Hiking Project Logo

gem icon Hayden Valley [Suggest Edits]

41 votes
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

Description

Many visitors choose Yellowstone as a vacation destination due to the wilderness of the region. In addition to the rugged landscapes of the area, wild animals are often one of the highlights of a trip to the park. If you're looking to catch a glimpse of Yellowstone's renowned bison or elk herds or are hoping to safely see Grizzly bears, the Hayden Valley is one of the most popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts.

Located between Fishing Bridge and Canyon Village, the wide open valley, which was once a lake, provides excellent habitat for roaming buffalo and for many of Yellowstone's full-time residents. The valley is home to the largest group of free roaming bison in the world, and it's rare that you'll be disappointed as you drive through. Though animals may look docile, remember that they're wild and often outweigh and can almost always outrun humans. NEVER approach wildlife.

Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk when the animals themselves are most active. Bring binoculars to catch far-off residents, as they may include wolves, grizzly bears, or bald eagles. During busy parts of the day, be aware that many visitors make their way through the valley, and large herds of buffalo often cause traffic jams as they meander across the road.

On the Road: Adjacent to parking pull off

Family Friendly: Nothing is as delightful as watching the enormous bison as they pass by, and family members of all ages will enjoy driving through the area.

Gem Type: Family Attraction

Shared by:
Mikhaila Redovian

0 Comments

You & This Gem

Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 29, 2024
Brian L
Jul 26, 2024
JUAN SANTA PAU VALLS
Done
May 27, 2024
Sandra O'Guynn
Grizzly sleeping
May 18, 2024
Kristie Reynolds
Not as great as Lamar Valley but superbly beautiful!
Sep 6, 2023
Matt Backlund
Nice place
Jul 20, 2023
Lauren Kearon
Jul 2, 2023
Haden Smith
So many bison!!
Jun 29, 2023
Michael McSperritt

Nearby Gems

gem Favorite Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Artist's Point

(108) Canyon…, WY
gem Favorite At the brink of Lower Yellowstone Falls.

Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River

(74) Canyon…, WY
gem Favorite Color palette of Yellowstone.

Norris Geyser Basin

(50) Norris…, WY
gem Favorite Hikers head east from Mount Washburn summit through fields of purple lupine.

Mt. Washburn Fire Tower

(19) Canyon…, WY

Nearby Trails

0.4 mi 0.6 km Brink of Lower Falls Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
All Clear
Update
Dry
26 days ago
54 
7.3 mi 11.7 km Mount Washburn
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Canyon Village, WY
All Clear
Update
91 days ago
53 
2.6 mi 4.2 km Grand Canyon South Rim
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
All Clear
Update
Dry
26 days ago
38 
0.1 mi 0.2 km Artist Point Overlook Trail
Easy Easy
Canyon Village, WY
Easy Easy
Canyon Village, WY
Unknown
Update
28 
0.8 mi 1.4 km Mud Volcano Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Lake Village, WY
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Lake Village, WY
All Clear
Update
Dry
68 days ago
30 
0.3 mi 0.5 km Red Rock Point Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
All Clear
Update
Dry
26 days ago
19 
2.4 mi 3.8 km Storm Point
Easy Easy
Lake Village, WY
Easy Easy
Lake Village, WY
All Clear
Update
81 days ago
26 
1.3 mi 2.2 km Artist Point-Point Sublime Trail
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Unknown
Update
26 
1.8 mi 2.8 km South Rim Trail
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
Canyon Village, WY
Unknown
Update
16 
0.4 mi 0.6 km Uncle Tom's Trail
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Canyon Village, WY
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
Canyon Village, WY
Unknown
Update
19 
Shared by Mikhaila Redovian on May 12, 2016. All Page Views: 1,677. Last Month: 3.
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.