This 1,976-acre wildlife habitat management area is 16 miles south of Lander on Wyoming Highway 28. It is named for its beautiful red sandstone formations. This historic elk wintering range provides crucial habitat for many species of wildlife that live in the harsh Wyoming environment.
Sagebrush grasslands and mountain shrubs prevail among the rock outcroppings. From the highway visitors can see, elk and moose feeding during the winter months. Pronghorns and Hungarian partridges use this area in the spring and fall. You can also find mule deer, blue and ruffed grouse, chukar, snowshoe hares, songbirds and snakes in this area.
Red Canyon has historical significance as it was used as a stagecoach station in the late 1800s. Remnants of the building can be found and the old travel route is still used as a county road.
This WHMA lies within bear country, please visit our bear wise page for information on recreating in bear country -
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Wildlife-in-Wyoming/More-Wildlife/Large-Carnivore/Grizzly-Bear-Management/Bear-Wise-Wyoming.
Camping is not allowed on this property.
The area is closed each year from December 1 through April 30.