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 60 miles.

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, Montana
⌖ 0.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

Red Lodge, Montana is a mountain town with endless outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking the Beartooth Mountains, skiing at Red Lodge Mountain, or fishing the nearby streams, it's a perfect base for exploring Montana’s rugged landscape.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Roberts, Montana
⌖ 12.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roberts, Montana

Roberts, Montana is a gateway to rugged prairie and mountain adventures, offering hiking, fishing, and ATV riding in quiet, scenic landscapes. Perfect for travelers seeking wide-open spaces and authentic outdoor experiences.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Roscoe, Montana
⌖ 16.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roscoe, Montana

Roscoe, MT offers adventurers the chance to hike, camp, and fish in the stunning Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It's an escape into raw beauty, with breathtaking vistas and wildlife encounters.

Bridger, Montana
⌖ 17.94 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bridger, Montana

Bridger, Montana is a quiet town at the edge of the Bridger Mountains offering top-notch hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and paddling adventures year-round. It’s an ideal spot to explore rugged wilderness and scenic alpine landscapes.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and biking; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Fishtail, Montana
⌖ 22.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fishtail, Montana

Fishtail, MT, is an adventurer's gateway to the rugged Beartooth Mountains with activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. Perfect for those seeking solitude and nature's raw beauty.

Absarokee, Montana
⌖ 25.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Absarokee, Montana

Absarokee, Montana offers peaceful access to rivers, trails, and forests ideal for hiking, fishing, and paddling. This small town is a quiet basecamp for exploring the scenic Absaroka foothills and Stillwater River corridor.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore 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.

Float or Wade the Pristine Waters Around Red Lodge
ADVEXPEDITION
Red Lodge, Montana
FishingADV Bookable

Float or Wade the Pristine Waters Around Red Lodge

Guided half- and full-day fly-fishing trips operated by Rock Creek Resort, with rods, flies, waders, transport and a to‑go meal on full days.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City
ADVEXPEDITION
Cooke City, Montana
SnowmobileADV Bookable

High-Altitude Throttle: Summit X 850N Rentals from Cooke City

An advanced snowmobile rental program in Cooke City offering 1–7 day Ski-Doo Summit X 850N experiences—this guide explains who it’s for, the hours and return rules, and what to expect.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip