National Bison Range

Established to provide a refuge for American bison, this Montana reserve offers excellent opportunities to view large herds of bison, along with elk,...

National Bison Range at a Glance

Location
Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains, United States, North America
Coordinates
47.360000, -114.200000
Area
75 km²
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to National Bison Range

Nearest airport: Kimp Airport, 120 km away.

Nearest international airport: Clear Creek International Airport, 194 km away.

Weather & Climate in National Bison Range

The warmest temperatures in National Bison Range occur in July, averaging 22.6°C (up to 30.2°C). The coolest conditions are in February at -2.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 8.2mm. Average humidity: 41.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: -1.7°C (rainfall: 42.9mm)
  • February: -2.0°C (rainfall: 49.2mm)
  • March: 2.5°C (rainfall: 46.4mm)
  • April: 6.3°C (rainfall: 56.1mm)
  • May: 12.0°C (rainfall: 72.4mm)
  • June: 16.7°C (rainfall: 64.4mm)
  • July: 22.6°C (rainfall: 8.2mm)
  • August: 21.1°C (rainfall: 30.6mm)
  • September: 16.2°C (rainfall: 43.2mm)
  • October: 9.0°C (rainfall: 49.7mm)
  • November: 1.7°C (rainfall: 59.6mm)
  • December: -0.7°C (rainfall: 57.4mm)

Best Time to Visit National Bison Range

The best months to visit National Bison Range are July, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature -1.71°C, rainfall 42.9mm, sunshine 5 hrs, humidity 69.4%
  • February: Good, temperature -1.99°C, rainfall 49.2mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 67.1%
  • March: Good, temperature 2.55°C, rainfall 46.4mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 61.7%
  • April: Good, temperature 6.32°C, rainfall 56.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 58.3%
  • May: Good, temperature 12.03°C, rainfall 72.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 60.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.72°C, rainfall 64.4mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 58.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 22.61°C, rainfall 8.2mm, sunshine 14.4 hrs, humidity 41.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.1°C, rainfall 30.6mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 47.7%
  • September: Great, temperature 16.2°C, rainfall 43.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 54.6%
  • October: Good, temperature 8.97°C, rainfall 49.7mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 62.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 1.71°C, rainfall 59.6mm, sunshine 5.6 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • December: Poor, temperature -0.69°C, rainfall 57.4mm, sunshine 4 hrs, humidity 70.5%

Wildlife in National Bison Range

Home to 38 recorded species including 15 birds of prey, 12 waterbirds, 5 iconic birds, 4 big herbivores, 2 predators.

Recommended Packing List for National Bison Range

Based on average temperature of 8.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 60%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 9°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in National Bison Range

4 safari lodges available.

budget

mid-range

Similar Parks in Rocky Mountains & Northern Plains

Visitor Tips - National Bison Range

We love the feeling of vastness here, watching hundreds of bison graze against the backdrop of the Mission Mountains. It's a powerful, almost spiritual experience that connects you directly to the American West of old, offering a rare glimpse into a truly wild landscape.

Gate Times

Typically open from dawn to dusk for the lower loops, with the scenic Red Sleep Mountain Drive usually accessible from May through October, weather permitting. Always check the official website for current seasonal hours and any entrance fees before your visit; no advance booking is generally required.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary for park rangers or staff at the National Bison Range. However, if you opt for a privately-guided tour, we recommend tipping your guide 15-20% of the service fee, reflecting standard US practice for excellent service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for United States

Travel advisory for United States

National Bison Range FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit the National Bison Range for optimal wildlife viewing, particularly for seeing large bison herds?

For the most active bison viewing, late spring (May-June) offers the chance to see newborn calves, while early fall (September-October) provides opportunities to witness the bison rut. Mornings and late afternoons are generally best for observing all wildlife as they are more active and the light is ideal for photography.

What are the main driving routes within the National Bison Range, and are there any specific vehicle requirements or restrictions?

The primary route is the scenic, one-way, 19-mile Red Sleep Mountain Drive, which is mostly gravel and offers stunning views and wildlife opportunities. While most standard vehicles can navigate the drive, RVs and trailers are not permitted due to narrow, winding sections and steep grades.

Given the presence of large animals like bison and elk, what specific safety guidelines should visitors follow while exploring the National Bison Range?

It is crucial to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 yards from bison and elk, and 100 yards from bears if encountered. Visitors must remain in their vehicles when near wildlife, and never feed or approach animals, as they are wild and unpredictable.

What are the current entry fees and typical operating hours for the National Bison Range, including the visitor center?

Entry fees are typically charged per vehicle or per person, with specific rates for private vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians/cyclists. The visitor center and main gate hours vary seasonally, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.

Besides the prominent bison herds, what other unique wildlife can visitors expect to encounter at the National Bison Range, and are there specific areas known for these sightings?

In addition to bison, you can frequently spot herds of elk, bighorn sheep on rocky outcrops, and pronghorn in the open prairie areas. The higher elevations of the Red Sleep Mountain Drive often provide excellent vantage points for bighorn sheep, while the lower valleys are good for elk and pronghorn.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.