Bison range waking up for spring

The weather is getting warmer, the balsamroot are opening their bright yellow blossoms and meadowlarks are singing their hearts out.

It must be time for the National Bison Range to open Red Sleep Mountain Drive for the year.

On May 7, weather permitting, the range will open the scenic drive for the 2005 season.

This drive is a 19-mile, one-way gravel road that rises 2,000 feet and takes about two hours to complete.

Since it travels from the valley grasslands up to the timber line and along Mission Creek, visitors have the opportunity to see a wide range of birds and animals, including bison (with new calves), deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and eagles.

Starting May 7, 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 7 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. Morning and evening provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

Visitors need to start Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 6 p.m. to finish the loop before the main gate closes at dark.

Large vehicles (over 30 feet long), trailers and other towed units are not allowed on the Red Sleep Mountain Drive.

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.

A $4-per-car 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 $10.

Visitors are asked to stop at the visitor center to pay fees and receive current information and copy of the "Field Guide to the Bison Range."

Large groups are asked to preregister to avoid potential conflicts. For more information, call (406) 644-2211.