Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Maximize your wildlife viewing chances by arriving early and packing the right gear.
Lamar Valley
Northeast Entrance Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY
GPS 44.8685, -110.1746
Open directionsGetting there
How to reach the valley.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Driving the Northeast Entrance Road is the primary way to access the valley independently. | Roughly 45-60 minutes from Gardiner, MT (North Entrance) or 15 minutes from Cooke City, MT (Northeast Entrance). | $35 per vehicle | No shuttle service exists. Expect delays from 'bison jams' blocking the road. |
| Tour: Book a private or group wildlife safari departing from Gardiner, Cooke City, or Bozeman. | Tours typically last 6-8 hours and depart before dawn. | Varies by operator | Guides communicate with other spotters and provide high-powered spotting scopes. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
Lamar Valley is open year-round. The best months for wildlife viewing are late April through June and September through October. To see wolves and bears, arrive before dawn or stay until dusk.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Keep your distance: 100 yards from predators, 25 yards from herbivores.
Park regulations are strictly enforced.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries.
Focus on the classic pullouts at dawn to catch predators in action.
- Arrive in the valley
Enter via Cooke City or Gardiner before sunrise.
- Hitching Post
Set up scopes and listen for wolf howls alongside dedicated watchers.
- Slough Creek Junction
Scan for bears and use the vault toilets.
- Soda Butte
Check the river confluence for diverse wildlife.
- Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Stop to see the historic facility and grazing bison.
Combine roadside spotting with a short hike to an alpine lake.
- Drive the corridor
Watch for bison herds from the road.
- Trout Lake Trailhead
Begin the steep 1.2-mile loop trail.
- Trout Lake
Look for river otters and shoreline bears. Keep bear spray handy.
- Pebble Creek
Stop near the campground for evening light photography.
Practical Advice
Viewing wildlife requires patience and the right optics. Binoculars (8x to 10x) are essential, and a high-powered spotting scope with a tripod is highly recommended for watching wolves at a safe distance. See our Packing List for more gear advice.
Expect delays while driving. "Bison jams" frequently block the road. Do not honk or approach the animals. Park only in designated pullouts to ensure traffic can pass. Always carry bear spray on hikes and know how to use it.
Easiest way to do it
Yellowstone Upper Loop Wildlife Safari | Lamar Valley | PRIVATE
8 h 4.9 (115)
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$450per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Are there restaurants in Lamar Valley?
No food services are available in the valley. You must pack your own meals, water, and snacks.
Can I drive the road in winter?
Yes, the Northeast Entrance Road through Lamar Valley is the only road in Yellowstone open to regular wheeled vehicles year-round.
Are there bathrooms?
Facilities are extremely limited. There are vault toilets at Slough Creek Junction and near the campgrounds.