Yellowstone National Park
- Best seasons
- fall, winter
- Best time
- Early morning, when animals are most active and roads are quietest
- Access
- Entrance fee required. Main roads are paved; many wildlife-viewing pull-offs along the way.
The country’s first national park, and still one of the most reliable places in North America to see large mammals at a distance from the road — bison, elk, and pronghorn move through its valleys year-round.
Often paired with Grand Teton to the south on the same trip, since the two parks are connected by a short drive.