Hayden Valley Audio Guide Tour
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Hit the road to explore Yellowstone's Lower Loop and be guided by your own in-app offline audio tour with live GPS navigation! This full-day tour starts at the East Gate of Yellowstone National Park. You’ll travel over Sylvan Pass and spot a fabulous view of Lake Yellowstone from an elevation of 8,248 feet. While driving through the Hayden Valley, you'll spot wildlife such as bison and elks. Next, you'll visit the breathtaking Grand Canyon of Yellowstone with its stunning views and thundering waterfalls. Continue along the Midway Geyser Basin and stop to hike to a viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Springs. Yellowstone is atop a sleeping super volcano and offers an amazing geyser and hot springs experience. You'll see the iconic Old Faithful Geyser erupt and finish the tour at the West Thumb Geyser Basin to take the best pictures of Yellowstone Lake. NOTE! East Entrance is open from May 6 to November 1. Temporary road closures are possible due to weather conditions. Check the park's website for current conditions. In winter, vehicles are usually required to have snow tires and may be required to have chains to enter the park. The park driving speed limit is 45 mph (73 kph) except where posted slower. Use pullouts to stop your vehicle to watch wildlife or let faster traffic pass. Do not approach or feed animals in the park. Hit the highlights of the Lower Loop and spend as much time as you want at each. The tour is perfect for visitors of all ages.
Things to do in Cody
Cities in United States
About Hayden Valley
Address
Canyon Village, WYOpen in Google MapsBest time to visit
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Directions
Hayden Valley in Yellowstone National Park bears the name of geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden, whose 1871 survey helped build support for establishing the park in 1872. Long before that designation, Indigenous peoples knew and traveled through the greater Yellowstone landscape for thousands of years; the valley is part of a place with a much deeper human history than its park-era name suggests. Shaped by volcanic activity and later glaciation, this broad meadowland follows the Yellowstone River between the Canyon and Lake areas. Its open grasslands and wetlands make it one of the park’s best-known places to watch bison, with opportunities to spot elk and, from a safe distance, bears. For travelers coming from Cody, it offers a memorable view of Yellowstone’s river scenery.
Before you enter
- Check current Yellowstone road conditions before leaving Cody, particularly in spring or fall.
- Bring binoculars to watch wildlife without approaching it.
- Pack warm layers for a dawn visit, even in summer.
What to expect
- Expect a scenic drive with roadside viewpoints rather than a single entrance or building.
- Bison sightings are common, but no particular animal encounter is guaranteed.
- Morning mist may obscure views until the valley warms.
During your visit
- Use designated pullouts; never stop in the road for a photograph.
- Stay in your vehicle if bison are near the road.
- Give all wildlife plenty of space and follow posted park distance rules.
- Allow extra driving time if animals cross the road.
FAQ about Hayden Valley
The most popular tours for Hayden Valley are:
Hayden Valley is located in Cody, surrounded by many other great sights.
These tours cover Hayden Valley and other nearby highlights:
Explore Hayden Valley at your own pace with these audio guides and self-guided tours: