Embarking on a journey from Crow Hollow Ranch to Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley promises a scenic adventure through some of the most captivating landscapes the region has to offer. After more than 12 years of shepherding friends and family from the ranch to the Lamar Valley, we have developed a few tips and tricks to make the most of your adventure, so today I wanted to share an easy way to take a day trip to Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley.
From Paradise Valley it is a short 45-minute drive to the park entrance and then an additional 60 – 90 minutes into Lamar depending on how many wildlife stops we make. Believe it or not, we often don’t leave for the Lamar Valley until 2:00 pm. Because it stays light until almost 9:00 in the summer months. Our goal is to be in the Lamar Valley for an early picnic dinner and stay until sunset when the wildlife is most visible and abundant. There are plenty of picnic baskets and coolers available at the ranch for you to use on your adventure and be sure to bring binoculars for distant wildlife viewing!
Begin your road trip by heading south on US-89, tracing the picturesque Yellowstone River. The drive itself is just stunning, with rolling hills and the Absaroka Range providing a majestic backdrop.Before you reach the park, you will find yourself in the gateway town of Gardiner. This is a great place to pick up sandwiches or snacks for your picnic if you didn’t pack one in advance. You will have more food options here than you will in the park.
As you approach Mammoth Hot Springs, make sure to have your cameras ready to capture photos of the often present elk scattered throughout this busy little town. Located in the northern reaches of Yellowstone, the landscape of the hot springs is a surreal scene of steaming terraces. The calcium carbonate-rich waters create an otherworldly environment. If you plan to take time to explore this unique geological wonder, I would suggest leaving the ranch about an hour earlier.
Continuing northeast through the park, you’ll find yourself in the Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America.” This expansive valley is a haven for wildlife, especially the iconic American bison. These magnificent creatures roam freely, creating an awe-inspiring sight against the backdrop of the Absaroka and Gallatin Ranges. Bison are not the only inhabitants of Lamar Valley; keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and pronghorn, as this region boasts one of the highest concentrations of diverse wildlife in the park.
Depending on the time that you drive through the Lamar Valley, you may see herds of bison far in the distance or nearer to the road. In our experience, the bison get closer to the road and are often on the main highway, later in the evening. You may also spot Pronghorn, wolves or moose making their way through the valley.
On the far eastern edge of the Lamar Valley, you will find several lovely picnic areas. Soda Butte and Pebble Creek are popular spots but our favorite is Cold Canyon. It is on the right side of the road, outside of the valley, and sits next to a beautiful river. I highly recommend having your picnic dinner there. Bring a tablecloth for the picnic tables that sit by the river.
As you journey back through the valley after dinner, don’t be surprised if you hit traffic…specifically the infamous “bison jam” that often happens at dusk. This is a sight to behold. Be sure to roll down your windows (but stay in your car!) to hear the bellows and grunts of the herd as they pass by.
The journey from Crow Hollow Ranch to Lamar Valley is a road trip through a landscape that evolves from the banks of the Yellowstone River to the surreal terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs, culminating in the wildlife-rich expanse of Lamar Valley. Yellowstone National Park’s northeastern region promises a tapestry of geothermal wonders, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes, making it a must-explore destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
