Trip Planner:   USA  /  Wyoming  /  Yellowstone National Park  /  Hayden Valley

Hayden Valley, Yellowstone National Park

4.7
#2 of 12 in Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park
Wildlife Area · Nature / Park
Enter a wildlife paradise at Hayden Valley, an ancient lake bed and the world's largest stomping grounds of free-roaming bison. Take one of the two trails, observe, and be patient. Herds of buffalo, elks, coyotes, and the occasional grizzly bear frequent the area to graze, drink, and feed. The valley abounds with rivers, creeks, and ponds, but fishing is off-limits so just enjoy the views of the waterfowl, including ducks, geese, and pelicans. A number of roadside turn-offs offer sweeping views of the valley. Stick to the path when hiking, since off-trail exploration on foot is forbidden. Plan your Hayden Valley visit and explore what else you can see and do in Yellowstone National Park using our Yellowstone National Park vacation maker website.
Create an itinerary including Hayden Valley
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Hayden Valley reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,101 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By fistfullofgold
    Another great spot in the park to view wildlife. Plenty of buffalo and antelope, even a few deer. The wide open space has plenty of pull offs and trails to stop at and take in all the Valley has to...  more »
  • By Chris B
    We saw numerous Buffalo (up close and far away). Also saw numerous elk including 2 that were close and pushing each other with their antlers. Not really fighting but testing each other. One coyote....  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Jillian Bohach
    Probably my favorite place in Yellowstone! Woke up super early to come watch the sunrise and was not disappointed. Saw deer, buffalo, and elk! You really get to see the valley come to life!
  • By Olivia Cardo
    The valley area is gorgeous! We stopped to take a bunch of silly videos and pictures to add to our trip because it was an easy stop between destination spots!
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Yellowstone National Park

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Yellowstone National Park

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone ©
Canyon
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Old Faithful ©
Hot Spring
Old Faithful
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Grand Prismatic Spring ©
Hot Spring
Grand Prismatic Spring
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Mount Washburn ©
Mountain
Mount Washburn
4.7
Duration: 4 hours

Nature in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone Lake ©
Water Body
Yellowstone Lake
4.7
Duration: 6 hours
Mammoth Hot Springs ©
Hot Spring
Mammoth Hot Springs
4.5
Duration: 3 hours
Upper Geyser Basin ©
Hot Spring
Upper Geyser Basin
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Midway Geyser Basin ©
Hot Spring
Midway Geyser Basin
4.8
Duration: 2 hours

Hidden gems in Yellowstone National Park

Lower Geyser Basin ©
Geologic Formation
Lower Geyser Basin
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
Beehive Geyser ©
Hot Spring
Beehive Geyser
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
West Thumb Geyser Basin ©
Hot Spring
West Thumb Geyser Basin
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Grand Loop Road ©
Wildlife Area
Grand Loop Road
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Yellowstone National Park

Grand Teton ©
Wildlife Area
Grand Teton
Grand Teton National Park
4.8
Duration: 8 hours
©
Horseback Riding Tour
Horseback Riding Tours
Gardiner
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min
42-mile Scenic Loop Drive
Scenic Drive
42-mile Scenic Loop Drive
Grand Teton National Park
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Amphitheater Lake ©
National Park
Amphitheater Lake
Grand Teton National Park
4.8
Duration: 8 hours

Trails in Yellowstone National Park

Avalanche Peak Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Avalanche Peak Trail
4.9
Duration: 4 hours
Osprey Falls Trail ©
Hiking Trail
Osprey Falls Trail
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Bunsen Peak ©
Hiking Trail
Bunsen Peak
4.8
Duration: 2 hours
Purple Mountain Trail
Hiking Trail
Purple Mountain Trail
4.8
Duration: 2 hours

Nearby attractions in Yellowstone National Park

Uncle Tom's Trail ©
Historic Walking Area
Uncle Tom's Trail
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Mud Volcano ©
Volcano
Mud Volcano
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
Dragon's Mouth Springs ©
Water Body
Dragon's Mouth Springs
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River ©
Waterfall
Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River
4.6
Duration: 2 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Hayden Valley by other users

13 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Salt Lake City Jackson Hole Grand Teton National Park 7 days in Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Grand Teton National Park Yellowstone National Park 57 days in United States BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA Seattle Mount Rainier National Park Spokane 31 days in United States BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES Yellowstone National Park Seattle Glacier National Park 60 days in United States BY A USER FROM GERMANY Anchorage Seattle Glacier National Park 31 days in United States BY A USER FROM PORTUGAL Yellowstone National Park Seattle Glacier National Park