Lamar valley road: Wolf sighting in December?

Hi everyone,

I apologize if this question has been asked before. I have done some searching from old posts and haven%26#39;t found it. We are in the initial stages of planning a December trip to Yellowstone. I%26#39;ve checked the maps so I know that most of the roads are closed-- but the one across the north part of the park, that overlooks Lamar Valley, is open.

We would love to devote a couple of days (very early mornings and late evenings) out on that road by ourselves with an SUV rental, looking for wolves (we%26#39;d plan on staying at Mammoth Hot springs lodge)....my question is, can these animals sometimes be spotted right from the road up there? Or do most of the sightings involve hiking?

As an avid wildlife photographer I totally understand that it%26#39;s always hit or miss when it comes to seeing animals.... but we are wondering whether we need to go with a ';tour'; or whether we can get away with simply driving that road on our own. From what I%26#39;ve gathered so far, it seems like most of the tours don%26#39;t venture off that road, so not much point if you have your own vehicle and some clues as to where to look.....

Thanks for any advice you might be able to offer!!

Lamar valley road: Wolf sighting in December?

This NPS/YNP website shows which roads are open and closed in winter:

www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm

So, evidently not. I think you must go on a tour, whether through, for example, Xanterra or the Institute.

Lamar valley road: Wolf sighting in December?

Apologies, I misinterpreted your points.

I don%26#39;t know about winter, but we have seen wolves, et al, in other three seasons from the Lamar road quite easily, if present, with binoculars and spotting scope, the latter, especially. Best of course to walk off the road to higher ground for valley views, but snow levels might impede walking.

You will probably see others with scopes/cameras watching and waiting. They know where the best viewpoints are.

Hawkeye, another photographer, might have answers to your question, but he might be in YNP as we speak. You might do a search using his name.

Here is an Inside Page Hawkeye and I prepared, with help from others, that you might find informative.

For wildlife viewing and photography:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60999-c96653/Yellows…

Thanks so much, voyaging. This info is very helpful.

Yes voyaging, Hawkeye is in Lamar now, lucky fellow :-)

Georgia, if you don%26#39;t find the info you%26#39;re looking for in the old posts, put your question on here again after the first week in June.

Good Luck!

Thanks, Paula~ will do!