Bison Range set to open Red Sleep Drive

| May 5, 2010 11:23 AM

Now that winter is over, it's time to get outside and enjoy springtime. If the weather and road conditions cooperate, the Refuge will open Red Sleep Mountain Drive on Saturday, May 8 for the 2010 visitor season.

This drive is a 19-mile, one-way gravel road, which rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete. Traveling from the valley grasslands up to the timber line and along Mission Creek, Red Sleep Mountain Drive provides visitors with the opportunity to see a wide range of animals and birds, including bison, deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and eagles. Wildflowers create a colorful display. And, of course, the baby bison on the Refuge assure us it really is springtime.

Starting May 8, the Visitor Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. The main gate will open daily by 6:30 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Plan enough time to enjoy the drives at a leisurely and safe pace. The Refuge closes to all public use at night and visitors should be off the Range by the time the main gate closes.

Be aware that the Winter Drive closes when Red Sleep opens for the season. This means that the road by Mission Creek becomes one-way and can not be accessed from the Prairie Drive. And the 1-mile West Loop is also designated one way. Please follow all speed limit and traffic signs while visiting the Bison Range.

For visitors planning an evening visit, you will need to start Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 6 p.m. to finish the loop before the main gate closes at dark. Due to safety concerns, large vehicles (over 30 feet in length), trailers and all other towed units are not allowed on the Red Sleep. They can be left at the Visitor Center parking area. The shorter, graveled West Loop and Prairie Drives are open for trailers, buses and large motor homes. These drives offer views of bison, elk, deer and pronghorn and take about 30 minutes. Also for safety reasons, motorcycles and bicycles are not allowed on the graveled scenic drives.

Fees for the scenic drives will be charged starting May 8. A $5 per vehicle day fee is charged for use of the drives. There is no charge for the Visitor Center and day use areas or for educational groups. There is a Bison Range season pass available for $15. The Refuge also sells the Federal America the Beautiful passes. And the Federal Waterfowl Stamp is accepted for admission.

Visitors are asked to stop at the Visitor Center to pay fees and receive maps and current information. Wildlife books and posters are available for sale. Staff can advise you on road conditions and assist you with current wildlife information. For more information about hours and activities, call the National Bison Range, Moiese, MT (406-644-2211).

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.