North of Yellowstone Lake and west of the Yellowstone River lies a large, relatively flat grassy region which is actually an ancient lake bed. This is the sub-alpine Hayden Valley, home to buffalo, elk, grizzly bear and many smaller animals.

 

The valley is named after the American geologist and surgeon Hayden who explored the Yellowstone area in 1871.

 

The Grand Loop Road runs right through the valley so you can enjoy the big wildlife from the savety of your car.

Bison hold the right of the road, expect traffic jams when a large herd slowly crosses the road to or from the river.

 

The valley provides supurb panoramas, certainly when speckled with bison or elk.

 

We admired Hayden Valley in July 1990 and again in June 1992.