Introduction:
What? :
Hayden Valley is one of Yellowstone National Park's premier destinations for wildlife viewing. The road drive offers vast, open grassy meadows where the park's iconic bison herd roam freely.
It is located along the road connecting Yellowstone Canyon to the large lakes and Old Faithful makes it easy to access and to integrate within the park visit itinerary.
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Where? :
It sits along the Grand Loop Road, positioned roughly between Canyon Village to the north and Fishing Bridge/Yellowstone Lake to the south.
The Yellowstone River winds beautifully through the valley, adding to the picturesque scenery.
When? :
The park is open year round, but the journey to get here and the surrounding scenery change dramatically between summer and winter.
For most people, late May to September is the ideal time to visit here.
My personal recommendations are to visit Yellowstone National Park during the month of September.
The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.
Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.
Summer:
This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)
All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive right to any destination within the park.
It is very crowded here during the summer months. Traffic jams, slow drive and challenges with finding parking spots.
Days are usually warm (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
All hotels, lodges and campgrounds are open, high price and reservation need many months in advance.
Fall:
Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.
All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.
Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.
Winter:
Winter (Mid-December to Mid-March) transforms the park into a quiet, magical, snow-covered land.
The geyser's steam plumes are enormous.
Crowds are minimal.
Most interior park roads are closed to regular cars. You must travel into the park by a guided snowcoach or on a permitted snowmobile tour.
If you plan to visit Yellowstone in the winter, you will need to book a tour from one of the gateway towns like West Yellowstone or Mammoth Hot Springs (which is accessible by private vehicle year-round via the North Entrance).
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Spring:
Spring is a very short season in Yellowstone, practically in May and early June.
Some roads start to get open during end of April
Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.
Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.
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Tips and inputs:
Due note 1:
The closest main visitor services are located just a few miles north at Canyon Village.
This hub offers a variety of amenities, including: Lodging (hotels and cabins), Campgrounds (Canyon Campground), Restaurants and general stores, gas station, and Canyon Village Visitor Center.
Other nearby services can be found to the south at the Fishing Bridge and Lake Village areas.
Along the road stretch there are many road pullouts and viewing points.
In some of them you can find a Vault Toilet.
Due note 2:
This is not a long drive but as a result of bison herd near or crossing the road you can have major traffic gems.
Due note 3:
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. During mid day they usually hide and avoid the hot sun.
Due note 4:
Bring Optics: The animals are often a significant distance from the road. Binoculars or a spotting scope will dramatically enhance your viewing experience. Don't rely on your phone camera for distant shots!
Due note 5:
Stay in Your Vehicle: For your safety and the safety of the animals, remain inside or right next to your vehicle while viewing wildlife from the road. Do not get out and wander into the valley floor.
Due note 6:
Observe Safe Distances: Always maintain a safe and legal distance: 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves, and 25 yards (23 meters) from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Due note 7:
Be Patient: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. If you see a cluster of parked cars, slow down, it almost certainly means something interesting has been spotted.
Due note 8:
Always carry bear spray, keep it easily accessible (not in your backpack), and know how to use it, especially if you plan to hike sections of Mary Mountain East Trail .
My Thoughts:
I visited the valley several times because it was on my way to/from nearby destinations.
One morning I came here before sunrise to see wildlife but it was completely foggy without any visibility.
I saw a large herd of bison in the fog and it was an amazing experience. I also saw an impressive bull elk at the north section of the valley.
The Visit:
The main way to experience Hayden Valley is by driving the Grand Loop Road that passes right through it.
The road travels parallel to the Yellowstone River, and the entire drive offers excellent opportunities for roadside viewing. In some sections the road is right near the river and in others it is far from it.
Although the open view is nice, people are coming here to see animals.
It is almost guaranteed to see bison, often in massive herds that can be near the road.
Elk are also very common, I saw several impressive elks near the river at the north section of the valley.
Hayden Valley is also one of the best spots to look for grizzly and black bears, when I was nearby there was a large black bear here but until I arrived into the valley it went away.
I hiked 3 miles into Mary Mountain East Trail and saw from far away (more than a mile away) a wolf pack.
I also saw a coyote near the road.
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