Hayden Valley
Hayden Valley
4.5
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- MikeJennyQOnalaska, Wisconsin962 contributionsGet out your telephoto sense and take this inGreat place for the long lenses. Bear activity was high late in summer fall and near the hot springs along the road a =n active grizzly revisiting a carcass for a week. Safe distance from the road and across the river. A lot of photographers but even amateurs could see and get a photo.. Buffalo and elk with bugling. Wolves are seen though we missed themVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 December 2023
- Rehoboth5Helena, Montana508 contributionsSlow down, obey the law, be respectful of wildlife and other visitorsWe're Montanans, and try to visit Yellowstone every year or so. This June, we got out early (left Roosevelt Lodge about 7) and drove through the Hayden Valley. Traffic was not yet heavy, but the views were out of this world. The streams, the meadows, the wildflowers, and the bison (we think there were probably a total of 300, in various herds). To enjoy this experience, slow down and show respect not only for the wildlife, but for other visitors. Obey park regulations: don't stop in the middle of the road. Instead, find an official pullout and park there. Don't get close to bison!!!! Stay at least 25 yards away from them. Use your binoculars or telephoto lens to get a good look. Relax and soak up the natural scene.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 June 2024
- D LCasa Grande, Arizona340 contributionsGo Early for Best ChancesSecond trip to park; our primary purpose was wildlife observation. Used binoculars and spotting scope. We saw the Wapiti Wolfpack here at about 3/4 mioff. Spotting scope was the ticket, or long camera lense. You need to put the spotting scope on a tripod, IMHO. Bison herd in same valley. Wolves are on a far side (West) ridge. Also saw a pronghorn sheep in the valley. We also saw two grizzlies and two black bear on the hills to and from this valley. We got lucky, but we also left the campsite to get there early.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2024
- malenurse29 contributionsYellowstone is more than I ever thoughtWhen you hear the word national park, you think of a place to go with an area to go to. But when you get to Yellowstone, you don’t realize that it’s not aWhen you hear the word national park, you think of a place to go with an area to go to. But when you get to Yellowstone, you don’t realize that it’s not a national park but it is a substantial piece of land with 100 mile circle inside it.. Instead of spending a day or two, you could spend weeks there and never see everythingVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 August 2024
- Stephanie CMundelein, Illinois2,537 contributionsBison Everywhere!!Hayden Valley is where we saw a large amount of Bison roaming around. It’s mostly flat but just beautiful. The Yellowstone river runs along side of the valley in some spots. We ran into what’s called a buffalo jam for two reasons the Bison are crossing the road and the vehicles are all lined up to get a great view of all the wildlife.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,150 reviews
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bcasey1
Plant City, FL1,675 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Loved the diversity of the scenery at Yellowstone! We expected mountains, geothermal sights, woods, and lakes the valley was like a bonus sight that was equally lovely. We saw bison there, too. So fun!
Written 27 September 2020
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.
db7477
Carlsbad, CA3,471 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
The drive from the Canyon area through the Hayden Valley to Yellowstone Lake is absolutely gorgeous. There are numerous turnouts to stop and soak in the view of the valley, Yellowstone River and native wildlife. When God made heaven he used the Hayden Valley for reference.
Written 5 October 2020
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.
Mary Butcher
Belpre, OH12 contributions
Aug 2020
We toured Yellowstone through YellowstoneVacations.com. The travel guide, Chris Burke, noticed that my husband could not take all the photos he wanted during the first day.. So he arranged for us to have our own van on the second day. Our second travel guide was Jason Kladiva, who we called "Gypsy." He took us to where we wanted to go. My husband was able to take lots of photos of bison that day. These guides are awesome!
Written 4 September 2020
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.
Stephen M
Boston, MA88 contributions
Jun 2021
The sun is up at 5AM and the action here over by 7AM. Best viewing is about 6 miles south of Canyon and 10 miles north of Lake/Fishing Bridge.
The early bird is rewarded with spectacular nature viewing. We came out 3 different mornings and saw something different each morning.
The early bird is rewarded with spectacular nature viewing. We came out 3 different mornings and saw something different each morning.
Written 29 June 2021
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.
Daniela N
Houston, TX747 contributions
Jul 2020
We went here to see animal twice but did not see much animals but a few bisons and tons of ducks and flowers. We went in late June 2020 but it was very cold and wet, snowing a little too. Not far from Canyon Lodge and eateries.
I personally like Lamar Valley better although it was a far drive. YS was so scenic so I did not mind the drive.
Surprisingly, at some part of Hayden valley, I found some good cell phone signals for emails , phone calls, loading maps etc.
I personally like Lamar Valley better although it was a far drive. YS was so scenic so I did not mind the drive.
Surprisingly, at some part of Hayden valley, I found some good cell phone signals for emails , phone calls, loading maps etc.
Written 4 July 2020
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.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,119 contributions
Sept 2020
After visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, we drove through Hayden Valley at around 11:30 am on a Friday (9/4). Unfortunately, probably due to the time of day, we did not see any animals. The Valley looked very pretty though!
We stayed near the West Yellowstone entrance and every morning on our drive to Madison Junction, we would see bison on that stretch of the road. We actually saw more wildlife there than anywhere else.
We stayed near the West Yellowstone entrance and every morning on our drive to Madison Junction, we would see bison on that stretch of the road. We actually saw more wildlife there than anywhere else.
Written 16 September 2020
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.
malenurse2
lagrange illinois9 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
When you hear the word national park, you think of a place to go with an area to go to. But when you get to Yellowstone, you don’t realize that it’s not aWhen you hear the word national park, you think of a place to go with an area to go to. But when you get to Yellowstone, you don’t realize that it’s not a national park but it is a substantial piece of land with 100 mile circle inside it.. Instead of spending a day or two, you could spend weeks there and never see everything
Written 17 August 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.
JenniferandAlan
Easton, PA908 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
We usually visit Yellowstone in August and if we haven't seen a buffalo somewhere in the park we drive to Hayden Valley and are pretty sure to see some, even herds. We also see people bird watching there but we come for the buffalo. We try to get there at dusk when the herds are settling down for the night. We've seen baby buffalo frolicking while mom watches. The herds could swim across the river to the other side sometimes causing "buffalo jams" on the road. If you get there early, there is plenty of parking. You can see the buffalo close up as they cross the road but stay in your car and don't get close to them as they are wild. If you don't see any in Hayden Valley, try Lamar Valley a little farther north. Happy viewing.
Written 2 February 2020
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.
Loca_Lisa
Meridian, ID1,668 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
This is the most active spot in Yellowstone park to view all types of wildlife. In the 30 minutes we stayed in the area we saw about 50 elk, a 100 bison, several species of birds and even the rare black bear at the base of the hills. One of the highlights of driving around Yellowstone for sure. Be sure to bring your binoculars!!!!!!!!!!!
Written 17 July 2020
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.
mynameisD
Portland, OR922 contributions
Sept 2022
What a beautiful valley. So photographic. We were lucky to see Bison every day for 5 days in a row. One day we decided to park the Van and have lunch while watching the Bison. It was the best. Soon the Bison decided to cross over the road creating a Wildlife Road block.
In the mornings there was quite a bit of fog and you couldn't see anything. But as it lifts it is lovely to see the sun come up.
Highly recommended to hang out here, there are many pull outs.
In the mornings there was quite a bit of fog and you couldn't see anything. But as it lifts it is lovely to see the sun come up.
Highly recommended to hang out here, there are many pull outs.
Written 8 October 2022
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.
We are planning to visit the first week of October and trying to decide if we should drive our 4 wheel drive or can we get by with our front wheel drive SUV ?
Written 25 January 2020
A 4 wheel drive (4WD) is always a better option than front WD in case there happens to be a snowfall more than 6 inches deep. God knows how much snow you may encounter in the 1st week of October. Due to inclement weather, you may encounter snow storm and about 5 to 6 inches snow on the road. In case snow starts to drizzle during your tour, it will be fine with your single wheel drive vehicle. Wish you good luck.......Professor
Written 15 February 2020
What is the best time of day to drive through Hayden Valley? How long should we plan for
Written 19 June 2019
Anytime really. There’s wildlife all day, but best times are dawn and dusk.
Written 27 June 2019
Hello...thanks all for posting...Driving a long way to see wildlife, hopefully bear! Not sure I can get to the area before 9am and out by 3pm..I assume not the best viewing time in September? What are the chances during these hours? Any 2 cents would be appreciated !
Written 27 July 2016
I would imagine that the best viewing times are early morning and dusk when their prey is also active. Keep in mind that September, being later in the season, is possibly when bears are getting ready for hibernation. Something I learned from a ranger while we were there is that in both Hayden and Lamar Valleys, there are people who are employed by the park to spot very specific wildlife. You'll know who they are by their chairs and their lenses. If you see them trained in on something, then there is probably something of note they're seeing.
Written 9 August 2016
Hello, I'm travelling to YNP for the first time in mid-June. On one day, I was trying to map out the route from Gardiner --> Canyon Area --> Hayden Valley --> Jackson for the night. But google maps will not let me travel by the Grand Loop from the Canyon Area to Hayden Valley. I've read that the Grand Loop is generally a 2-lane road, is this section one-way? Can anyone help me to find out if my route is possible? Thank you!
Written 10 May 2016
It took me many months to plan my trip.
The Moon guide to Yellowstone was also quite helpful.
I saw most of the park--check out my other reviews and let me know if I missed any you would like me to post.
If you found my reply helpful, you can always give it a helpful vote :)
Written 11 May 2016
Both my husband & I would like to take a glider tour - do you have the ability for 2 gliders to go out at the same time?
Written 1 September 2015
We did not encounter any glider cruising over the Yellowstone National Park. And I doubt if there is any such facilities over there, for it is a national park where most of the wildlife including exotic species like black bear, grizzlies, gray wolf reign in the wide open and anybody flying overhead in glider or operating a camera-fitted drone will certainly disturb the wildlife and also jeopardize the safety of the gliding personnel. But we found monoplanes flying over the Yellow Stone Lake. This gives tourists a grand vistas to photograph the magnificent park from high up.
Written 15 February 2020
Hi MJN - Regarding Hayden Valley - are there pull outs or picnic areas to sit and wait for animals? Trying to picture if we just drive thru and hope for animals or actually sit and post for them. Thanks, Gina
Written 14 July 2015
There are large pullouts. Would bring binoculars or spotting scopes. Cameras with telephoto lens.
Written 29 August 2015
Please advise what tie you recommend for animal (bear) sighting. You mention early to mid....like 6am?
Written 14 July 2015
Approximately Sunrise to 7:30 AM to see animals. Dusk is a good time too.
Written 29 August 2015
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