There is no single way to experience anything Yellowstone National Park. Spanning 2.2 million acres with five entrances—North, Northeast, East, South, and West—the park offers countless routes through its natural wonders. Some travelers start at Jackson Hole, WyomingSome people choose to stay in Gardiner or West Yellowstone, Montana and drive the Lower Loop. Others base themselves at one of 11 campgrounds.
It doesn’t matter how they got there. millions of travelers Many visitors from around the globe come to this part in Wyoming and Montana. They want to see the geysers, the hot springs, the waterfalls, the canyons and Yellowstone Lake, the largest high-elevation Lake in North America. They also make the journey to get a glimpse of the incredible, diverse wildlife that calls Yellowstone home—elk, wolves, moose, bison, pronghorn, and grizzly bears, among dozens of other species.
Even though the chances of spotting a wolverine, or a mountain-lion, are usually low in high-traffic areas. Many other mammals will appear more often. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look (and when).
For example, if you are hoping to spot wolves, you should stick to the northern ranges of Yellowstone. Lamar Valley is a great wildlife viewing area located along the Lamar River. This area, which is located just off the Upper Loop of this park, has been dubbed “the Serengeti of North America,” due to its abundance of wildlife. You can see bison at Hayden Valley and other central locations within the park. But you’re more likely to spot them in Lamar Valley. Also, there are bears, pronghorns, coyotes, as well as the occasional bald-eagle.
Those traveling to Lamar Valley through the North entrance will drive along Grand Loop Road toward Tower Junction before turning onto the Northeast Entrance Road (US‑212), which brings you directly into Lamar Valley. The Northeast entrance can also be used, but the North entrance remains the only Yellowstone entry that is open to vehicles all year round.
The winter months are the best time to drive the Lamar Valley. It’s easier to spot the wolves in the snow, but you can still see the elks and bisons. Bears hibernate in October or November and continue to do so until mid-March, or even early April.
If you are planning to visit the “Serengeti of North America”, there are a few rules and regulations that must be followed. Never feed the animals. Stay a safe distance from the animals. According to the National Park ServiceGuests must remain at least 300 ft away from wolves and elks and 75 ft or more from bison and wolves.
