Wildlife Viewing in Hayden Valley
Because the Hayden Valley is wide-open and grassy, it one of the best places in Yellowstone to see wildlife. There are pullouts all along the road between the Canyon area and Fishing Bridge to stop and enjoy the view. It is an excellent place to look for grizzly bears, particularly in the spring and early summer when they may be preying upon newborn bison and elk calves. Large herds of bison may be viewed in the spring, early summer, and during the fall rut, which usually begins late July to early August. Coyotes can almost always be seen in the valley.
There are many opportunities to see the abundant bird species in and along the river. A variety of shore birds may be seen in the mud flats at Alum Creek. A pair of sandhill cranes usually nests at the south end of the valley. Ducks, geese, and American white pelicans cruise the river. The valley is also an excellent place to look for bald eagles and northern harriers.