, Wyoming, known as the Rose Town of Wyoming, blooms with a big personality in the Big Horn Basin of the Cowboy State.

Lovell earned its nickname in the early 1900s when the town doctor started the tradition of planting roses, a tradition that carries on to the modern day.

Founded in 1906, Lovell grew as a hub for agriculture, particularly sugar beets, which still play a role in the local economy.

But Lovell’s proximity to some of Wyoming’s most stunning natural features makes it a true gem.

Looking at the map, it might seem Lovell is in the “middle of nowhere” and not close enough to Yellowstone National Park.

Looking closer, we see a land filled with dramatic cliffs, sparkling waters, stunning waterfalls, wild mustangs, and abundant wildlife.

In fact, Lovell sits between Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn National Forest, and Custer National Forest in Montana.

This small town of 2,500 people is at an elevation of 3,800 feet, making it one of the least snowy Wyoming places.

However, the scenic road into the mountains reaches nearly 10,000 feet.

You might just find that those wild horses couldn’t drag you away from everything Lovell has to offer.

Warnings & Dangers in Lovell

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Lovell is a safe place with low overall risk but plenty of possible dangers if you aren't trained for wilderness, wildlife, or the weather. We'll help get you prepared.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation isn't available in Lovell, and even taxis and rideshares will be hard to find. Having a rental car or bringing your vehicle is the best suggestion. Be sure you have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive if you plan on driving on backroads or in the winter.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

This is a low risk as there aren't a lot of crowded spots, but you'll still want to use smart safety steps. Don't let your guard down at trailheads either - always lock your car and put personal items in the trunk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Lovell has minimal natural disaster risks. The biggest risk comes from the wildfire potential. Flooding from nearby waterways and rare winter storms are possible, but the area is not prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

A mugging would be highly unlikely here, but with a lot of people passing through, it's always wise to keep your guard up. Don't carry valuables or flash a lot of cash.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Terrorism is another low risk. This area is remote, surrounded by mountains, and doesn't have any potential hard targets.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local police department and sheriff’s office social media sites for the latest scams. That will help keep the risk low. As with any travel, avoid sharing personal information or engaging in unsolicited financial offers to stay secure.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women don't face a greater risk than men. Women must know survival skills when heading into the water or wilderness. Those traveling with kids want to ensure activities are safe for their age and skill levels. When in doubt, hire an outfitter to maximize safety precautions.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. I reviewed the 2023 CCR for Lovell, and all standards were met or exceeded at the state and federal levels.

Safest Places to Visit in Lovell

The Lovell Chamber of Commerce offers a tourism website at VisitLovell.org.

A free tourism guide is available to download without having to share personal information.

Look for local events on the Chamber’s Facebook page @lovellchamberofcommerce.

While Big Horn National Recreation Area is usually the destination for visitors in this region, don’t sleep on the things to do in Lovell.

That includes Queen Bee Gardens, a family-owned business renowned for its honey-based confections.

Tours of the candy factory and beekeeping center are available for groups of up to 10 people.

If you have a larger group, call ahead to schedule.

Lovell’s rose gardens aren’t just one attraction.

The tradition of rose growing has been passed down through generations, so you’ll find plenty of spots around town where the sweet smell fills the air in summer.

Downtown Lovell is also home to the Lovell-Kane Area Museum (FB: @lovellkaneareamuseum), offering a history lesson with artifacts and interesting exhibits.

Plus, the headquarters for Bighorn National Forest and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area are in Lovell.

Keep in mind that the National Park Service oversees the Rec Area, while the Forest Service is in charge of the National Forest.

The recreation area is split into two sections, and the one in Wyoming (and closest to Lovell) is focused on more land activities, like hiking, historic ranches, and three campgrounds.

Water activities are possible, with Horseshoe Bend Marina open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

You can drive three hours to the Montana side of the recreation area for additional water access, including the Three Mile River.

Start in Lovell, heading east on U.S. Route 14A into the Bighorn Mountains.

This scenic drive winds through stunning vistas, steep switchbacks, and overlooks like Medicine Wheel, a sacred Native American site.

Explore hiking trails or picnic in the lush forest before reaching Burgess Junction for breathtaking mountain views.

For summer visitors, I would highly recommend taking the drive from Lovell to Cooke City, Montana, with a stunning drive along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Beartooth Highway.

However, it is closed in the winter.

If you look up a photo of it, you’ll see why driving it in winter would be a nightmare.

To see Lovell’s wild mustangs, start at the Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center to learn their history.

Then, drive Highway 37 through Bighorn Canyon—horses often graze nearby.

Want more adventure?

Join a PryorWild tour for exclusive access to remote spots in the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range.

Places to Avoid in Lovell

You don’t need to worry about running into dangerous neighborhoods in and around Lovell.

The bigger concerns focus on the outdoor and natural risks.

Be sure to check the seasonal road closures, as many highways into the mountains will close from early fall through early to mid-spring.

Even though Lovell has pretty tame weather comparatively, the conditions can and will change quickly in all directions depending on the season.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Lovell

So... How Safe Is Lovell Really?

Lovell Police don’t contribute to the reporting of crime data, but it’s important to note that the program is voluntary.

However, it doesn’t make it easy to explain safety advice without it.

At the same time, I’ve dug through pages and pages of headlines from Lovell, and there’s really not a lot to tell you.

Even a recent murder was a domestic situation and nothing that would impact a tourist.

However, I’d still recommend using smart safety steps, as this small town that has largely been off the radar for the millions of tourists who come to Wyoming each year is starting to gain traction.

That could mean more people coming through and a higher risk of crime.

For now, outdoor and wildlife safety are the most important things to know to control your risk level.

How Does Lovell Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You can also download the CBP One mobile app to help on the go. Also, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee. Credit cards, not debit cards, offer the best fraud protection.

Weather

At 3,800 feet elevation, Lovell experiences a semi-arid climate. Summers see highs around 90°F, while winters dip to single digits, with about 17 inches of annual snowfall. Spring and fall bring mild temperatures, but the weather can shift quickly, so pack layers and bring bug spray and bear spray.

Airports

The nearest commercial airport to Lovell is Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, Wyoming, about 45 miles away. Billings Logan International Airport in Montana, 90 miles north, offers more flights and carriers. Both are convenient options for accessing Lovell and the surrounding Big Horn Basin.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance protects the cost of baggage loss/theft, delays, cancelations, and emergency health issues. Rental car insurance should include roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage. Comprehensive insurance offers the best peace of mind.

Lovell Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Wyoming - Safety by City