Viewing Yellowstone Wolves
Yellowstone National Park is home to roughly 100 gray wolves (canis lupus). This small number makes wolf viewing in Yellowstone not only a difficult task but one of the most thrilling activities in the park. Don’t leave your chances of viewing wolves to luck. Discover a number of outfitters that offer wolf viewing tours in Yellowstone here.
Featured Listings: (add your listing)
Yellowstone Safari Company - Wolf Tours
Watch wild Yellowstone wolves with professional wildlife biologist/guide on private tour. Full & multi-day packages w/lodging available. Experience a lifetime of memories.
(866) 586-1155
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
A not-for-profit educational preserve protecting grizzly bears and gray wolves for research purposes. Come photograph, video and view these animals in a natural setting.
(800) 257-2570
Viewing Wolves Listings: (add your listing)
Pine Edge Cabins - Winter Wildlife Headquarters
Warm accommodations in Silver Gate, Montana, just minutes from Lamar Valley of Yellowstone. We are the ideal homebase for photographers seeking access to wolves & elk herds.
(406) 838-2371
Rivers Bend Lodge - luxury along the River
There's a reason it's called Paradise Valley. Our riverside lodge offers luxury guest rooms or private cabins. Stay with us during your fall & winter visits to see wolves.
(800) 541-4113
Overview
Thousands of visitors travel to Yellowstone every year for the simple purpose of viewing wildlife, and especially to view wolves. Yellowstone wolf watching is not only a magical experience but a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss out on this unique activity in Yellowstone National Park. Other wildlife that is often spotted during the winter months include coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelope, moose, and many bird species.
History of Wolf Population in Yellowstone
While the gray wolf is native to the area and reports show that many lived in Yellowstone National park when it was established in 1872, by the 1970s there were no signs of resident wolves in the park. In 1995, the National Park Service determined the need to reintroduce the gray wolf. Fourteen wolves were introduced into the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Since their reintroduction the population of gray wolves in Yellowstone has been on a generally upward trend with a dip in 2005 and 2009. The current estimated population is around 100.
Where and When to View Wolves
Your best chances at spotting Yellowstone wolves are during the early morning and evening as this is when they are most active. Viewing wolves requires patience. Plan to spend anywhere from four to eight hours exploring and watching so bring plenty of layers and food.
A majority of wolf activity takes place in the northern sections of the park and particularly Lamar Valley, near the Northeast Entrance. While you can simply stop in a vehicle pull off and watch for activity, there are also a number of trails that lead to even better viewing areas. During the winter months, plan to bring a pair of snowshoes or cross country skis to access backcountry areas or trails in the park.
Make sure to bring binoculars and spotting scopes as most sightings take place from a far distance.
Fees
Fees for guided Yellowstone wolf tours vary and depend on the outfitter and services provided. If you plan to try to spot wolves on your own in Yellowstone National Park, all you need is a park entrance pass. Purchase a private vehicle pass for $25/week or an annual all National Park pass for $80.
Hire a Guide
Your best chance at viewing wolves within Yellowstone is by going on a guided tour. Guides have extensive knowledge about the area, wildlife, ecology, and current topics that face Yellowstone and its many inhabitants. Hiring a guide or joining a guided tour offers the best opportunity for viewing wolves and other wildlife, as well as learning about the park.
network of Travel Guides