Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley
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- hyperhippiechicMays Landing, New Jersey327 contributionsMake sure you go hereIf you visit Yellowstone make sure you put Lamar Valley high on your list. Plan to visit this area for more than a few hours. We went two times and I wish we could have spent more time. We saw the majority of the animals in this area. We saw Bison, grizzly bears, wolves, pronghorn and elk all here. If you see a crowd of people stop if you can find safe parking. Usually someone friendly will tell you what they are all looking at. We had people help us spot the wolves and grizzly bears. There are some easy hikes.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 31, 2023
- MyBucketListTrips250 contributionsAmazing drive!Wow! What an experience! So much wildlife. Thousands of bison. We lost count of the bison jams on the road but thoroughly enjoyed each one. Allow lots of time to stop, take photos and enjoy this magnificent place on our Earth.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 5, 2023
- MyersFamilyTravelers153 contributionsBeautiful DriveDrove through the valley on our way to the Northeast Exit. What a beautiful place! We saw many, many Bison, some elk and a coyote. Great way to spend last day there on our way out.Visited August 2023Written August 14, 2023
- Gretz8 contributionsGo at sunset, try a gravel road off the main roads.Try to go in the evening hours, around sunset. This is when the most wildlife activity occurs. We turned onto several gravel roads, which take you well off the main paved road, and had a ton of success spotting bear, elk, bison. Logic would say animals like to stay off the beaten path and that’s exactly how it played out for us. Incredible scenery, rolling hills and meadows that never end. Add a sunset and you’re loving every second.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 16, 2023
- Rick BRound Rock, Texas1,305 contributionsHere's where the buffalo roam!The Lamar Valley is one of the places in Yellowstone noted for it's abundant wildlife especially the Bison. They were everywhere individually, small herds and large herds. Here you will likely get into a "Bison Jam" as the bison wander into the road and take their time moving on. Also, near the park boundary at Silver Gate/ Cooke City Montana you will pass the giant Thunderer a huge edifice of 10,558 feet. It was named by an 1885 geological Survey for it's propensity to draw thunderstorms. It is easily visible as the road winds through the valley along Soda Butte Creek. Warning!!!! This area was heavily damaged during the recnt floods in Yellowstone. There is major road reconstruction going on but all roads are passable, cut down to one lane in several places. Expect a wait of 30 minutes at each construction zone.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2023
- cmr352Vancouver, Washington100 contributionsDon't miss it!We loved Lamar Valley. The bison traffic jams were amazing. These huge animals came right up to our car and travelled across the road in front and behind our vehicle. Excellent photo and video opportunities. Don't miss it!!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,074 reviews
Excellent
2,584
Very good
407
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69
Poor
8
Terrible
6
cmr352
Vancouver, WA100 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We loved Lamar Valley. The bison traffic jams were amazing. These huge animals came right up to our car and travelled across the road in front and behind our vehicle. Excellent photo and video opportunities. Don't miss it!!
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick B
Round Rock, TX1,305 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Lamar Valley is one of the places in Yellowstone noted for it's abundant wildlife especially the Bison. They were everywhere individually, small herds and large herds. Here you will likely get into a "Bison Jam" as the bison wander into the road and take their time moving on. Also, near the park boundary at Silver Gate/ Cooke City Montana you will pass the giant Thunderer a huge edifice of 10,558 feet. It was named by an 1885 geological Survey for it's propensity to draw thunderstorms. It is easily visible as the road winds through the valley along Soda Butte Creek. Warning!!!! This area was heavily damaged during the recnt floods in Yellowstone. There is major road reconstruction going on but all roads are passable, cut down to one lane in several places. Expect a wait of 30 minutes at each construction zone.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gretz
8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Try to go in the evening hours, around sunset. This is when the most wildlife activity occurs. We turned onto several gravel roads, which take you well off the main paved road, and had a ton of success spotting bear, elk, bison. Logic would say animals like to stay off the beaten path and that’s exactly how it played out for us. Incredible scenery, rolling hills and meadows that never end. Add a sunset and you’re loving every second.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyersFamilyTravelers
153 contributions
Aug 2023
Drove through the valley on our way to the Northeast Exit. What a beautiful place! We saw many, many Bison, some elk and a coyote. Great way to spend last day there on our way out.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn C
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
An Unbelievable area of Yellowstone! Bison, bears, pronghorns, and more! Absolutely beautiful whichever way you turn!
Written August 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MyBucketListTrips
250 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wow! What an experience! So much wildlife. Thousands of bison. We lost count of the bison jams on the road but thoroughly enjoyed each one. Allow lots of time to stop, take photos and enjoy this magnificent place on our Earth.
Written August 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dane C
21 contributions
Jul 2023
If you like to see thousands of Bison millling around you cars walking all over the place and in idyllic poses for your camera you might want to visit here
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe Alejo
South Lake Tahoe, CA246 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
magnificent as always....the large fluffy uns were up and moving....kept outta their way and just used the camera lens do their jobs....happy trails
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken F
High Point, NC197 contributions
Jun 2023
Very scenic views with plenty of bison, the occasional bear and deer or antelope. Expect some delays if the bison decide to cross the roads. Please pay attention to the warnings about getting too close to the "fluffy cows"!
Written July 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,199 contributions
Jun 2023
The place to see wildlife, and get away from the geyser crowds. But bring binoculars - and patience - because what you see may not be close at hand. And get up (really) early to see something more than bison.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am planning on a trip to Lamar valley,y husband is all about wildlife but am clueless on airports. I am leaving San Antonio Texas and thinking of going to celebrate our anniversary between March 2024- June 2024 any suggestions on best airport? We also are looking for a nice cabin/log cabin or luxury hotel not wanting the budget route because it's our anniversary. Any and All suggestions are welcome thanks! We want to depart on Saturday return Wednesday.
SeniorTravelerTF
Fort Atkinson1,199 contributions
Bozeman is a very nice airport and convenient. If you are interested it also has bus service to Yellowstone. West Yellowstone has United and Delta service, but many fewer flights - and more expensive. Some people fly to Jackson, but the flights are also more limited and more expensive (although Bozeman too is a regional and not the choice or lower cost of flying into a hub (i.e. LAS, DEN, SLC etc.).
Tammy P
Canton, OH10 contributions
We are planning a trip to Yellowstone late July 2029 and will be staying at West Yellowstone. We want to spend a day at Lamar Valley. Where do we park to hike the Lamar Valley Trail and is there a road closure or single lane traffic that we should avoid?
Tammy P
Canton, OH10 contributions
We are planning a trip to Yellowstone late July 2029 and will be staying at West Yellowstone. We want to spend a day at Lamar Valley. Where do we park to hike the Lamar Valley Trail and is there a road closure or single lane traffic that we should avoid?
Tom L
Tyler, TX100 contributions
There will be a places to park at the Trail Head.
GettinBye
Marblehead, Massachusetts349 contributions
Traveling from Big Sky to Yellowstone with concentration on Lamar Valley for animal sitings. First week of Sept day trip. Trying to decide if we should drive to the North entrance which seems a longer drive (is it a scenic drive??) ) or go the seemingly quicker drive to the West entrance and head to Lamar from there. Probably skipping the crowds of Old Faithful this time around.
Ron
Savannah, GA892 contributions
We spent a few days in YNP in July and did drive to Lamar Valley to see wildlife. Waste of time. It’s a long drive from Mammoth Hot Springs (with partial loop closure), even longer from West Yellowstone, and the only animals we saw were bisons. You see them all around YNP, and at closer range than in Lamar Valley.
Hi, I'm planning on making a trip to Yellowstone sometime in late may/early June. Just wanted to research as much as possible while planning my trip. We are flying from Pennsylvania to BZN (Bozeman Yellowstone Airport) as we figure it's the closest airport to Lamar Valley. My main concerns were car rentals,driving, and places to stay. Ive been hearing a lot about Gardnier Is there car/SUV rentals nearby? Is there enough gas stations in between? is it easy to get from Gardnier to Lamar Valley? I apologize if these questions seem tedious or novice as i am new to traveling and just trying to know as much as possible and research so im not going in blind. Thank you for any help or tips i appreciate it!
Linda K
Walkertown, NC102 contributions
We flew into Bozeman, too. It was a great place to spend some time; we stayed at the C'mon Inn if you are looking to stay. It's a great hotel We staying in the park at the Mammoth Inn 3 nights and then stayed in the four corners of Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, Cody and Jackson. All were lovely places and we enjoyed them additionally to Yellowstone. We rented a car at the airport which was more convenient and didn't seem much more expensive. You will love Yellowstone and see the Grand Tetons too if you have time. We had such a great trip and would quickly do it again.
kickstartmyheart7
Boise, ID89 contributions
We plan on traveling around Yellowstone in late May. We are coming from Boise, so we'll be starting at the West entrance, as we hop from one RV park to another every couple of days. We also want to visit Jackson hole. My question is, with the road closures at the northern end of the part of Yellowstone (Tower junction/Tower fall) what is the best way to get to Lamar Valley?? We want to see it really badly, and would hate to miss it!
Ymore05
Miami, FL4 contributions
Lamar Valley is open all year round. You would have to go through the North entrances. Have fun
Jacques G
2 contributions
We are traveling to Yellowstone with our RV (towing a car ) next summer and we're wondering is there are RV parks outside the Park but close enough to visit the Lamar Valley by car?
Also is the Lamar valley one of the best location to see wildlife?
Ymore05
Miami, FL4 contributions
Not sure about RV parking overnight near park. I know you can camp inside park but not sure about RV’s.
Lamar Valley is open all year round and yes it’s where you see the most animals. Summer is the time to go for wildlife so I hear. Pack snacks, water and look for animals. Just park at the pullouts, use your binoculars and you’ll most likely see something. Have a good trip.
Siennaskies
Henderson, NV120 contributions
I have 2 questions. 1st, will we be able to see alot of animals on our own (even possibly bears or wolves) on our own or do you need to take a wild life tour? 2nd, is Gardiner a good place to stay to explore Lamar Valley or do you recommend Cooke City? Thanks.
kyendley
Kelowna, Canada57 contributions
We saw a ton of animals on our own. No tours required, in my opinion. But - we did our homework and researched where and when it would be most likely to see animals (be in the Lamar Valley at dawn for best odds of grizzly, wolf and bison sitings). Sorry - can’t comment on accommodations in Gardiner - we camped in West Yellowstone.
Tarielovena
Seattle, WA125 contributions
Will be spending a few days exploring Yellowstone in a few weeks and would like to spend a few hours viewing wildlife. What would be the best time for us to get there in the morning?
Nick
Gold Coast, Australia13 contributions
Bisons are everywhere, even in the middle of the road. Drive carefully around the turning.
On late afternoon we saw many more wildlife(bears, elk, moose, deer).
They are not only in Lamar Valley, but on the way there.
Msbull1105
Columbia, TN19 contributions
We are planning a mid October visit . I know most of the Visitors Centers will be closed but getting gas is a concern for us. My understanding is that there are 24 hour pumps for credit card use at most of the centers. Is that correct?
GemmaTravels
Sydney186 contributions
Here is the itinerary for our October visit copied from my travel blog. We flew in late on October 7 2018, with 2 nights in Jackson, staying at the Parkway Inn.
Mon 8 October: Woke up to gorgeous weather, but storms are forecast this week, so tried to make the most of it. Hit the Visitors Centre, grabbed some maps and Bear Spray and headed out towards the Grand Teton Mountains. Stopped at an abandoned Mormon settlement, and saw some Prong Horn Antelope just beside the road. It’s the tail end of Autumn here, but there are still some beautiful fall colours on display. Crossed the Snake River, and came across a family of Moose grazing in a swamp (Note: this was just off the Moose Wilson Rd). We hiked up above Phelps Lake to see spectacular views out towards the Gros Ventre range, and some Mule Deer crossed the trail on our way down. Walked around Jackson township, and had a drink at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar before dinner. Quite a day!
Tues 9 October: Winter weather arrived today, with low cloud, rain and a little snow, so we came inside to the wonderful National Museum of Wildlife Art. Next we headed up into Grand Teton National Park, seeing a several Bison along the way. We‘re in a cosy cabin right on the lake at Signal Mountain for the next three days.
Wednesday 10 October: A bit of light snow overnight, but a lovely clear morning. Our cabin is right on Jackson Lake, and we walked along the shore before breakfast - just a bit chilly! Drove up to the top of Signal Mountain, then down to Jenny Lake. Did a long hike around the southern end to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, and a quick walk around the Menor’s Ferry historic district. Saw some Mule Deer on our way back, just as it started to snow again.
Thursday 11 October: Woke to a winter wonderland. Light snow overnight, but thankfully the roads were still clear. Drove to Jackson Lake Dam, then back to Ox Bow bend to watch the bird life. We walked through pine forests to Swan Lake, with light snow falling - beautiful, but a little scary as we were the only ones out there, and on our return we saw (maybe) bear tracks. A sleek coyote ran across the road on the drive back, and its friend was a little further on, but they were too quick to take a photo. Did a more substantial hike out to Bradley Lake and Beaver Creek in the afternoon, with fabulous views of the mountains. There were more Pronghorns on the way to Dornan’s Bar, and we saw our first Elk the distance. As we headed home, another group of Elk crossed the road. Off to Yellowstone tomorrow.
Friday 12 October: Another sunny day, so we decided to hike before heading off to Yellowstone. We drove to String Lake, and walked along the eastern side. There was no wind, and the mountains were reflected in the water - gorgeous picture postcard stuff! We saw another moose wading near the edge, but she heard us and moved quickly into the forest. We went about halfway around Leigh Lake before returning. Great morning!
Later we drove back past the Snake River overlook and Ox Bow bend, then along the John D. Rockefeller Jr Parkway from Grand Teton into Yellowstone National Park. We stopped at Lewis Falls and the West Thumb Geyser Basin, and another coyote crossed our path just near the continental divide marker. Saw our first Bison just before checking in to our (very rustic!) cabin at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Saturday 13 October: Snowing quite heavily this morning, and a lot of the roads through Yellowstone were blocked. We watched Old Faithful Geyser erupt, explored the village, and played a game of Scrabble. The sun came out in the afternoon, and we drove to Middle Geyser Basin, Firehole Lake Drive, Gibbon Falls, and the Artist’s Paint Pots area. Saw some more Bison on the way back.
Sunday 14 October: Gorgeous day, but a lot of the roads still blocked by snow, so explored the Norris Geyser Basin area. So slippery on the trail, and on the way out cars were sliding everywhere! However, they did open the road to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Just a little bit spectacular! Headed down through the Hayden Valley, and saw a herd of Bison running just beside the road, including a young calf and a huge bull, but unfortunately nowhere to pull up for photos. Stopped at the Mud Volcano area and Yellowstone Lake, but Craig Pass was still closed, so had to drive the long way back through Canyon, Norris and Madison.
Monday 15 October: Our last day in South Yellowstone. Climbed to Observation Point above the village to watch Old Faithful erupt, then walked the Main Geyser Basin. Packed up and drove through the beautiful Yellowstone Lakes area, stopping for lunch in a snowy picnic spot beside the river. We saw lots of bison in the Hayden Valley, and this time managed to take some photos. Dunraven Pass was supposed to be closed for winter a week ago, but luckily it reopened today, and we could drive over the mountains to Tower Fall, a waterfall which plummets between hoodoo rock pinnacles. Walked down the trail below the falls, and saw (yikes!) bear tracks in the snow. Headed through the historic Yellowstone North Gate arch to Gardiner, where we’ll be staying the next three nights. In a real hotel!!
Tuesday 16 October: Walked around the Mammoth Springs village, built in the early part of last century, with many Art Deco buildings. There are lots of elk around and about, but signs warn not to approach them. We hiked the lower terraces of the massive thermal area above the town. Later drove out to the Lamar Valley for a picnic lunch , and made friends with a raven. Saw big herds of bison throughout the valley. Drove as far as the North East gate of Yellowstone, with beautiful mountain and river views.
Wednesday 17 October: Our last day in Yellowstone. We had a look around the Gardiner township, then drove to the Upper Terraces above Mammoth Springs. The drive was still closed due to the icy roads, so we walked the circuit of the upper thermal area. Had a picnic lunch a bit further on next to Lava Creek, then hiked down beside it to Undine Falls and the river below. This time we saw a Grizzly Bear pawprint in the mud! Dinner and beers tonight were at Cowboys Bar.
Thursday 18 October: Drove through the Lamar Valley out of Yellowstone, seeing lots more bison along the way. There were a group of wolf spotters up on a hillside, and one of them let us use his field scope to watch a grizzly bear and a pack of wolves. Followed the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway over the mountains. This was the route a Nez Perce tribe took when trying to escape from the US Cavalry into Canada, but they were caught just 30 miles from the border. We watched a group of cowboys moving cattle along the road. One of them had a dog behind his saddle, who would jump down and round up any strays. Travelled to our next stop in Billings Montana, briefly visiting the Moss Mansion, built early last century, and walking around the neighbourhood.
We carried on from there to Devil's Tower, Lead/Deadwood, Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park and Badlands NP, before heading to NYC to meet my brother and his family, and spend the Halloween week with them in Bucks County PA. Amazing trip, and we loved it all!
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Claim your listingLAMAR VALLEY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lamar Valley
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Lamar Valley:
- Private Yellowstone Wildlife Sightseeing Tour (From ₱58,587.21)
- Yellowstone Custom Wildlife and Nature Tour (From ₱16,627.61)
- Private Yellowstone Wolf Watching & Wildlife Safari + lunch (From ₱69,746.68)
- 2-Day Yellowstone National Park Upper and Lower Loop Exploration (From ₱36,268.27)
- VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone's Upper Loop - West Yellowstone, MT (From ₱22,318.94)
- Attractions near Lamar Valley:
- (2.75 km) Yellowstone River Picnic Area
- (4.94 km) Trout Lake Trail
- (5.45 km) Yellowstone Institute
- (12.42 km) Slough Creek
- (11.41 km) Safari Yellowstone Day Trips