Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Habitat Management Area · MT

Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area, located in Montana, is a prime destination for wildlife observation and offers a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Wildlife Habitat Management Area17,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

17,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area, located in Montana, is a prime destination for wildlife observation and offers a peaceful outdoor retreat.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area is situated in south-central Montana near the Bighorn River and extends through the dynamic landscapes of the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. It is managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and plays a crucial role in supporting river and upland habitats that are home to a variety of wildlife species. This area is crucial for bird enthusiasts, offering opportunities to spot eagles, hawks, and other bird species. The habitat also supports mammals like deer and the occasional mountain lion, making it a significant conservation zone for the region's biodiversity. The area's namesake, the Yellowtail Dam, forms Bighorn Lake, providing plentiful fishing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a serene environment. The landscape includes stunning cliffs, lush riverbanks, and open fields, creating a diverse outdoor experience for all visitors.

Field Guide · Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The breathtaking vantage points overlooking Bighorn Canyon✦ Abundant bird-watching opportunities along the Bighorn River✦ Fishing in the prolific waters of Bighorn Lake✦ Remote hiking trails that offer solitude and adventure
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fees or permits are required to access the area.

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 Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

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

Afterbay Campground

Located near Afterbay Lake, offering easy access to fishing and hiking opportunities.

Black Canyon Campground

A small, secluded campground near the canyon providing basic amenities and scenic views.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

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

Fort Smith, MT
⌖ 0.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Smith, MT

Fort Smith, MT offers world-class fly fishing on the Bighorn River and serene camping under vast skies. Adventurers can hike, raft, and capture stunning wildlife and landscapes in this remote paradise.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Lovell, Wyoming
⌖ 39.67 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lovell, Wyoming

Lovell serves as the perfect base for exploring Bighorn Canyon's stunning vistas and the mystique of the Pryor Mountains' roaming wild horses. Experience hiking, fishing, and more in this tranquil Wyoming escape.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lockwood, Montana
⌖ 41.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lockwood, Montana

Lockwood is a peaceful Montana town near Billings offering easy access to hiking, biking, paddling, and bird watching along the Yellowstone River. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet outdoor escapes with varied seasonal activities.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Armstead, Montana
⌖ 42.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Armstead, Montana

Armstead, Montana is a quiet gateway to outdoor adventure on the Beaverhead River and nearby wilderness. It’s ideal for paddling, fishing, hiking, and backcountry skiing in a remote, rugged setting.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Billings, Montana
⌖ 42.40 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Billings, Montana

Billings is a dynamic adventure hub offering hiking, biking, fishing, and more amidst stunning landscapes. Perfect for year-round exploration of Montana's great outdoors.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Huntley, Montana
⌖ 43.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Huntley, Montana

Huntley is a rural Montana town great for quiet outdoor adventure near the Yellowstone River. Discover fishing, paddling, birdwatching, and peaceful hiking along open river corridors and wetlands.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area

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

Front‑suspension mountain bikes for mellow Billings trails
ADVEXPEDITION
Billings, Montana
Bike RentalADV Bookable

Front‑suspension mountain bikes for mellow Billings trails

Rent Front Suspension Mountain bikes from The Spoke Shop in Billings — a straightforward option for beginner riders seeking traction and bump absorption on less aggressive trails.

Bike RentalPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip