WYOMING – YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley

Photo Experience:   Located in the northeast section of the Park, Lamar Valley has been called an American Serengeti. On one visit there, I saw over a thousand bison. Although most of these behemoths were quite distant, some were close to or even on the road. I have also observed pronghorns and a colony of cliff swallows in Lamar Valley.

The more centrally located Hayden Valley should not, however, be viewed as a “second choice” wildlife spot. In fact, I’ve taken more photographs of bison here than at Lamar. I’ve also seen bald eagles, rare trumpeter swans, elk, deer, black bears, and coyotes in Hayden Valley.

For both of these locations, most if not all opportunities here will require a telephoto lens and lots of patience. For wildlife that is near the road, working from inside the vehicle is the optimal approach for both you and the animals.