Nicknamed “America’s Serengeti,” the Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing destination. This sweeping grassland, carved by ancient glaciers and the meandering Lamar River, provides a vital habitat for the park’s most iconic species. Visitors can observe vast herds of bison, packs of wolves, grizzly bears, elk, pronghorn, and countless birds from the comfort of their vehicle or roadside pullouts. Dawn and dusk offer particularly magical moments when the valley comes alive with animal activity.

A paradise for both wildlife watchers and anglers, Slough Creek ranks among the world’s premier locations for observing wild wolves in their natural habitat. This pristine valley, accessible via a scenic gravel road, offers sweeping views of sage-dotted meadows where wolf packs hunt, play, and tend to their pups. The creek itself, famous for its native cutthroat trout, winds through three distinct meadows. Dawn visitors are often rewarded with unforgettable displays of wildlife, from hunting wolves to grizzly bears and massive bison herds.

Mammoth Hot Springs is a unique cluster of natural attractions situated at the northernmost entrance of Yellowstone National Park, just outside Gardiner, Montana. This remarkable site is celebrated for its striking travertine formations, which arise from the accumulation of mineral deposits over time. The pools within Mammoth Hot Springs are home to various species of thermophilic bacteria that thrive in the warm waters, imparting a distinctive brownish and reddish hue to the surroundings.

Standing proudly at Yellowstone’s original northern entrance, the Roosevelt Arch is a majestic symbol of America’s commitment to public lands. Dedicated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, this massive stone archway bears the inscription “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People.” Built from local columnar basalt, the 50-foot arch welcomes visitors to the world’s first national park through the historic town of Gardiner, Montana, just as it has for over a century. Add on the classic photo with the Welcome to Yellowstone sign.

Tucked along the scenic Mammoth-Tower road, Undine Falls cascades gracefully in three distinct tiers over ancient volcanic cliffs. This 60-foot waterfall, named after mythical water spirits, offers a perfect roadside stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The falls’ multiple steps create an enchanting display as Lava Creek tumbles through a rugged basalt canyon, especially dramatic during spring snowmelt. A convenient pullout provides excellent viewing of this hidden gem.

Stop for the bathroom on the way to and from Yellowstone.

Stop for the bathroom on the way to and from Yellowstone.