Northern Yellowstone Safari from Cody — Lamar Valley Wildlife & Upper Loop Day Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness — mostly seated vehicle time with short, easy walks at viewpoints
Overview
Set out from Cody before dawn for an all-day expedition across Yellowstone’s northern range. This Upper Loop tour focuses on wildlife-rich Lamar and Hayden Valleys, key waterfalls and canyon viewpoints, and expert-guided spotting with scopes and binoculars.
Northern Yellowstone Safari from Cody — Lamar Valley Wildlife & Upper Loop Day Tour
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At 6 a.m. the parking lot at the southwest corner of Cody’s Walmart feels less like a commercial hub and more like a staging ground for something older: layered light, cold breath, and the quiet promise of wild animals. You board an air-conditioned van with binoculars and a spotting scope already waiting; the guide checks the day’s route, and the road unfurls — Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Dead Indian Pass, Pilot Peak — a corridor that moves you away from town and into the high, jagged country that feeds Yellowstone’s northern range.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for temperature swings
Mornings are cold at 6 a.m. and afternoons can warm quickly — pack breathable base layers and a warm outer layer.
Use provided optics
Guides bring binoculars and a spotting scope—use them to scan wide valleys before framing photos with your zoom lens.
Maintain safe distances
Always follow the guide’s instructions and stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other large animals.
Plan for long drives
This is a full-day, roughly 10–11 hour tour with multiple short stops; bring snacks and motion-sickness remedies if needed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bison (American bison)
- Gray wolf
History
Artists and early explorers publicized Tower Fall and the canyon’s landscapes in the late 19th century, helping catalyze Yellowstone’s creation as the world’s first national park; nearby Cody carries frontier history tied to Buffalo Bill.
Conservation
Respect park rules about distances and food storage—human behavior directly influences wildlife habituation; choosing guided tours reduces off-road disturbance and concentrates viewing to lower-impact sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cody, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Binoculars or compact spotting scope
Enhances distant wildlife viewing; guides provide scopes but personal optics speed up spotting.
Layered clothing (fleece + wind shell)
Protects against early-morning chill and windy passes like Dunraven.
Telephoto lens (200–400mm)
Useful for close-up wildlife shots without approaching animals.
Daypack with water and snacks
Keeps personal items organized during a long day on the road and at short stops.