CSKT Bison Range Wildlife Viewing Tour

Just north of Missoula, the grasslands and mountains of the CSKT Bison Range protect one of western Montana’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes. This guided day tour begins and ends in Missoula, with a scenic 40-minute drive to the Bison Range.

Upon arrival, we’ll stop at the Visitor Center to explore the exhibits, visit the gift shop, and prepare for our journey through the range. From May through October, we’ll travel the full Red Sleep Mountain Drive, winding 19 miles through open grasslands, forested slopes, and high overlooks as we search for wildlife. Bison are the stars of the landscape, but the range is also home to elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, eagles, and a variety of other wildlife. During the colder months, when Red Sleep Mountain Drive is closed, we’ll explore the lower portion of the range, where there are still excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Throughout the day, your guide will help you look beyond simply spotting animals. We’ll explore the native plants and wildlife communities of the range, the geological forces that shaped the Mission Valley, and the remarkable story of bison conservation. Just as importantly, we’ll discuss the relationship between bison and the Indigenous peoples of this region and the generations of stewardship that helped ensure bison remain part of this landscape today.

Wildlife is never guaranteed, and every visit to the Bison Range is different. That unpredictability is part of the experience. We’ll take our time, use binoculars and spotting scopes to search the landscape, and make the most of whatever the day brings. This tour will generally be about 5 hours long.

Weather at the Bison Range can change quickly throughout the year, with conditions ranging from hot sun and wind to rain, snow, and cold temperatures. Guests should bring adequate layers and come prepared for changing conditions.