7) Lamar Valley — This wide, expansive valley is home to bison, elk, coyote, grizzly and wolf, and is must-visit area for serious wildlife watchers. Bison and elk are readily visible, and coyotes can oftentimes be spotted. Visitors who are willing to rise early in the morning or wait up until dusk also may have the opportunity to see bears and wolves. In fact, Lamar Valley is the #1 destination for viewing wolves. There are also abundant fishing opportunities in the Lamar Valley.
The valley is rather remotely located in the northeast corner of the Park, otherwise it would receive a higher ranking in our Top Ten.
Lamar Valley has been one of the best places in Yellowstone for Wolf watching since their reintroduction. More than one wolf pack can be found in the Lamar Valley area. Wolf watchers can be seen most every day with spotting scopes watching the packs. The valley is wide open offering distant views of prime wolf habitat.
Nestled in the remote northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, Lamar Valley is widely regarded as the best place in North America to view large predators and megafauna in their natural habitat. While the park is famous for its geysers, Lamar Valley offers a raw, primitive experience where the “Circle of Life” plays out daily across vast, rolling grasslands.
A Year-Round Wildlife Sanctuary
Unlike many parts of Yellowstone that close to vehicle traffic in winter, the road through Lamar Valley remains open year-round. This provides a unique lifeline for both the animals that winter here and the visitors who come to see them.
- The Wolf Capital: Lamar Valley became the epicenter of the world’s most famous wildlife reintroduction when gray wolves were brought back to the park in 1995. Today, it is the best place on Earth to observe wild wolf packs, such as the storied Junction Butte pack.
- Bison and Beyond: Thousands of bison roam the valley floor, often creating “bison jams” that bring traffic to a standstill. You’ll also find grizzly bears, black bears, pronghorn (the fastest land animal in North America), elk, and elusive badgers.
- Birding: The Lamar River attracts a variety of avian life, including Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Sandhill Cranes.
The Best Time to Visit
To maximize your chances of seeing the valley’s more elusive residents, timing is everything.
- Dawn and Dusk: Most predators are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the low-light hours of early morning and late evening. Photographers also favor these times for the soft “golden hour” light that illuminates the Absaroka Mountains.
- Spring (May–June): This is “baby season.” Visitors can often see wobbly bison calves (nicknamed “red dogs”) and elk calves, which in turn draws out hungry bears and wolves.
- Winter: For a truly dramatic experience, winter in Lamar offers a stark white backdrop that makes spotting dark-furred wolves and bison much easier.
Geology and History: The Fossil Forests
The valley’s beauty isn’t just in its living inhabitants; it is also a graveyard of ancient life. The southern rim of the valley is home to Specimen Ridge, which contains one of the most extensive petrified forests in the world.
Approximately 50 million years ago, volcanic mudflows (lahars) from the nearby Washburn Volcano buried standing trees. Over time, silica-rich water turned the wood to stone. Today, hikers can find upright petrified stumps still rooted in the ground—a rare geological phenomenon that tells the story of an Eocene-era tropical forest.
Tips for Your Visit to Lamar Valley
| Tip | Why it Matters |
| Bring a Scope | Many of the most exciting sightings (like a wolf pack on a kill) happen far from the road. Binoculars are good, but a high-powered spotting scope is a game-changer. |
| Patience is Key | Lamar is not a zoo. You may spend hours glassing an empty hillside before a grizzly bear emerges from the tree line. |
| Stay Safe | Always maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and 25 yards from bison and elk. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. |
| The “Pullout Community” | If you see a group of people with scopes, feel free to politely ask what they’re looking at. The “wolf watchers” in Lamar are often incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share their sightings. |
Top Hiking Trails
- Lamar River Trail: A moderate trail that takes you deep into the heart of the valley. It’s excellent for seeing the river’s meandering curves and the vastness of the meadows.
- Specimen Ridge Trail: A strenuous trek for those looking for the petrified trees and panoramic views of the entire northern range.