Yellowstone National Park - Day 3
An Old-Fashion Yellowstone Bison Parade
April 29, 2025
We got an early start, aiming to make our way to the other side of Yellowstone National Park to the Lamar Valley. With several roads still closed due to lingering winter snow closures, we knew the drive would take longer than usual. What we didn’t expect was a delay caused by something uniquely Yellowstone, a bison parade.
Just a few miles into our drive, we came upon two cars stopped in the road. Curious, we looked ahead and saw the cause: a herd of bison was calmly walking straight down the middle of the road in our direction. Steam rose from their mouths in the cool morning air as they passed just feet from our windows, giving us a look that seemed to say, “Stay put, and we’ll be on our way.” Naturally, we stayed in the car and watched with quiet awe as calves and full-grown bulls made their way past us. It was one of those unforgettable wildlife encounters in Yellowstone that feels both peaceful and powerful.
Later that day, I mentioned the experience to a park ranger, who just smiled and said it was a common springtime occurrence. “If someone offered you a nice flat road to walk on,” he joked, “wouldn’t you take it too?”
Scenic Drive and Wildlife Watching in the Lamar Valley
Our journey to Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley began with a plan to reach the Northeast Entrance, using it as our turnaround point for the day. The route treated us to changing terrain and elevation, offering everything from rugged hills to open valleys. Along the way, we spotted waterfalls, wildlife, and panoramic views.
One of the highlights of the trip was a short hike on the Mammoth Hot Springs Trail, where we walked past stunning white mineral terraces formed by centuries of geothermal activity. Before lunch, we made a stop at the Albright Visitor Center to learn more about the area’s natural history and wildlife.
After enjoying our packed lunch, we continued through the heart of the Lamar Valley, one of Yellowstone’s best locations for viewing wildlife. We admired vast herds of bison and elk roaming the open plains, and even caught sight of a few wolves. The dramatic landscape, framed by soft afternoon light, made it easy to understand why this valley is often called “America’s Serengeti.”
We briefly exited the park through the Northeast Entrance before making our way back. On our return drive, we made a quick stop at the North Entrance to admire the iconic Roosevelt Arch and caught one last glimpse of a grazing elk herd before heading back across the park. It was a full and unforgettable day in Yellowstone.
Wild Encounters: Bison, Elk, and Wolves in the Lamar Valley
While exploring the Lamar Valley, known as one of the best places to spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, we came upon a crowd of cars and photographers gathered along the roadside. Curious, we asked what was going on. They told us a wounded elk had been spotted nearby, and they were waiting for a pack of wolves to appear, cameras ready. It felt a bit too much like the TMZ of wildlife, so we decided to move on. We had already agreed we didn’t want to contribute to an “animal jam.”
Just a few miles later, we pulled over to observe a peaceful herd of adult bison. To our surprise, three wolves emerged in the distance, clearly watching the herd. But when it became clear there were no calves or injured animals among them, the wolves eventually backed off. It was a quiet but powerful moment of nature’s balance playing out before us.
Earlier in the day, a park ranger had shared some history with us about the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in 1995. Despite resistance from some ranchers, the move was made to restore balance to the ecosystem, which had been impacted by overgrazing from unchecked elk and bison populations. He even mentioned how, in the past, bison would wander right through the park's front gates during harsh winters in search of food.
This encounter reminded us that Yellowstone’s wildlife is not just iconic - it's a living, shifting part of a carefully maintained natural system. Moments like this are what make the Lamar Valley such a special destination for visitors.
