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Wildlife refuge · Montana

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its own timing: June and July.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Arrowleaf balsamroot at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Arrowleaf balsamroot at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Cortez Rohr/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · public domain · resized

What the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says

“The rugged Centennial Mountains, rising roughly 10,000 feet and running from east to west, provide a dramatic backdrop for this extremely remote Refuge in Southwest Montana's Centennial Valley.”
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When to go

In the source's own words; no peak claimed unless the source says so
  • June and July“June and July are best for wildflower viewing.”
  • around 20 September, give or take a few days“Golden aspen leaves will peak on the Refuge around 20 September, give or take a few days, unless a hard frost freezes them off and turns them black overnight, which commonly happens at such a high altitude.”
  • Usual peak“Wildflowers on the valley floor usually peak the last week of June through the first week of July.”

Before you go

Having a good spare tire that is fully inflated is recommended when traveling to the Refuge.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge on the map

With the places we follow within 60 miles

Nearby

Within 60 straight-line miles; roads are longer
  • Camas RefugeWaterfowl and shorebirds · March through mid-May · 49 mi

Worth the drive

60 to 100 straight-line miles away

Yellowstone 66 mi · Grand Teton 78 mi · Lemhi Pass 93 mi · National Elk Refuge 94 mi

How we know

Every fact on this page, from these pages