THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary wilderness guide
Wildlife Sanctuary · MT

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the care of non-releasable native wildlife, providing educational opportunities to enhance public understanding and appreciation for animals native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Wildlife Sanctuary51+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Sanctuary

Total Wilderness Area

5

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

The Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the care of non-releasable native wildlife, providing educational opportunities to enhance public understanding and appreciation for animals native to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, offering a safe haven for animals that cannot be returned to the wild. The sanctuary is home to a variety of species including wolves, bears, bison, and many bird species, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about these creatures in a naturalistic setting. With a mission focused on education and conservation, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in protecting local wildlife and promoting wildlife habitat understanding. The sanctuary also offers seasonal programs and guided tours that allow visitors to get close to the animals while learning about their behaviors and habitats. While not as grand in scale as the nearby Yellowstone National Park, the sanctuary provides an intimate setting for observing and connecting with the region's wildlife.

Field Guide · Wildlife Sanctuary
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Hiking Adventure at Silver Run Trailhead, Red Lodge, Montana★ 6.8⌖ 5 miHiking
Silver Run Trailhead

Hiking Adventure at Silver Run Trailhead, Red Lodge, Montana

Silver Run Trailhead near Red Lodge, Montana, offers easy to moderate loop hikes beside a spring-fed creek with shaded forest paths. Ideal for newcomers to mountain hiking, it also features nearby camping and wildlife viewing from late spring to early fall.

Clarks Fork Yellowstone River★ 8.5⌖ 12 miFly Fishing
Clarks Fork Yellowstone River

Clarks Fork Yellowstone River

Explore the Clarks Fork Yellowstone River near Cody, Wyoming. Known for fly fishing with trout and hiking trails near the Beartooth Mountains. Enjoy wildlife watching in a serene setting, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Best visited in spring and summer.

Fly FishingView Details→
Scenic Hiking and Nature at Red Lodge Creek Trailhead★ 6.8⌖ 12 miHiking
Red Lodge Creek Trailhead

Scenic Hiking and Nature at Red Lodge Creek Trailhead

Located just outside Red Lodge, Montana, this trailhead offers moderate hiking with scenic views of nearby peaks. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Trails are accessible and peaceful, best visited from late spring through early fall.

Adventure and Scenic Beauty at Hellroaring Plateau Trailhead★ 8.5⌖ 14 miHiking
Hellroaring Plateau Trailhead

Adventure and Scenic Beauty at Hellroaring Plateau Trailhead

Hellroaring Plateau Trailhead near Red Lodge, MT offers moderate hiking through dramatic alpine landscapes with wildflower meadows and wildlife. Accessible by 4WD, it’s perfect for hikers and photographers seeking quiet, rugged outdoors during summer months.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ See rescued wolves and bears in their natural habitats.✦ Educational programs that focus on conservation and wildlife protection.✦ Bird-watching opportunities in carefully curated aviary settings.✦ Seasonal events like wildlife workshops and enrichment demonstrations.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Park Recreation

Educational Programs

Available in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Nominal entry fee. No permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Red Lodge
⌖ 0.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

A charming gateway to the Beartooth Mountains offering abundant year-round outdoor adventures and rugged mountain scenery.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Roberts
⌖ 12.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roberts, Montana

A quiet crossroads in Montana’s heartland offering rugged rural landscapes and access to wide-open outdoor activities for self-reliant travelers.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Roscoe
⌖ 16.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roscoe, Montana

A hidden gem in Montana offering authentic wilderness experiences in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains.

Bridger
⌖ 17.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridger, Montana

A quiet gateway town offering rugged Montana wilderness adventures with rich hiking, skiing, and paddling opportunities in the nearby Bridger Mountains.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Fishtail
⌖ 22.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fishtail, Montana

A remote gateway to exploring the rugged beauty of Montana, offering solitude and adventure in the Beartooth Mountains.

Absarokee
⌖ 25.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Absarokee, Montana

A gateway to Montana's scenic mountains and rivers offering authentic outdoor experiences with a laid-back, rural charm.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.