Wyoming, United States
Discover 'America's Serengeti,' a premier wildlife watching destination known for vast bison herds and wild gray wolves.
4.9 from 115 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare private safaris and group hikes departing from nearby towns.
Best valueJoin Sky’s the Limit Tours for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and wildlife-rich terrain of Yellowstone’s Upper Loop. This fully private,...
Most bookedThis Wildlife Viewing Van Tour is a great way to see the unique animals of Yellowstone National Park. We begin in the fun gateway town of West Yellowstone. The early...
Explore Yellowstone National Park with an app-based, self-guided GPS audio driving tour through geyser basins, wildlife-filled valleys, waterfalls, canyons, and mountain...
Explore
Find the best roadside pullouts, historic landmarks, and backcountry trails.
3 spotsWildlife PulloutsTop pullouts for scopes and wildlife watching.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsHikes and LakesTrails branching off the main road for backcountry views.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsHistorical LandmarksRemnants of Yellowstone's conservation history and geology.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Lamar Valley is the top destination worldwide to view wild gray wolves.
Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995.
Plan your visit
Allow at least 4 to 6 hours for driving and wildlife spotting. Full-day tours last up to 8 hours.
Late April through June, and September through October offer peak wildlife viewing. Arrive before dawn for predators.
Drive the Northeast Entrance Road. It takes about 45-60 minutes from Gardiner, MT, or 15 minutes from Cooke City.
A 7-day vehicle pass costs $35. In 2026, international visitors face a $100 per person surcharge.
Lamar Valley is a sweeping, glacier-carved river valley in the remote northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. It provides critical year-round habitat for thousands of wild American bison and elk, alongside apex predators like grizzly bears and gray wolves. This expansive, open landscape allows you to witness predator-and-prey dynamics daily.
The valley is accessible year-round via a 29-mile corridor road, the only one in Yellowstone open to regular wheeled vehicles in winter. Visitors often gather at Wildlife Pullouts early in the morning to set up spotting scopes.
Preparing for the elements is essential. Freezing pre-dawn temperatures require a proper Packing List. You must also follow strict safety rules, maintaining at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from bison and elk.
We highlight what is provided, like spotting scopes and lunch.
We check pickup locations and vehicle types for wildlife viewing.
We summarize warnings from traveler reviews to set expectations.
From Viator
115 reviews of the upper loop safari on Viator
Randy was an amazing guide. He was so knowledgeable about….everything. He had great snacks and lunch for us. He also came very prepared with binoculars and a scope. Saw tons of bison up close plus coyote, elk and a grizzly bear. What a wonderful day for me and my son, who is autistic and Randy was great with him.
We had a great day in Yellowstone! Mike was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable about the park and everything in it. We saw lots of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
I highly recommend doing this safari/hike/walk. Tim is an excellent guide. He met us with a warm greeting and lots of treats. Throughout our time together, his walking pace was perfect - stopping often to explain the surroundings or something close up. It was a wonderful time. And, another tip of the hat to Tim for delivering a such a memorable experience.
Max was a brilliant guide ..he knew loads about the Lamar valley and we had a great hike.Would highly recommend!!
Tim gave us an outstanding tour with timely commentary. The pacing was perfect and he was willing to take as long as we wanted at a stop. Lunch and snacks were very good. We will recommend your company to friends.
Tim gave us an outstanding tour with timely commentary. The pacing was perfect and he was willing to take as long as we wanted at a stop. Lunch and snacks were very good. We will recommend Yellowstone Hiking Guides to friends.
Predators are further away than those who have been to Africa are used to, they provide binoculars !!
Sometimes the animals are not cooperative. But you will see some! The guide I had was very knowledgeable and friendly!
Easy download, instructions clear, tour guidance exceptional. Just like having a tour guide right in your vehicle. Recommend it 100%.
Travel tips
Entrance Fees 2026Find out how much it costs to enter Lamar Valley in 2026.Read 
Lamar Valley EntrancesCompare the North and Northeast entrances to reach Lamar Valley.Read 
Best TimeFind the optimal times of day and year to spot wolves in Lamar Valley.Read 
Packing ListEssential gear and clothing for wildlife watching in Lamar Valley.Read 
Lamar or Hayden?Compare Lamar and Hayden valleys to choose your wildlife destination.Read 
Guided Tour ValueWhy booking a guide with spotting scopes improves your wildlife viewing.Read The best time to see wolves is before dawn and around dusk. Wolves are most active during these cooler, low-light hours. Arriving early also helps you secure a spot at popular pullouts. Read more about the Best Time.
Yes, Lamar Valley is accessible year-round. The 29-mile corridor road connecting the North Entrance and Northeast Entrance is the only road in Yellowstone kept open for regular wheeled vehicles during the winter.
You do not strictly need a guide, as you can drive the road yourself. However, guides provide high-powered spotting scopes and expert tracking knowledge, significantly increasing your chances of seeing distant wolves and bears. Check out Tickets for tour options.
Lamar Valley is home to thousands of American bison and large herds of elk. It is also a prime location for spotting apex predators like grizzly bears, gray wolves, and cougars. You might also see bighorn sheep and river otters.
Yes, there are several trails, such as Trout Lake, Slough Creek Trail, and the extensive Lamar River Trail. You must carry bear spray on all hikes and hike in groups, as this is active grizzly territory. Read more about Hikes and Lakes.
Lamar Valley is located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, which is in Wyoming. It is close to the Montana border towns of Cooke City and Gardiner.
Book a guided safari to maximize your chances of spotting wolves and bears.
