Watch Wildlife in Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley

Lamar Valley in Northern Yellowstone

Cloud loom over the winding creek in Lamar Valley in YellowstoneDeposit Photos

Located in the northeastern corner of the park, the Lamar Valley, along the Lamar River, in is often called America’s Serengeti for its large and easy-to-see populations of large animals.

Among its most famous inhabitants are the Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon wolf packs; wolf enthusiasts gather with spotting scopes most days hoping to see these impressive canines in action. In addition to wolves, other animals roaming the Lamar include large herds of bison, pronghorn, badgers, grizzly bears, bald eagles, osprey, deer, and coyotes. Many pullouts line the road, so keep your eyes peeled and park in the nearest one if you see any active wildlife.

A grizzly bear in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone. NPS Neal Herbert

If you can tear your eyes away from the wildlife, the Lamar Valley also offers several points of interest. Two small, primitive campgrounds—Slough Creek and Pebble Creek—are here, and they make ideal launching points for early-rising wildlife watchers. Yellowstone Forever’s Lamar Buffalo Ranch hosts students enrolled in the association’s many field programs. Soda Butte is all that is left of a hot spring cone located just off the road in the valley’s east side. And Trout Lake, a short hike from the road, is a great place to stretch your legs.

Getting there: To reach the Lamar Valley from Mammoth Hot Springs, take Grand Loop Road east past Tower-Roosevelt, then continue on the Northeast Entrance road. From Cooke City and Silver Gate, enter the park through the Northeast Entrance and drive west.

Hayden Valley in Central Yellowstone

Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley with a herd of bison. Jeff Vanuga

This broad valley just north of the Lake area and Mud Volcano thermal area is bison central. Visitors often see herds of them grazing and lounging along the wide Yellowstone River that runs through it. It’s also a good place to look for coyotes, waterfowl, grizzly bears, and wolves.

Stop at one of the many pullouts and overlooks along the park road to scope for wildlife, or hike the Mary Mountain Trail (21 miles from the Hayden Valley to the Madison area) for a chance to see animals in the wilderness.

Wolf crossing Alum Creek in Hayden Valley. NPS/Jim Peaco

Best Time to Watch Wildlife

Time: Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. If you’re going early, aim to be in the valleys before sunrise for the best odds.

Season: Hayden Valley is best spring through fall, when the park roads are open. Lamar Valley is accessible by vehicle year-round.

Wildlife Spotting Tips

Pack binoculars or a spotting scope. Many animals are tough to see with the naked eye. In the Lamar Valley, look for groups of people pulled over—chances are good someone has spotted a wolf, bison, or other animal. Be still. Park yourself at a good vantage point and wait quietly for wildlife to wander by.

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