Yellowstone National Park Wildlife Viewing Guide | Best Spots

| Best Spots. When visiting Yellowstone National Park in the U.S., don't just focus on the geysers—the park's incredible wildlife is equally breathtaking. Home to diverse animals, encountering these adorable creatures and capturing their charming moments creates unforgettable memories during your Yellowstone trip. Here's your summer wildlife guide 🦬 😇 Common Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park 🫎 Elk Also known as wapiti, North America's largest deer species and frequently seen in Yellowstone. Best spots: Mammoth Hot Springs, areas near West Thumb Geyser Basin 🐦‍⬛ Osprey Nests near water bodies and sometimes on cliff faces—another common Yellowstone resident. Best spots: Snake River, Yellowstone Lake (binoculars recommended) 🐻 Black Bear Frequently spotted in Yellowstone, sometimes crossing park roads in small groups. Best spots: Tower Junction, forests near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley 🦬 Bison The iconic Yellowstone wildlife, visible throughout the park. Best spots: Hayden Valley, Lamar Valley, West Thumb Geyser Basin, grasslands near Mammoth Hot Springs 🐐 Bighorn Sheep Common in mountainous and cliff areas of Yellowstone. Best spots: Lamar Valley, Madison River area, Norris Geyser Basin, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone 🐏 Pronghorn Adorable antelope-like creatures preferring open grasslands. Best spots: Lamar Valley, Hayden Valley, northeast park entrance 🗺️ Yellowstone Itinerary 🚩 Highlights: Geysers + Wildlife D1: Arrive Salt Lake City → Hotel rest D2: Salt Lake City → Great Salt Lake → Grand Prismatic Spring → Fountain Paint Pots → Old Faithful D3: Yellowstone Lake → Hayden Valley → Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone → Artist Point → Upper Falls → Grand Loop thermal areas → Mammoth Hot Springs → Roosevelt Arch D4: West Thumb Geyser Basin → Grand Teton National Park (1.5hr scenic mountain/lake views + potential wildlife sightings) → Salt Lake City Includes one night in Yellowstone cabins 🙈 Wildlife Viewing Tips ✔️ Never feed or approach animals ✔️ Maintain safe viewing distances ✔️ Dawn and dusk offer peak wildlife activity