Hayden Valley
A broad grassy valley along the Yellowstone River, the easiest place in the park to see bison herds. Grizzly bears, wolves and swans are also often spotted here.
Hayden Valley lies on the Grand Loop Road between Canyon Village and Lake Village. The road follows the Yellowstone River for about 25 km, with several pullouts along the way. In summer, bison herds often wander onto the road and cause “bison jams.” Stay in your car and never honk to shoo them away. Early in the morning, use binoculars to look for grizzly bears and wolves in the valley. River bends host Canada geese, American white pelicans and trumpeter swans. Keep at least 23 m from bison and at least 91 m from bears and wolves.
Opening hours
Open all day (road open about May–Nov)
Nearby sights
- Mud Volcano & Dragon's Mouth Spring
- Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- Mount Washburn
- Yellowstone Lake
- West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Tower Fall
- Norris Geyser Basin
- Artists' Paintpots