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Red Rock Lakes boasts spectacular scenery in a remote, uncrowded wilderness setting, where animals such as moose, elk and deer roam freely.
The refuge is one of North America's most important nesting areas for the rare trumpeter swan. Other inhabitants include waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and antelope.
Most visitors drive through along the Red Rock Pass Road, stopping to view and photograph scenery and wildlife. Others choose to hike to the forested mountains or canoe the wilderness lakes.
Visitors are free to hike cross country or follow any of the numerous trails into the backcountry of the Centennial Mountains. Formal trails are not maintained, although recently two old roads have been seasonally designated as short hiking paths. The majority of other routes into the backcountry are created by big game and offer opportunities to see the country the way the animals do.
The Upper and Lower Red Rock Lakes are crucial trumpeter swan habitats and are not open to fishing. Creek fishing yields Arctic grayling, yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and mountain whitefish.
Except during trumpeter swan nesting season, lake canoeing is allowed on Upper Red Rock Lake from July 15 until it freezes and on Lower Red Rock Lake and the River Marsh from Sept. 1 until they freeze.
Low vehicle traffic makes roads safe for bicycling. Bicycles are not permitted on game trails in the backcountry. Snowmobiles are restricted to Red Rock Pass and Elk Lake roads.
Waterfowl and big game may be hunted in season.
Facilities are intentionally low-key, and motorized vehicles are restricted to established roads.
The headquarters in Lakeview features an impressive trumpeter swan display. The office is open Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Campgrounds are primitive. The Upper Lake Campground is wooded and has toilets, spring water, fire rings, and picnic tables. It is close to mountain hiking and aspen wildlife viewing. The Lower Lake Campground is an open grassland with a toilet and fire rings. It is the best place to see water birds.
Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at the headquarters and Upper Lake Campground.
Outdoor Activities |
