SUNRISE LAMAR VALLEY TOUR

Wildlife Comes Alive at First Light

Step into Yellowstone’s wildest landscapes as the sun rises over Lamar Valley and Slough Creek, the most iconic wildlife habitats in the park. Often called the “Serengeti of North America” for its vast open plains and abundant wildlife, Lamar Valley offers one of the best opportunities to see Yellowstone’s legendary animals in their natural habitat. The Sunrise Lamar Valley Tour is a private, half-day adventure designed to maximize your chances of spotting wolves, bears, bison, and more, all in the peaceful glow of early morning. With an expert naturalist guide, high-powered optics, and a private setting, you’ll have a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular shows—all before most visitors even enter the park.

DURATION

4-5 Hours

PICK-UP

Cooke City, MT

GROUP SIZE

Private Safari
(up to 5 guests)

SEASON

July-September

WAKE UP WITH THE WILD.

BOOK NOW

FROM DAWN TO DISCOVERY: AN UNFORGETTABLE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

Yellowstone’s wildlife is most active at first light, making early mornings the best time to witness the untamed beauty of Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America.” This private, guided safari takes you through Yellowstone’s Northern Range, where you’ll observe predators and prey in their natural rhythms—a wolf pack moving through the mist, a grizzly foraging near the treeline, or a herd of bison stirring in the golden dawn.

Your guide, a seasoned naturalist, will lead the way using high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars to bring distant wildlife into view. Along the way, you’ll learn about animal behavior, predator-prey interactions, and the delicate balance of Yellowstone’s ecosystem.

The tour is customized to your interests. The early departure time ensures the best wildlife sightings, while our access to the latest local wildlife activity reports means we’ll take you exactly where the action is.

While most of the viewing happens from the roadside, we may take short walks to reach the best vantage points and escape the crowds. With light breakfast snacks, hot beverages, and expert guidance, this half-day excursion is the perfect way to experience Yellowstone’s wild side before the rest of the world wakes up.

Includes:

Private, guided sunrise wildlife safari in Lamar Valley & Slough Creek
Expert naturalist guide with real-time wildlife tracking insights
High-powered spotting scopes & binoculars for enhanced viewing
Chance to see wolves, bears, bison, pronghorn, foxes, and more
Light breakfast snacks, fresh fruit, and a homemade breakfast pastry
Hot beverages, including coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
Small-group experience for personalized wildlife encounters
Unforgettable photo opportunities in Yellowstone’s most iconic wildlife habitat

MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS

Guests will meet their guide at Skyline Guest Ranch (31 Kersey Lake Road, Cooke City, Montana) or at a predetermined location in Cooke City or Silver Gate, Montana. If you’re staying in another region of Yellowstone and are interested in booking this excursion, please fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of the page. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request. For tours running July through September, the standard departure time is 5:30 AM, unless otherwise requested or arranged with the guide in advance.
WHAT KIND OF WILDLIFE CAN YOU SEE IN YELLOWSTONE?

Yellowstone National Park is home to one of the most diverse and intact ecosystems in North America. Thanks to its long history of protection, the park offers a rare chance to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitat. From bison roaming the valleys to grizzly bears foraging along the hillsides, Yellowstone’s landscapes are teeming with life. You may also spot wolves moving through the sagebrush, elk grazing near rivers, or bighorn sheep navigating steep cliffs. Beyond the large mammals, the park is also home to foxes, otters, bald eagles, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. While wildlife is abundant, knowing where and when to look is key. However, it's important to remember that wildlife is unpredictable, and factors like weather, temperature, and time of day all play a role in animal activity. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but a guided tour significantly improves your chances by taking you to prime locations at the best times. With expert insight into animal behavior and the park’s delicate ecosystem, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Yellowstone’s wild inhabitants—whether they choose to make an appearance or not.
WHAT FOOD AND DRINKS ARE INCLUDED ON THE TOUR?

Full-Day Tours & Experiences: All full-day tours include a hearty sack lunch packed with everything you need to stay energized. Lunches feature a meat and cheese sandwich, chips, fresh fruit, homemade cookies, nuts/trail mix, and more—we promise you won’t go hungry! Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. Hot and cold beverages are provided throughout the experience. Sunrise Tours: For early morning adventures, guests will enjoy an assortment of fresh fruit and breakfast snacks, along with a homemade pastry to start the day right. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water will also be available. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you!
ARE SAFARIS & TOURS PRIVATE?

Yes! All safaris and tours are completely private and limited to a maximum of 5 guests to ensure a personalized and intimate experience. If you have a group larger than 5, please submit an inquiry, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
DO I NEED RIDING EXPERIENCE TO PARTICIPATE?

No prior riding experience is necessary! All riding levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced riders. Our knowledgeable guides tailor each ride to match your comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for adventure or a first-timer eager to explore the West on horseback, we’ll make sure you feel confident in the saddle. Please note: All participants must be able to mount and dismount their horses without the use of a mounting block.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

All experiences operate rain or shine, but safety is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, we will communicate any necessary adjustments or cancellations. Refunds will not be issued for client cancellations due to weather unless the conditions are officially deemed unsafe by our team.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR THE TOUR?

Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, even in summer. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and supportive shoes for walking on uneven terrain. A rain jacket is highly recommended, as mountain weather can change quickly. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended. For those sensitive to cold, lightweight gloves may be appreciated, especially while holding binoculars. A small pack can be useful for carrying personal items like a camera, extra layers, and your sack lunch if participating in any hiking. If participating in the Safari to Saddle Excursion, closed-toe shoes and long pants are required for safety and comfort.
HOW LONG DOES THE EXPERIENCE LAST?

All full-day safaris and tours last approximately 8–10 hours. Half-day experiences, such as the Sunrise Safari in Lamar Valley and the Beartooth Pass Guided Scenic Drive, last approximately 4–5 hours.