Summary
The refuge spans over 50,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife including elk, moose, grizzly bears, and grey wolves.
There are several good reasons to visit Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, including its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The refuge is also a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture stunning shots of wildlife and landscapes.
Some specific points of interest to see at the refuge include the Red Rock Creek, which is the main water source for the area, the Red Rock Canyon, which features impressive rock formations and cliffs, and the Centennial Valley, which is a large open grassland area that provides habitat for many species of birds and mammals.
Interesting facts about the refuge include that it was established in 1935 and is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the US. It was created to protect the trumpeter swan, which was on the brink of extinction at the time. Today, the refuge remains an important breeding area for this majestic bird.
The best time of year to visit Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is during the summer months when the weather is mild and wildlife is most active. However, spring and fall can also be great times to visit as the changing seasons bring new colors and wildlife activity. Winter can be harsh and challenging, but also offers unique opportunities for wilderness enthusiasts to experience the refuge in a more rugged and isolated setting.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Upper Lake Campground
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Upper Lake
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Elk Lake Dispersed Camping and Picnic Area
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