Get Wild: View the Wildlife in Yellowstone & Grand Teton

SAMPLE ITINERARY
Jun 12, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27, 2025

There’s something humbling about spotting wildlife in the wild—no fences, no feeding schedules, just nature doing its thing. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are some of the best places on the planet to witness that. Bison herds moving through open plains, moose wading through quiet wetlands, elk bugling in the early morning fog, bald eagles overhead—it’s all part of the rhythm here.

Early explorers wrote about these sightings with awe, not just because the animals were impressive, but because they revealed something bigger: a world that runs on instinct, not agenda. The ideas below offer a few ways to get closer to that world—experiences that go beyond the roadside pull-off and into moments most people never get to see.

THE PARK: Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is wild in every sense of the word—steaming geysers, roaming bison, and a landscape still shaped by fire and ice. It’s one of the best places anywhere to see wildlife in its natural habitat, from grizzlies to wolves to herds that stretch across the horizon. There’s a lot to do and see here, but this guide sticks to the raw stuff: wildlife and geology, up close and unforgettable.

ACTIVITY: Wildlife Tour in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is considered the premier wildlife viewing area in Yellowstone National Park—and it’s your best bet for spotting a wide range of animals. A large bison population roams here year-round, while spring brings better chances of seeing grizzlies, black bears, and wolves. In the fall, listen for the unmistakable call of a bugling elk.

Take in the sweeping views while keeping an eye out for coyotes, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and more. Round out your day with a visit to the travertine terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs and the Albright Visitor Center. For tours in November and December, please call for availability.

ACTIVITY: Lower Loop Tour

The wildlife in Yellowstone is unmatched—but the park’s geothermal wonders are just as unforgettable. You really can’t visit without experiencing both.

The Lower Loop tour is a full-day trip and one of the most popular ways to explore Yellowstone. It features some of the best geothermal sights on the planet: vibrant hot springs, steaming fumaroles, powerful geysers—including the iconic Old Faithful—and the stunning waterfalls of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

As you travel between stops, there’s also a good chance of spotting wildlife like bison, elk, and more. You can personalize your route by picking points of interest, or let your guide shape the day based on conditions and sightings.

THE PARK: Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is another place where wildlife and wild landscapes collide (and super close to Yellowstone). It’s one of the top spots in the country to see moose, elk, bears, and birds in their natural habitat—all with the dramatic Teton Range as your backdrop.

But the park offers more than just incredible animal encounters. You can spend your days hiking alpine trails, kayaking on glacier-fed lakes, fly fishing in crystal-clear rivers, or just soaking in the views. Whether you're here for the wildlife or the wide-open adventure, we can help you piece together the stay, activities, and pace that fit your trip.

ACTIVITY: Grand Teton Wildlife Safari

Grand Teton National Park is full of geological drama and home to an impressive range of wildlife and habitats. The iconic jagged peaks of the Teton Range rise sharply from the valley floor, creating a stunning backdrop from just about anywhere—and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

This half-day guided tour is a great way to get acquainted with the park and its surroundings. As you explore in search of wildlife, your guide will share insights into the plants, animals, history, and landscape that make Jackson Hole such a unique place.

ACTIVITY: Visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art

The National Museum of Wildlife Art, located just a few minutes north of Jackson and overlooking the National Elk Refuge, is a great stop before or after exploring Grand Teton.

Inside, you’ll find a wide-ranging collection that spans centuries and continents—paintings, sculptures, and more, all centered around wildlife and the landscapes they inhabit. The museum features work from well-known artists like Carl Rungius and Robert Bateman, along with many others who’ve captured the wild in all its forms, from the quietly intimate to the powerfully grand.