Hayden Valley
Yellowstone, WY
Open valley of the Yellowstone River with bison herds, elk and waterfowl; bison jams are common. Pull out fully and stay in your vehicle near wildlife.
Hayden Valley lies in the heart of Yellowstone National Park between Canyon and Yellowstone Lake; it begins about 5 miles (8 km) south of Canyon Junction. The valley along the Yellowstone River, roughly 7 by 7 miles (11 by 11 km), is an ancient lake bed from the time when Yellowstone Lake was much larger. Bison, elk, grizzly bears, coyotes and wolves live here; on the river you can see ducks, geese and pelicans, as well as bald eagles and sandhill cranes.
The Grand Loop Road runs along the eastern edge of the valley. If you want to watch wildlife, allow much more time than for simply driving through; early morning and evening are especially rewarding. Stop only in pullouts and do not block the road. Stay at least 100 yards (about 90 m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (about 23 m) from other animals; binoculars help. Grizzlies are seen mostly in spring and early summer, and the bison rut falls in August.
- Nearest town
- Yellowstone, WY
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 44.6480, -110.4700
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Canyon CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Hayden Valley · 273 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Fishing Bridge RV ParkCampsite8 mi from Hayden Valley · 310 pitchesCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Bridge Bay CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Hayden ValleyTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
- Norris CampgroundMotorhome stopover13 mi from Hayden ValleyMotorhomes
- Tower FallCampsite17 mi from Hayden Valley · 31 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking waterToilets
- Grant Village CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Hayden Valley · 430 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Wyoming · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hayden Valley?
Hayden Valley is in Yellowstone, WY, at GPS 44.6480, -110.4700. It is about 29 mi from Gardiner.
Can you camp near Hayden Valley?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Canyon Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hayden Valley?
Hayden Valley is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mesa Falls to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon, Hayden Valley and Cody and Geysers, grizzlies and granite peaks – through Grand Teton and Yellowstone to Cody.
What is there to see near Hayden Valley?
Places worth a stop nearby: Artist Point, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone (5 mi), Norris Geyser Basin (13 mi), West Thumb Geyser Basin (17 mi) and Tower Fall (17 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hayden Valley?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)