Our preferred time to explore Yellowstone is during the winter months. It can be quite chilly and only one road remains accessible to vehicles, yet spotting wildlife in Yellowstone during winter is a remarkable adventure. Prepare to witness bison blanketed in snow and ice, coyotes battling over remains, and wolves on the hunt.
After multiple visits to the park in winter, we have identified the prime spots for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone during this season.
In winter, all entrances to the park are closed except for one: the north entrance in Gardiner. Technically, the northeast entrance at Silver Gate is also accessible, but entry into the park from here isn’t allowed. You can only exit as far as Cooke City.
Where to spot wolves in winter in Yellowstone:
We have discussed this in detail in our article “Wolf Watching Guide in Winter.” The key recommendation is to look for wolves at the Slough Creek campground trail. Park your vehicle at the trailhead and head toward the campground until you reach Slough Creek. In the summer, you can park there, but in winter, you can only drive to the trailhead. Bring your binoculars and coffee, and take a seat above the creek. From this vantage point, you can observe a vast area. We’ve spotted wolves from this location several times.
Another location is the Lamar River trailhead. You can enjoy a great view of the valley from here. Additionally, check above you. There’s a bald patch on the summit of that mountain across the river. We’ve witnessed wolves chasing bison from the parking lot.
Where to see mountain goats in Yellowstone:
Finding mountain goats in Yellowstone during winter is quite challenging. They are white and blend into the snow. However, here’s where you might catch a glimpse of them (a scope is recommended, although Hal has seen them with our small 8×21 binoculars):
1) Park your vehicle at the Pebble Creek pullout or the next one heading west on the opposite side of the road. Use your scope to scan for mountain goats on Thunderer Peak, just across from the pullout.
2) Mountain goats can also be spotted on Baronette Peak, further east of the Pebble Creek pullout.
Where to find bison in winter:
Bison can be found almost anywhere, grazing on the plains by pushing aside snow with their large heads, seeking shelter beneath trees, or walking directly down the road. Their enormous dark figures stand out against the bright white snow. My favorite place to locate bison in Yellowstone is along Soda Butte Creek due to fewer visitors and stunning scenery.
Where to see mule deer:
In winter, mule deer are typically seen right after entering the park through the North entrance at Gardiner. A prime area is between here and Mammoth.
Where to observe elk in Yellowstone during winter:
While we’ve spotted a few elk in the Lamar Valley in winter, including one fleeing from a wolf in the river at the Lamar River Trailhead, most migrate north toward Mammoth and Gardiner, entering the northern range.
Where to see bighorn sheep in Yellowstone:
They are quite visible as they prefer to hang out near the junction of Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River. You can pull over at “the hitching post” (the stop with two restrooms and a horse tie-up) and search for them on the rocky ledge across the road.
Best spots to see river otters in Yellowstone:
River otters move around during winter. As their pools freeze, they must seek out unfrozen rivers for fishing. Look along the Lamar River as they enjoy playing in the snow and sliding down the snowy riverbanks.
Where to find moose in winter:
We consistently find moose along Soda Butte Creek, feeding on the willows right in front of Pebble Creek campground, and we’ve even seen them roaming the residential areas in Silver Gate.
Golden eagles in Yellowstone:
We spotted a golden eagle in the same area two years consecutively. I’m unsure if that’s just a coincidence or if that’s the prime location to observe them. Since you’re likely to drive past that area, you might as well take a look.
Bald eagles in Yellowstone:
Bald eagles are generally easy to spot as they tend to hang around carcasses.
Other wildlife to discover in winter:
Foxes and coyotes can be seen throughout the park at nearly any time of day. They frequent carcasses and may be observed hunting small rodents in open spaces. The Pebble Creek area provided a memorable encounter with a red fox hunting rodents, and we witnessed it pounce multiple times. Further up the road toward Silver Gate, we found a kill under a tree where a fox was feeding. Later on, a coyote approached the area.