Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest wetland complex in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Located at the convergence of several different habitat types, the Refuge offers landscape beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities that few places can match. Come see for yourself!
Seasonal Travel Conditions

Spring Update: Limited Road Access

  • Roads from Refuge headquarters to Monida Pass are muddy, so vehicles with 4-wheel drive are recommended.
  • As of April 2, 2025, South Valley Road east of Lakeview to Red Rock Pass remains closed to highway vehicles. Low snow cover on and around the roads throughout the valley limits snowmobile use, but other ORUVs may still access closed sections of the road at operator's own risk.
  • Access to Odell Creek Trail is clear of snow, but large drifts on either side of Upper Lake Campground continue to limit access to the campsites and boat launch area.
  • South Valley Road is muddy, but clear of snow from Elk Lake Road to Red Rock Pass.
  • Travel from Henry's Lake to Red Rock Pass may still be limited by snow along the Continental Divide.

Visit Us

Visitors to Red Rock Lakes Refuge should be prepared to enjoy a remote wilderness setting. To maintain the sense of solitude, facilities are scarce and minimally developed. Recreation off the established roads is limited to non-motorized or non-mechanical means of transport. This approach provides opportunities to view wildlife and scenery in a more natural landscape.

The Refuge has few roads, all of which are constructed and maintained with dirt and gravel. Note that travel is generally restricted to dry times, as snowmelt and rain will make travel difficult. Some seasonal road conditions like mud or snow may require 4-wheel drive and high-clearance. There are no service stations with gasoline or tow trucks within at least 45 miles, so we ask travelers to plan accordingly. 

Breathtaking autumn orange aspen leaves along a road.
A section of South Valley Road near Upper Lake Campground. Roads are seldom maintained but are usually suitable for most passenger vehicles in late spring through fall. | Image Details
a government truck on a winter road with snowbanks taller than the vehicle to either side
Snowfall in the Centennial Valley is highly variable from year to year. Even when there is little snow on the ground elsewhere, it can form large drifts across the roads and limit winter access. | Image Details

Location and Contact Information

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    About Us

    The Refuge acts as a corridor for some mammals (like the grizzly bear) for moving between Yellowstone and other areas of Idaho and Montana. It encompasses over 53 thousand acres, of which 32,350 are wilderness. Many elk, deer and pronghorn call the Refuge home during spring through fall, as do many migratory waterfowl and songbirds.

    The Refuge provides a Visitor Center, two primitive campgrounds (one each at the Upper and Lower Red Rock Lake), and two easy-rated hiking trails (Odell Creek and Sparrow Pond trails). The Refuge is also known for its superb landscape photography in all seasons and in various locations, with the Centennial Mountains being a favorite subject.

    The Centennial Mountains serves as the backdrop under a clear blue sky in the open sage and grasslands as seen from Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
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    Check out he Refuge's U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Region Flickr Photo Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/albums/72177720295608081 

    What We Do

    Conservation efforts at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge aim to provide habitat for breeding and staging migratory birds, native fishes, and both transient and resident wildlife that maintains the biological diversity and integrity of a montane wetland system. 

    A trumpeter swan flying with yellow aspen trees in the background.
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    Our Species

    a male sage grouse puffs out his chest in a mating display
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    Our Library

    Red Rock Lakes NWR Hunt, Fish & Public Use Regulations
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    Red Rock Lakes NWR Hunt, Fish & Public Use Regulations

    Hunt, Fish & Public Use Regulations with Map for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

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    Projects and Research

    Work on the Refuge takes place in all seasons. Our research and monitoring efforts are structured either to inform management decisions or develop a baseline understanding of the resources with which we are entrusted. We strive to employ best management practices in improving habitat for wildlife and preserving the solitude of the Red Rock Lakes Wilderness.

    A beaver heads into the water from shore.
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