Lamar Valley Tours

Yellowstone is home to one of the largest concentrations of mammals in the lower 48 states, and the spectacular Lamar Valley ranks among the best locations in the park to spot wildlife—black and grizzly bears, elk, bison, wolves, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and several types of birds. It’s easy to see why it’s nicknamed America’s Serengeti.
The Basics
Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed in Lamar Valley, and since it’s located in the more remote northeastern corner of the park, it’s largely free of crowds. Self-guided driving tours of Yellowstone's Upper Loop often include Lamar Valley, as well as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Norris Geyser Basin, Obsidian Cliff, and the Petrified Tree. For wildlife spotting tips from an expert, consider booking a private wildlife tour through the Lamar and Hayden valleys.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lamar Valley is a must-visit for nature lovers and families traveling with kids.
- Bring binoculars or a long camera lens to view wildlife safely from a distance.
- Make use of the many pullouts lining the road through the valley for wildlife viewing.
- Always remain at least 25 yards (23 meters) from wildlife and 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and wolves.
How to Get There
Lamar Valley is located along the Northeast Entrance Road (Route 212) just off Grand Loop Road at Tower Junction.
When to Get There
Lamar Valley is accessible to cars year-round, and the best time to visit depends on what animals you’re hoping to see. Bears tend to start emerging in March and April as they graze in the valley meadows, while wolves are easier to spot in winter when they stand out against the snow. No matter the season, plan to visit in the early morning or late evening when animals are at their most active.
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
During the early 20th century, the Lamar Buffalo Ranch was established in the Lamar Valley to breed bison to be released into the park’s free-roaming population in an effort to protect the species. Today, the park’s bison population ranks among the largest and most genetically pure in North America. The Lamar Buffalo Ranch Historic District, included on the National Register of Historic Places, comprises five historic structures.
Address: Yellowstone National Park, USA
Admission: Varies
5 Tours and Activities to Experience Lamar Valley
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Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour
12
Spend the day looking for wildlife throughout Yellowstone, focusing on Yellowstone’s Northern loop. You will visit areas such as Lamar or Haden Valley for the chance to see bears, wolves, coyotes, bison, elk, and pronghorn. You will also explore river corridors, valleys, forests, and other habitats looking for other animals including, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, river otters, and other species. While traveling through these area you will also have a chance to enjoy the scenic vistas these animals call home. (This trip is your best chance to see a bear or wolf but no guarantees.)
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From
$987.02
per group
From
$987.02
per group

Private Yellowstone Wildlife Safari with guided hikes. Picnic Lunch included!
3
All of our tours are led by a knowledgeable and seasoned local guide that has an education in wildlife biology/ ecology with years of experience guiding in Yellowstone.
We depart your accommodations and head towards Yellowstone’s northern range, undoubtedly one of the prime wildlife viewing spots in the world, it harbors impressive bison herds, wolf packs, and meandering bears. Visitors are likely to depart from the park’s northern lands with at least one, if not more, checks on their wildlife card. Wild and pristine. When thinking about Yellowstone, a vast and amazing back-country, large carnivores, bison herds, iconic geysers, and geothermal features fill the imagination.
Along the way we will stop to take a short a hike or two to a secluded lake or waterfall. Mid way through the tour we will stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic area.
Time permitting we will walk the boardwalks of Mammonth Hot Springs.
Note: to maximize our chances of seeing wildlife this your leaves early AM.
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From
$1,850.00
per group
From
$1,850.00
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Lamar Valley Safari Hiking Tour with Lunch
We are one of the few companies to offer regular hiking safaris into the Lamar Valley.
Our guides are experts, safety is a priority, and fun is at the top of the list. We regularly spot wolves and other rare wildlife from the trail in the backcountry of Yellowstone.
Most tour providers in Yellowstone spend the majority of the day on the road, or very close to the road. Our tours are off the beaten path.
Frequently our guests tell us that a tour with us is the best part of their vacation to Yellowstone.
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From
$153.85
From
$153.85
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yellowstone Private Guided Day Hike: Wildlife in Lamar Valley
1
Are you ready to spend the day among North America's largest animals? If so, join us on this hike to potentially see bison, wolves, bears, elk, pronghorn, moose and more!
Includes compass lessons and scientific instruments are available to make the hike interactive.
Accessible for almost everyone. The trail is mellow and can be made shorter upon request.
Join us for a genuine Yellowstone experience!
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From
$414.00
Price varies by group size
From
$414.00
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More

Springtime in Yellowstone Wildlife Safari & Geology tour of Mammoth Hot Springs!
3
Spring in Yellowstone is the best time of the season to view the parks population of grizzly bears and wolves intermingling/ fighting for dominance on a landscape that's coming back to life after a long harsh winter. Our tour will focus on Yellowstone’s northern range, undoubtedly one of the prime wildlife viewing spots in North America as it harbors impressive bison/ elk herds, wolf packs, moose, and meandering grizzly and black bears.
In late March Yellowstone starts to comes to life as the temperature gets warmer, the snow starts to melt. green grass starts to grow, elk and bison are giving give birth to off spring, hungry and therefore aggressive grizzly bears are waking up from hibernation, and the parks wolf packs are hunting elk/ bison calves to feed to the their litter pups.
It is not uncommon during this time of year to view wolves hunting elk calves then a hungry grizzly bears charges in to attempt to steal the carcass from the wolves. Its surely a sight to be seen!
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From
$1,150.00
per group
From
$1,150.00
per group