Yellowstone National Park is the ideal destination for anyone hoping to see wolves. Since their 1995 reintroduction, wolves have thrived in the park, and there are now several packs in Yellowstone. Here are the top locations to observe these famous predators in action if you are organizing a trip to see them.
1. Lamar Valley – The Top Spot for Wolf Watching
It is the best location to watch wolves, especially at the Junction Butte Pack of 19, called the Lamar Valley. It is located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone. Its open landscape and paved pullouts offer excellent viewing opportunities. For closer sightings, head to nearby Slough Creek or Little America. These areas provide even better chances to spot wolves, where visitors can join others with scopes for a more immersive experience. You may get lucky and spot other co-inhabiting species of animal kingdom like the black bears, cougars, and grizzly bears.
2. Elk Creek – The Wapiti Lake Pack
Elk Creek, near Tower Junction, is another great spot for wolf sightings, home to the 19-member Wapiti Lake Pack. Known for their striking white alpha female, this pack is often seen around Hayden Valley but migrates to the Northern Range in winter. The Hell roaring Overlook offers excellent viewing opportunities.
3. Blacktail Plateau – The 8 Miles Pack
Blacktail Plateau, situated between Mammoth and Tower Junction, is another prime wolf-watching location in Yellowstone. Home to the 8 Miles Pack, which consists of about a dozen wolves, this area offers a more remote experience. Though the pack is typically found to the north, they have denned here in the past.Â
Visitors can spot them from the large parking area for the Forces of the Northern Range nature trail, located on the high point of Blacktail Plateau. It is a peaceful spot for dedicated wolf watchers.
4. Hayden Valley – Prime Wolf Habitat
Hayden Valley is a key spot for wolf sightings, particularly in the spring when the park’s interior roads open. The Wapiti Lake Pack often dens near the north end of the valley, on the west side of the Yellowstone River.Â
The best viewing areas are Grizzly Overlook and the wide pullouts to the north. This area offers scenic views of the river and is a popular wildlife-watching spot, especially during the breeding season when wolves are most active.
5. Other Locations to Spot Wolves
While Lamar, Hayden, and Blacktail Plateau are the prime spots, wolves can be spotted throughout Yellowstone. The Lamar Canyon Pack, which is now down to just a couple of wolves, can sometimes be seen near Soda Butte Creek, especially close to the Northeast Entrance. The Cougar Creek Pack, though rarer, has been spotted along the West Entrance Road and near the geysers around Old Faithful.
When is the Best Time to Spot Wolves?
Wolves in Yellowstone are most visible in the winter, when their dark coats contrast with the icy landscape. Wolves can be heard howling to indicate their status during the January-March breeding season. They primarily hunt elk, and their predatory role peaks as bears hibernate. For optimal sightings, visit at dawn or dusk, when wolves are most active.
