Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Guide

The Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Guide is a resource for those planning to tour Yellowstone National Park and/or Grand Teton National Park. The adjacent national parks are typically visited at the same time and offer very different experiences. Yellowstone offers the world's largest concentration of thermal features such as geysers and hot pools. Grand Teton features one of the world's most spectacular mountain ranges. Both parks offer outstanding opportunities to view wildlife.

Using the Interactive Map

Place your mouse pointer on any KEY item or place name on the map. A brief description will appear. Click on the box for a link to detailed information. For easiest use, scroll map to top. Detailed Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Park Map in separate window.

Where to View Wildlife

Yellowstone National Park has an abundance and variety of wildlife unequaled in the United States outside of Alaska. Generally the number and types of animals a visitor will observe is a matter of luck. When there are many cars pulled over or slowed down on the park roads, there is some wildlife present. Visitors are requested to use pullouts when observing wildlife and to keep a safe distance as all of Yellowstone's animals are wild and potentially dangerous if they feel threatened. Never pursue, block, or chase wildlife by foot or in a vehicle. Never feed any park wildlife.

When photographing or observing wildlife, you are legally required to stay 100 yards (92 m) from bears and 25 yards (23 m) from any other animal. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to view or photograph the wildlife close up. Avoid loud talking, door slamming, and running.

The broad valleys around the park will often contain large numbers of grazing animals. You will probably see large numbers of bison, elk, and pronghorn. Moose are more solitary and prefer low lying swampy or marshy areas, or areas with willow trees, as that is what they eat. Bighorn sheep are less common and prefer mountainous areas. The wolf has been re-introduced to the park. There is good chance of observing wolf in the Lamar Valley near Roosevelt. The high valleys north of Yellowstone Lake are considered prime grizzly bear habitat. If you want to hike in bear country, traveling in a group is advised. In areas that are not open, make enough noise so bears know you are present and have a chance to retreat. Check with park rangers for any possible trail closures due to high bear activity.

Helpful links

 Viewing Wildlife in Yellowstone. NPS Guide.
 Hiking in Bear Country. NPS Guide.
 Wildlife Safety Video. NPS Guide.

Yellowstone National Park Guide Index

• Introduction & Index to Yellowstone National Park
• Mammoth Hot Springs
• Tower Fall & Roosevelt
• Canyon Village & Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
• Norris Area & Norris Geyer Basin
• Madison Junction
• Old Faithful, Lower & Upper Geyser Basin
• Lake Village, Bridge Bay, & Fishing Bridge
• Grant Village & West Thumb of Yellowstone Lake
• Camping in Yellowstone
• Park Lodging & Travel Services
• Where to View Wildlife
  
  
• Introduction to Grand Teton National Park
• Yellowstone & Grand Teton Guide Home Page
• Northern Rockies Travel Guide