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Why Choose the Yellowstone Upper Loop? Wildlife, Lamar Valley & Scenic Stops
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
While many of Yellowstone’s most famous geothermal attractions are located along the park’s Lower Loop, the Upper Loop offers some of the best wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes in Yellowstone National Park.
This section of the park includes wide open valleys filled with wildlife, dramatic geothermal terraces, and several scenic waterfalls. The Upper Loop also tends to feel slightly less crowded than some of the Lower Loop geyser basins, making it a great option for travelers looking to experience a different side of Yellowstone.
If you are interested in wildlife, expansive landscapes, and unique geothermal formations, the Upper Loop is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.
Lamar Valley
Lamar Valley is often called the “Serengeti of North America” because of the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities found throughout the area. The valley is home to large herds of bison, elk, pronghorn, and occasionally wolves and bears. Because the landscape is wide open, it is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot wildlife roaming across the plains.
Wildlife activity tends to be highest during early morning and evening hours, when animals are more active and temperatures are cooler. However, even during the middle of the day it is common to see bison grazing throughout the valley.
One thing that surprised us during our visit was how many travelers we met who skipped Lamar Valley entirely. If seeing wildlife is high on your Yellowstone wish list, this area should absolutely be included in your plans. The scenery itself is also stunning, with rolling grasslands surrounded by rugged mountains. Bringing a boxed lunch and stopping to enjoy the views is one of the best ways to experience this part of the park.
Tower Fall
Tower Fall is a beautiful 132-foot waterfall located near the Tower-Roosevelt area of Yellowstone National Park. The waterfall drops dramatically between towering rock formations, creating one of the most scenic waterfall views in the park. The area is easy to access from the road and includes a visitor center with restrooms and small snacks, making it a convenient stop while driving toward Lamar Valley. Many visitors stop here briefly before continuing on to the valley, making it a great location to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery during your drive along the Upper Loop.
Rustic Falls
Rustic Falls is a smaller but charming waterfall located along the road between Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower-Roosevelt. Because it sits directly beside the road, Rustic Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in Yellowstone to see. Travelers entering from the North Entrance will get a great view of the falls as they drive south toward Mammoth. If you are driving from the opposite direction, the falls will appear behind you as you pass, but there is a large pullout area where you can safely stop to enjoy the view. Although it is not as large as some of Yellowstone’s other waterfalls, its peaceful setting and easy access make it a worthwhile stop.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Mammoth Hot Springs is one of Yellowstone’s most unique geothermal areas, known for its travertine terraces created by mineral-rich hot water flowing down the hillside.
Located near the North Entrance of Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs looks completely different from the geyser basins found elsewhere in the park. Instead of colorful pools and erupting geysers, the landscape here is made up of layered limestone formations that slowly change shape and color over time.
Visitors can explore the terraces using a network of boardwalks and walking paths that wind through the formations. The Mammoth area also includes restaurants, a general store, lodging, and a gas station, making it a convenient place to stop during a day exploring the Upper Loop. If you’re visiting late in the day and your legs are tired, here’s a useful tip we learned the hard way: you don’t need to climb all the stairs to reach the top terraces. If you continue driving south along the Grand Loop Road, there is a pullout where you can access the upper viewpoints directly.
Roosevelt Arch
The Roosevelt Arch is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yellowstone National Park. Located at the North Entrance near Gardiner, Montana, the arch commemorates the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park in the world. Unfortunately, during our visit the road leading to the North Entrance was closed due to construction, so we were unable to see the arch in person. However, if you are entering the park through Gardiner or visiting Mammoth Hot Springs, the Roosevelt Arch is just a short drive north and well worth the stop.
Final Thoughts on the Yellowstone Upper Loop
The Upper Loop offers a completely different Yellowstone experience compared to the park’s geothermal-heavy Lower Loop. Instead of geyser basins and hot springs, this area features wildlife-filled valleys, scenic waterfalls, and unique geothermal terraces. For travelers interested in wildlife viewing, Lamar Valley alone makes the Upper Loop worth visiting. Combined with stops like Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Fall, and Rustic Falls, this route provides some of the most memorable landscapes in the park.
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