Our preferred season to explore Yellowstone is during winter. It may be quite chilly with only a single road accessible to vehicles, but spotting wildlife in Yellowstone in the winter offers an extraordinary adventure. Prepare to witness bison adorned with snow and ice, coyotes competing over carcasses, and wolves on the hunt.
After visiting the park a few times in winter, we’ve discovered the top locations for viewing wildlife during this season.
Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road, such as this coyote.
Bison in the snow.
We created a video showcasing some of the wildlife we encountered on one of our winter journeys to Yellowstone and what you can realistically expect to see.
In winter, all park entrances are closed except for the north entrance at Gardiner. Technically, the northeast entrance at Silver Gate is also accessible, but entry into the park isn’t permitted from this point. You can only exit the park up to Cooke City.
Bison and coyote.
Where to view wolves in winter at Yellowstone.
We’ve extensively detailed this in our post titled Wolf Watching Guide in Winter. The primary recommendation is to look for wolves at the Slough Creek Campground trail. Park at the trailhead and walk toward the campground until you arrive at Slough Creek. In the summer, you can park there, but in winter, access is limited to the trailhead. So bring your binoculars and coffee, and settle near the creek. This spot allows you to survey a wide area. We’ve spotted wolves from here multiple times.
Wolf sighting in winter.
Another location is the Lamar River trailhead, where you can enjoy a great view of the valley. Also, look up ahead. There’s a bare spot atop that mountain across the river. We’ve observed wolves chasing bison from the parking area (you can see the outcome in the video at the beginning of the article).
Inquire with others; nearly everyone knows where wolves were last seen. Be polite and share your findings, too.
Where to locate mountain goats in Yellowstone.
Spotting mountain goats in Yellowstone during winter can be quite challenging. They are white and blend with the snow. However, here are some places where you might glimpse them (a scope might be necessary, though Hal was able to spot them using our small 8×21 binoculars):
1) Park at the Pebble Creek pullout or the next one heading west on the opposite side of the road. Retrieve your scope and look for mountain goats on Thunderer Peak, directly across the road from the pullout.
2) Mountain goats can also be spotted on Baronette Peak, further east of the Pebble Creek pullout.
Mountain goats at a distance on Thunderer.
Where to find bison during winter.
Bison are widespread, grazing on the plains while plowing through the snow with their large heads, taking shelter under trees, or even strolling down the center of the road. Their large dark shapes stand out against the bright white snow. My favorite spot to find bison in Yellowstone is along Soda Butte Creek, where there are fewer people, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Bison are easily spotted against the white snow.
Where to observe mule deer.
During winter, mule deer are typically seen just after entering the park via the North entrance at Gardiner. A prime area is found between here and Mammoth.
Where to see elk in Yellowstone during winter.
While we’ve occasionally noticed elk in the Lamar Valley during winter, including one trying to escape wolves in the river at the Lamar River Trailhead, most migrate north toward Mammoth and Gardiner into the northern range.
Where to spot bighorn sheep in Yellowstone.
They are quite easy to find as they prefer to gather near the confluence of Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River. You can stop at “the hitching post” (the pullout with two restrooms and a horse tie-up) and search for them on the rocky outcrop across the road.
Best locations to observe river otters in Yellowstone.
River otters migrate in 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 see moose during winter.
We have consistently located moose along Soda Butte Creek, feeding on the willows right in front of Pebble Creek Campground, and we’ve even spotted them wandering through residential neighborhoods in Silver Gate.
Moose in the willows.
Golden eagles in Yellowstone.
We have identified a golden eagle in the same area for two consecutive years. I’m unsure if this is mere coincidence or if it’s the designated spot for observing them. Since you’re likely to pass that area, it might be worth a quick check.
As you drive along the NE entrance road, before reaching the Lamar Valley Trailhead.
