In the far north-east of the park, the Lamar River winds through a broad, glacier-carved valley ringed by mountains. Big herds of bison graze here alongside elk and pronghorn, and the open terrain means predators are visible too. It is often called the “Serengeti of North America” — a name that undersells how cold it can be at dawn in October.
Lamar’s fame comes from wolves. After an absence of some 70 years, gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995 and 1996, and the packs of the northern range became some of the most watched wild wolves on Earth. Watchers gather at pull-outs at first light with spotting scopes. You can join them independently, or go with a naturalist on a Lamar Valley wildlife tour.
What to see at Lamar Valley
Wolf watching at dawn
Be in the valley as the light comes up. Drive slowly, look for groups of parked cars and scopes, and ask politely what people are watching; regulars are often generous with their scopes. Wolves are typically hundreds of metres to a mile away, so binoculars alone may show only dots. Keep at least 100 yards (91 m) away.
Bison, pronghorn and more
Bison are almost guaranteed in summer; pronghorn race across the flats; grizzly and black bears, coyotes, bighorn sheep on the cliffs and bald eagles are all possible. Slough Creek, at the western end, is a beautiful side valley with a popular trail.
Drive on towards the Beartooths
East of the valley, the road climbs past Soda Butte Creek to the Northeast Entrance and the small towns of Silver Gate and Cooke City. In summer it continues over the spectacular Beartooth Highway (US 212), usually open from late May to mid-October.
Winter in Lamar
In winter, wolves are easiest to see against the snow. The road from Gardiner through Lamar to Cooke City stays open to cars, conditions permitting, making it the park’s best winter wildlife drive.
Getting to Lamar Valley
- From Mammoth / Gardiner: about 18 miles (29 km) to Tower Junction; the valley begins some 10 miles further east.
- From Canyon: 19 miles (31 km) over Dunraven Pass to Tower (closed in winter and until late spring).
- From the Northeast Entrance: the valley is roughly 15 to 30 miles inside.
- Services: none in the valley itself. Fuel up in Gardiner, Mammoth or Cooke City.
Tips before you go
- Leave very early: summer sunrise is before 6 am, and the best wildlife hours are over by mid-morning.
- Bring warm layers and a hot drink even in July; dawn temperatures can be near freezing.
- Pull fully off the road; never block traffic or approach animals on foot.
- If you are staying in West Yellowstone, Lamar is a long way — a dawn trip from Gardiner or a guided tour makes more sense.
Tours that visit Lamar Valley
These guided trips include Lamar Valley or pair well with it:
Naturalist-led wildlife tour from €292 From West Yellowstone: Lamar Valley Wildlife Tour by Van
Lamar Valley is a long drive from West Yellowstone, and this tour makes it worthwhile: a naturalist guide brings spotting scopes and binoculars and knows where to look for wolves, bears, bison and pronghorn. Strong reviews.
- Naturalist guide
- High-powered spotting scopes and binoculars
- Van with large windows
Guided hike from €192 Lamar Valley: Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
Wildlife watching on foot with local guides: you hike into the Lamar Valley and stop to scan with binoculars and a spotting scope. A different, more immersive experience than watching from the road — and safer with a guide carrying bear spray.
- Watch bison, pronghorn, bears and wolves from the trail
- Binoculars and spotting scope
- Lunch included
Private winter tour from €395 Yellowstone: Private Winter Wolf-Watching Safari
Winter is the best season to watch wolves against the snow, and the road to Lamar Valley stays open to cars. This private safari puts you with a guide who follows the packs. Few reviews yet, all five stars.
- Lamar Valley in winter
- Knowledgeable wolf guide
- Essentials provided
Winter wildlife tour from €292 From Big Sky and Bozeman: Yellowstone Winter Wildlife Tour
A winter day in the Lamar Valley with spotting scopes and binoculars and a hearty picnic lunch while you watch. New on GetYourGuide.
- Lamar Valley in winter
- Spotting scopes and binoculars
- Picnic lunch
