Introduction:
What? :
Visiting Lamar Valley is a unique experience in Yellowstone and mainly involved with wildlife viewing.
The wide valley often referred to as "America's Serengeti," stretches for about 28 miles at the north east corner of the park.
This is a premier area for wildlife watching in the park.
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Where? :
Lamar Valley is situated in the park north section, stretching along the Lamar River.
It runs roughly from Tower Junction toward the Northeast Entrance of the park, near Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana.
State highway 212 road corridor remains accessible year-round.
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 road between the North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance at Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, remains open to personal vehicles throughout the winter. Check up to date conditions for temporary closures.
Although open, the roads can be icy, snow-packed, or subject to drifting snow. Ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter travel.
The valley is one of the most popular and accessible spots for winter wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.
Expect to encounter bison, elk, and other wildlife right on the road, as they often move to the lower elevations during winter. Give them plenty of space and use pull-outs to stop.
The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.
You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.
Only the Old Faithful Snow Lodge and its cabins are open for overnight stays.
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:
Within the park the closest major developed area is Tower-Roosevelt, which offers a store, a gas service station, and limited lodging (cabins) during the summer season. Further west is Mammoth Hot Springs, which has a visitor center, lodging, gas, and more comprehensive services.
You can find accommodation, restaurants, gas stations and other tourist related stores in the towns of Silver Gate and Cooke City, Montana, just outside the park.
Due note 2:
Lamar Valley is located in the north east corner of the park. If you do not stay nearby and if you want to be there at sunrise, plan for a very early wakeup and long drive in the dark.
I came here from Madison Campground and it was more than an hour drive to get here.
You will have a lot of other visitors driving here from the Mammoth area before sunrise. Drive slowly and be patient.
Due note 3:
There are two small, primitive campgrounds, Slough Creek Campground and Pebble Creek Campground. They are located within the valley area and serve as excellent “basecamp” points for early-morning wildlife viewers.
Due note 4:
You will find vault toilets at a few of the main viewing pullouts and trailheads.
Due note 5:
This is a very popular location for anglers coming to catch fish in the Lamar river.
My thoughts:
I spent one morning here from early sunrise till noon and enjoyed it very much.
This is not a zoo and nothing is guaranteed here. I saw a wolf pack but from far away, almost one mile away in the meadows, the same was for one Grizzly bear.
On the other hand I saw Black Bears from across the river and Pronghorns from a few feet away.
As always in Yellowstone I saw several large herds of Bison, including one that walked on the road and blocked the traffic for a long time.
What a fun day!
The Visit:
For most the Lamar Valley visit usually involves driving and stopping at the numerous pullouts and side road parking where you can see wildlife.
As with any case of wildlife in nature, nothing is guaranteed and you must invest the time here and be patient.
When there is wildlife viewing there will be a huge traffic gem where many people park their car along the narrow road shoulders.
Also here be patient and drive carefully and do not block the road.
Prime Wildlife Sightings, Lamar Valley is renowned for its sightings of:
Bison: Home to Yellowstone's largest herds, you are virtually guaranteed to see these giants. In the spring, look for the reddish-brown calves ("red dogs").
Wolves: This is arguably the best place in the world to see gray wolves in the wild, including the large Junction Butte pack.
Grizzly and Black Bears: Bears are often spotted foraging in the spring and early summer, particularly on the nearby forested slopes.
Elk and Pronghorn: Large herds are common throughout the valley meadows.
Other Animals: Keep an eye out for coyotes, foxes, bald eagles, and bighorn sheep on the surrounding cliffs.
I saw during my morning visit here the following animals: Wolves, Grizzly and Black Bears, Pronghorn, bald eagles and many large herds of Bison.
West Lamar Valley viewing area:
East Lamar Valley viewing area:
Animal Viewing Information and Tips:
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. I highly recommend getting to the valley before the sun rises and finding a good spotting location. The morning offers the best chance for viewing predators like wolves and bears, as they retreat to cover during the heat of the day.
Look for groups of people with spotting scopes or cars of organized tours. They usually know where the locations of wild animals were last spotted and pass this information between the groups. When you stay near guided groups you can follow their directions and see animals from far away. They are doing it every day and are experts in finding animals.
Be polite and respect guided tours, this is a private tour that people pay for. From my experience if you are not “abusing” them most are happy to share their sightings and may even let you look through their scope.
Bring Optics: This is the single most important tip. Wolves and bears are often viewed from long distances. High-powered binoculars are a must, and a spotting scope is highly recommended to get a clear view of distant wildlife.
Maintain Distance: Park regulation requires you to stay at least 100 yards from wolves and bears, and 25 yards from all other animals, including bison and elk.
Drive slowly and watch for animals, they can be near the road or far in the distance. Stop at road pullouts and scan the landscape.
If you do not see anything or cars parking, drive on to the next road pullout, maybe there you will have more luck. If you see a traffic gem this is usually a good indication of wildlife viewing. Do not drive fast and be careful not to hit anyone.
When parking on the roadside, make sure you are not blocking the road traffic. If you are walking and over excited by a nearby animal make sure you are always aware of your surroundings and not get hit by a car.
Always carry bear spray, keep it easily accessible (not in your backpack), and know how to use it, especially if you plan to hike the Lamar River Trail.
Mornings in the Lamar Valley are consistently cold, even in the summer. Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. If rain is forecasted, come prepared to stay out when it rains (raincoat, umbrella).
There is no shade in the area or along the road, bring a hat and sunglasses and put on sunscreen.
Wolf Watching Tip:
The area around Slough Creek Campground Entrance Junction is a consistent location for wolf viewing.
Park near the junction (there is Vault Toilet here) and walk to the hills east of the junction, you will probably see many people there looking for animals in the valley to the west.
Another nearby option is to start driving to the direction of the Slough Creek Campground and find parking along the road with viewpoints over the river.
Another prime viewing location is along the road between Lamar Ranger Station and Lamar River Trailhead.
The Lamar River Trail:
For those who want to stretch their legs and get away from the road, the Lamar River Trail is their destination. The trail starts roughly 15 miles east of Tower Junction. An easy day hike is about 5 to 7 miles roundtrip (out and back) which leads you to the banks of the Lamar River, following a relatively flat path through open meadows.
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