Table of Contents
Update May 2023
The Lamar Valley is one of the best places to observe wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. We loved the drive through the valley, an incredible experience. There is a lot of wildlife to see in the Lamar Valley, one of the park’s rich wildlife viewing areas. The vastness of the grasslands is breathtaking in this part of the park, which is completely different from other parts. If you stay in the park, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time at when you arrive at Roosevelt.
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Roosevelt Lodge & Cabins: Rustic Retreat in the Heart of Lamar Valley
In the midst of the majestic wilderness, the lodge can be found on the Grand Loop Road. On the edge of the Lamar Valley near Tower Junction, in the northeastern portion of the park. The lodge itself provides a comfortable and rustic retreat after a day of exploration. You can relax in cozy cabins with modern amenities, offering peaceful respite amidst the wilderness. The lodge’s historic charm adds to the overall ambiance, transporting you back to a simpler time.
There are two types of cabins at the at the lodge, Frontier, and Roughrider. The “Frontier” Cabin is one of the few cabins that contains a bathroom and shower. The “Roughrider” cabin does not contain bathrooms, but there are many community bathhouses on the property. We stayed in a Frontier Cabin with a private bath, which I booked a year in advance. The cabin was very spacious, with two double beds, an electric heater, a bathroom with lots of towels, and was spotlessly clean. Parking is typically right in front of, or right next to, your cabin. The cabins are in a small forest area, next to the lodge, making for a simple walk to the stables or the dining room.
Roosevelt Lodge in the Legendary Lamar Valley: Embracing Nature’s Perfect Location
The Lodge is a good place to disconnect, there is no connectivity at all. The Roosevelt Lodge in the Lamar Valley area is the least crowded. I think the best part of being at Roosevelt is about “location, location, location.” This area of the Park is spectacular. The lodge has a small general store area combined with the dining area. Free coffee is available here between 7 am – 9 am. The main lodge has a front porch that runs the length of the building with a few rocking chairs. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail and recapping the adventures of the day. There is an enormous stone fireplace with seating options while waiting for check-in. Indeed, Roosevelt is more isolated and less developed than many other parts of the park. That is exactly what we liked about it.
Roosevelt Lodge Chuck Wagon Dinner: A Western Culinary Experience in Lamar Valley
By attending the Chuckwagon Dinner at Yellowstone National Park, you can expect a memorable and authentic Western experience. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy your meal in a rustic and charming atmosphere, often with views of majestic mountains, and green meadows. I highly recommend doing the Old West Dinner Cookout one evening. Because of the popularity of this experience, reservations need to be made well before your trip. The cookout was one highlight of the trip. You can either do the horse ride out to the cookout or ride the wagon. We chose the wagon ride. Our driver was Hannah and our wrangler guide was Chuck, a former lawyer from New Orleans.
Before getting on the wagon, we sat on benches and listened to Chuck’s safety briefing. He leads the pre-ride Q & A, covering all the safety basics of what to expect during the ride. Then we used the step ladder to load up the wagons. He introduced the horses, pulling the wagon as “Lock” and “Load” both male Belgium draft horses. In front of us and behind us were Percheron draft horses, which were the workhorses used during the medieval wars. Our wrangler guide, Chuck, regaled us with legends and stories during the ride.
Wagon Ride to Paradise Valley: A Scenic Journey into Yellowstone’s Idyllic Wilderness
The ride takes 30–45 minutes and goes through sagebrush flats (following the same road used for the stagecoach rides) to the cookout site. The canvas-covered wagons have padded benches seats. Two horses pull each. On the wagon drive to the dinner site, we saw bison. pronghorn and a marmot colony. It was chilly, but we dressed for the weather. The staff at the Chuckwagon Dinner are known for their warm and friendly hospitality. From the moment we arrived, they greeted us with a welcoming smile and a genuine enthusiasm for providing us a memorable dining experience.
The Chuckwagon Dinner aims to recreate the atmosphere of the Old West. You’ll find yourself immersed in a setting reminiscent of a traditional Western frontier camp, with wooden picnic tables, lanterns, and perhaps even some live cowboy entertainment, such as music or storytelling.
Sitting around the campfire seeing kids and families spending time together with no phones or the Internet was a pleasant change. After dinner, we joined the sing-along of Happy Trails lead by Stephen. Stephen entertained us throughout the meal, finishing up with a grand finale. This dinner is a special and immersive way to embrace the spirit of the Old West while enjoying a delicious meal in a stunning natural setting. Depending on the timing of the dinner, you may have the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset in Yellowstone. The changing colors of the sky and the surrounding landscape create a magical backdrop for your dining experience.
Dining Delights at Roosevelt Lodge: Savoring Culinary Excellence in Lamar Valley
Despite the late evening dinner, we woke early. A cool 40 degrees greeted us. On our way to the lodge, we anticipated a hearty breakfast in the dining room. Awaiting the lodges opening at 7 a.m., we sat on the lodge’s front porch. They serve breakfast (7 am-10 am), lunch, and dinner. You don’t need to make reservations, it’s first-come, first-served. Enjoying the scenery, we watched the mule deer graze while rocking on the front porch. A rustic front porch evokes the days of the early cowboys. Getting seated was relatively quick.
The breakfast menu is great with a wide variety on offer. Barry enjoyed the Huckleberry pancakes while I went for a couple of eggs sunny side up with bacon. The food was of excellent quality and quantity, but slow to arrive. The coffee refills and iced water kept us going. At the time there were many empty tables, so I’m unsure if the delays were simply down to staffing levels, or just lack of service. I have to say that the service here was not very stellar.
Journey into the Lamar Valley: Exploring the Serene Wilderness of Yellowstone
As we set out on our wildlife adventure, I kept my camera ready to capture the stunning moments that unfold before us. The Lamar Valley is a photographer’s paradise, offering breathtaking vistas, vibrant wildflowers, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
This is a wide, expansive valley that is home to huge herds of bison, elk, pronghorn, coyote, grizzly, and wolf. I recommend waking early and heading out to view the wildlife before the droves of visitors arrive. This part of the park is open all year round, and it’s where we saw most of the wildlife.
NOTE: There are no services between Roosevelt Lodge and Silver Gate/Cooke City at the northeastern gate. Pack a lunch to share at the picnic area at Pebble Creek Campground.
The early summer evenings, when the heat of the day subsides, are also an ideal time to view wildlife. Although there will be wildlife encounters close to the road, I would suggest you leave your vehicle and do some short hikes to see more of the park. When walking the trails, it is advisable to have sturdy walking or hiking shoes. In most areas, the trails are mostly rocky scree. A good trekking stick provides stability on the switchbacks. The mornings can be cool, so dressing in layers. Wear a good hooded fleece that can be removed when the temperatures warm. Take a lot of water and some snack food for the hike. Be sure to have a refillable water bottle to quench your thirst.
Lamar River: Tracing the Serpentine Path through Yellowstone’s Untamed Beauty
We checked out of the Roosevelt Lodge and started on the road through the Lamar Valley toward Cooke City. To our surprise, our first sighting of the morning was a Black Bear moving through the pine forest. It is so important to pullover using pullouts when viewing or photographing wildlife. Later, we stopped at the Lamar River to take in the views of the rolling hills. The Lamar River is a 64-mile tributary of Yellowstone River. It lies entirely within the park boundaries. It is a popular fly-fishing destination. The main species of fish are rainbow trout and native cutthroat trout. In the valleys, herds of bison and pronghorn antelope are plentiful. Take care when driving. Take your time, look through your binoculars to scan for wildlife. If you are lucky, you may have a chance encounter with wolves hunting an elk or a grizzly bear fording the river.
Note: Bears are highly active along most trails. Be bear aware, carry bear spray or travel in a group.
Slough Creek Road & Campground: Nature’s Haven in the Heart of Lamar Valley
You can access the campground and creek via a short gravel road. This deters a lot of visitors, however, the gravel road is easily drivable for most vehicles (even our Prius). Slough Creek is popular with photographers in the early morning and late evening. This is because of the presence of a wolf den on the hillside. A ranger and several people happily told us about the wolf’s den. They allowed us to use their spotting scopes to see the den area.
Today, however, we did not spot the wolves or pups. If you want to see wolves in Yellowstone, make sure you arrive around 6-7 am to stake out a spot to see the pups. If you are lucky to see one of the Park’s wolf tracker vans around, follow them. And if possible, try to invest in some excellent binoculars, spotting scope, or a telescopic lens for your camera.
Slough Creek is a serpentine creek. It flows through a broad valley surrounded by rolling hills, meadows, and forests, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor recreation. Fishing is popular, as there is a healthy population of cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. Anglers can try their luck in the creek’s crystal-clear waters, either on their own or with a guide. Our plan was to fish the creek on our own, but the crowds, wind, and distance down the slope deter us from scrambling down to the river today.
Hike the Valley: Exploring the Natural Wonders of Lamar Valley on Foot
Halfway between Roosevelt Lodge and Silver Gate is the Jackson Overlook. We stop to do a short hike into the sagebrush valley. A family let us view a grizzly bear thru their spotting scope. This was our first grizzly bear in the park. People here are really nice in explaining and sharing what Yellowstone offers. Back on the road, we tried to stop to video a coyote or wolf (not sure) loping along the river beside the road. Unfortunately, there are no pullouts, so we could not stop to take a picture. Wolf watching has become a significant tourist attraction. Many tour companies offer wolf viewing adventures.
Soda Butte Creek Fishing: Casting Lines in the Pristine Waters of Lamar Valley
It is in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park. This rock formation is an extinct hot spring cone and gives the valley its name.
The butte is located close to the mouth of the Creek, a tributary of the Lamar River. The highway follows the creek downstream to its confluence with the Lamar River. We stopped at a turnout along the creek to fish. Our gear included a Redington Crosswater 9-foot 5-wt fly rod with a floating line with a 5X tippet. The flies we used were caddis in size #10-#20 and mayflies #16–#24. The best colors were green, tan or black because this is a perfect river for dry flies in June. We had a few nibbles, did not catch any fish. Just fishing in this amazing place, surrounded by stunning scenery, is extraordinary.
Pebble Creek Campground: End of the Line
This area has gorgeous views of the Absaroka mountain range. We make a brief stop at the campground before heading back into the park. The campground offers 27 sites on a first-come, first-served basis. A park ranger was in the parking lot; she let us see a mountain goat through the scope. The goat was high on the mountain top. We turned around at this point and made our way back to our overnight destination in Canyon Village. If you’re looking for animals in Yellowstone, then Lamar Valley is where you want to go. The Lamar Valley is truly America’s Serengeti.
Planning Resources
- Lodging options available within Yellowstone National Park–visit this website to see the options available in the Park. Book at least a year in advance.
- Rent an RV–this is a great way to experience the park.
- Campground information for the Tamar Valley is available through the official Park website
- Map of Yellowstone National Park–a great resource to plan your trip from Roosevelt Lodge to see the wildlife in the Lamar Valley.
- Yellowstone National Park Official Site–Plan your visit, get updates on road conditions and general information.
- Free Yellowstone National Park Planner–free trip planning guide, a digital version is available.
- Dining Options in Yellowstone-Looking for places to get a good meal. Visit the website to see what options are available. There are 52 picnic areas throughout the park.
- Download the Yellowstone GyPSy Guide Tour App before you leave town or use the official NPS Yellowstone App features live updates to the status of lodges, campgrounds, roads, and geyser predictions when in cell service. On the App, Store and on Google Play.
Final thoughts: Roosevelt Lodge in the Legendary Lamar Valley
Roosevelt Lodge in the Legendary Lamar Valley offers a truly exceptional experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. With its prime location in the heart of Lamar Valley, known as the “Serengeti of North America,” the lodge guarantees remarkable wildlife encounters and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
From the moment we arrived at Roosevelt Lodge, the pristine beauty of the surrounding landscape captivated us. The Lamar Valley is renowned for its diverse ecosystem and abundant wildlife population, making it a haven for animal enthusiasts. Expect to see majestic herds of bison grazing in the grassy plains, pronghorn antelope darting through the meadows, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of elusive predators like wolves or grizzly bears.
As we bid farewell to Roosevelt Lodge in the Legendary Lamar Valley, we’ll carry the lasting memories of thrilling wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the sense of tranquility that comes from immersing ourselves in the wild. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a wildlife photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Roosevelt Lodge in the Legendary Lamar Valley is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
Have you been to the Lamar Valley? Tell us about your adventure in the comments below.
