Where to see animals in Yellowstone in winter?

Winter strips the landscape bare of foliage and crowds, making wildlife more visible. Animals also migrate to lower elevations and thermal areas for warmth and food, concentrating them into more accessible zones.

You’ll also see rare animal behaviors—wolves hunting across the snowy plains, bison steaming in the cold air, and foxes diving headfirst into snow to catch mice. These experiences are hard to match at any other time of year.

Bison Herd in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Bison Herd in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Wolf in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Elk in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Top Places to See Wildlife in Yellowstone During Winter

1. Lamar Valley

Known as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is the premier winter wildlife destination in Yellowstone. Accessible year-round from the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, this vast valley remains snow-covered but navigable.

What you’ll see:

◉ Gray wolves – most active at dawn and dusk; look for the Junction Butte and Lamar Canyon packs

◉ Bison – often trudging through deep snow or resting near thermal areas

◉ Elk – grazing in the open meadows

◉ Coyotes and red foxes – hunting small mammals in the snow

◉ Bald eagles and ravens – scavenging for carrion

Lamar Valley is especially popular with wildlife photographers and wolf-watchers, some of whom bring spotting scopes and wait for hours to glimpse these apex predators in action.

2. Mammoth Hot Springs to Tower-Roosevelt Road

This stretch of road is one of the few open to private vehicles in winter. Starting from Mammoth Hot Springs, the route winds through rugged terrain and open valleys that offer excellent wildlife viewing.

What you’ll see:

◉ Bighorn sheep – often found on rocky slopes near the road

◉ Elk – frequently seen grazing near Mammoth or in the Blacktail Plateau

◉ Coyotes and foxes – patrolling open meadows for prey

◉ Wolves – occasionally visible near Slough Creek or Blacktail Ponds

This drive is popular because it combines reliable access with great variety in both habitat and species.

3. Hayden Valley (via Snowcoach or Snowmobile)

Hayden Valley is a vast, glacial valley in the heart of Yellowstone, accessible only in winter by snowcoach or guided snowmobile tour. Its mix of open terrain and thermal features makes it a key wintering area for many animals.

What you’ll see:

◉ Bison – large herds often rest near warm thermal features

◉ Trumpeter swans and ducks – gathering on the Yellowstone River, which stays partially unfrozen

◉ Wolves – sometimes spotted from afar, especially around carcasses

Though less accessible than Lamar, Hayden Valley offers a serene and wild winter experience.

4. Yellowstone River (near Gardiner and Fishing Bridge)

Because the Yellowstone River doesn’t completely freeze, it provides habitat for waterfowl and fishing mammals even in deep winter.

What you’ll see:

◉ Otters – playing or fishing in open water

◉ Trumpeter swans – gliding gracefully through the cold waters

◉ Bald eagles – perched in trees or hunting fish

◉ American dippers (water ouzels) – small gray birds diving underwater even in frigid temps

5. Old Faithful Area (Snowcoach/Snowmobile Only)

Accessible only via oversnow travel, the Old Faithful region and Upper Geyser Basin aren’t just for geyser lovers—wildlife is drawn to the warmth and open water created by geothermal activity.

What you’ll see:

◉ Bison – steaming and wallowing in hot ground areas

◉ Snowshoe hares and pine martens – darting among lodgepole pine forests

◉ Ravens and other scavengers – often near thermal features where food sources are concentrated

Though sightings are less frequent than in Lamar or Hayden, the backdrop of geysers and frozen forests makes for a surreal wildlife encounter.

Best Animals to See in Yellowstone in Winter

Animal	Where to Look	Notes
Gray Wolf	Lamar Valley, Blacktail Plateau	Most visible in winter; bring binoculars or spotting scopes
Bison	Lamar, Hayden, Old Faithful	Often seen warming near hot springs and geysers
Elk	Mammoth, Lamar, Blacktail Plateau	Migrate to lower elevations; seen in herds or alone
Bighorn Sheep	Gardiner Canyon, Tower area	Look on rocky cliffs or sunny slopes
Red Fox	Lamar, Blacktail, Mammoth	Watch for “mousing” behavior in snow
Coyotes	Across open meadows	Smaller and more common than wolves, often mistaken for them
Otters	Yellowstone River	Playful and visible near open water
Trumpeter Swans	Yellowstone River, Hayden Valley	Large, elegant birds on open waters
Eagles & Ravens	Near carcasses, rivers	Often seen feeding or soaring overhead

Bisons in Yellowstone National Park in Winter

Tips for Successful Winter Wildlife Viewing

Bring binoculars or a spotting scope – Animals may be distant and snow-covered terrain can distort perception.

1. Dress in layers – It can be extremely cold, especially during early morning outings.

2. Go early or late – Wildlife is most active during dawn and dusk.

3. Be patient and quiet – Winter wildlife viewing often rewards stillness and persistence.

4. Use pullouts safely – If you're driving, use designated pullouts to stop and scan the area.

5. Consider hiring a guide – Local naturalists and tour operators can help you find elusive animals like wolves.

Final Thoughts

Yellowstone in winter is one of the most unique wildlife-watching experiences in North America. While it may be cold and snowy, the park’s silent beauty, frosted landscapes, and chance to see animals in their most natural, undisturbed state make the trip unforgettable. Whether you're tracking wolf packs in Lamar Valley or watching trumpeter swans glide through the steam on the Yellowstone River, winter is when Yellowstone truly comes alive in a different way.