Travel Guide
Lamar Valley
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
About Lamar Valley
A remote valley in Yellowstone's northeast corner often called the Serengeti of North America, with big herds of bison and elk, pronghorn and the park's best chance of spotting wolves. Wildlife watchers with spotting scopes gather at pullouts at first light.
Yellowstone-and-grand-teton
Insider Knowledge
Travel Tips
Be in the valley at sunrise; wolves are most active in the first hours of daylight.
Look for groups with spotting scopes at pullouts, as many will happily share what they have found.
Stay in Gardiner, Cooke City or Roosevelt Lodge to cut the early-morning drive time.
Keep a full tank and snacks, as there are no services in the valley itself.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Dawn and dusk year-round, with winter and spring often best because snow makes wolves easier to spot.
Opening Hours
Northeast Entrance RoadOpen year-round from Gardiner to Cooke City, weather permitting
This is the one road in the park open to cars all winter, making it a top cold-season wildlife drive.
Ticket Prices
Private vehicle (7 days)USD 35
Motorcycle (7 days)USD 30
Per person on foot or bike (7 days)USD 20
One Yellowstone fee covers every area of the park; an America the Beautiful pass also works, and non-US residents may pay more, so check nps.gov.
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yellowstone-and-grand-tetonLamar Valley
A remote valley in Yellowstone's northeast corner often called the Serengeti of North America, with big herds of bison and elk, pronghorn and the park's best chance of spotting wolves. Wildlife watchers with spotting scopes gather at pullouts at first light.
View Details
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