Hayden Valley


Hayden Valley - Photo by reinagnoma


This should be your first stop if you want to see a large variety of the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. Located in the center of the park, Hayden Valley is the stomping ground for herds of elk and bison, along with the occasional grizzly bear. You can see ducks, geese and pelicans swimming in the Yellowstone River, which is located on the east side of the road. There are a number of hiking trails and observation points along the Valley, including the Washburn Trail and the Seven Mile Hole Trail (a 6-8 hour hike that can be strenuous in parts, with dormant and active hot springs along the path).