Discover Wildlife Wonders on Your Trip to Yellowstone & Grand Teton

The U.S. National Parks are truly the jewels of this country, and for families who love animals, they offer unmatched opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitats. Every park — whether desert, forest, mountain, or swamp — is alive with creatures big and small. Just last week, we discovered tiger salamander larvae in Bear Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park. (We were convinced for a moment that they were axolotls — and if you Google the aquatic larval stage of a tiger salamander, you’ll see why we held out hope.)

Grand Teton National Park

Today, we're focusing on Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks — two neighboring parks that are home to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring animals in North America. There's nothing quite like seeing a bison up close — their sheer size commands attention from adults and kids alike. And then, of course, there are the bears.

Yellowstone Bison

On our last trip to Yellowstone, we stayed at Fishing Bridge, which is known for its high concentration of bears (cue the extra caution). In Lamar Valley, often called the “Serengeti of North America,” you might even spot wolves — just be sure to bring a spotting scope for the best chance of seeing them. Grand Teton, in particular, is one of the best places in the country to spot moose, especially around the Snake River and the park’s many lakes and wetlands.

Here’s a quick guide to when and where you’re most likely to see the big stars of Yellowstone and Grand Teton:

Wolves

Winter is the best time to spot wolves in Yellowstone. The north entrance remains open year-round, and you can base yourself at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. From there, guided tours into the park offer a high chance of sightings — wolves are more active and visible in the snowy landscape.

Bison

Summer is my favorite time for bison watching. During the annual rut, large herds gather, and you’ll likely experience a “bison jam” — where traffic stops for a lone bull napping on the road or dozens of bison crossing en masse. Hayden Valley is a scene straight out of a nature documentary.

Elk

For elk, aim for fall or winter. September and October are peak rut season, when bulls bugle, spar, and vie for mates — a thrilling sound and sight. Elk are also easy to spot from November through March, as they seek out areas with shallower snow.

Moose

Your best chance of seeing moose is near rivers and wetlands in spring and fall, especially around dawn or dusk. Grand Teton, with its abundant waterways, is particularly moose-friendly.

Whether you’re visiting in the summer sun or the winter snow, the wildlife experiences in Yellowstone and Grand Teton are unforgettable — and a perfect way to ignite your kids’ love for nature.

If your kids are fascinated by big animals — bison, bears, wolves, elk, and moose — then Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks should be at the top of your list. And don’t worry, exploring these incredible parks doesn’t have to mean roughing it or long daily drives from towns outside the entrance. The National Park Service operates a number of beautiful and historic lodges within the parks, offering modern comforts (but not AC) and prime access to wildlife and scenery.

In Grand Teton National Park, there are several lodging options, but the star of the show is undoubtedly Jackson Lake Lodge. With its stunning floor-to-ceiling windows framing the majestic Teton Range, it offers one of the most iconic views in the park. The on-site Pioneer Grill, a charming 1950s-style diner, is a nostalgic and family-friendly stop. Whether you're staying overnight or just passing through, Jackson Lake Lodge is worth a visit.

In Yellowstone National Park, the National Park Service operates a variety of historic and scenic accommodations. Notable options include the Old Faithful Inn, where some rooms offer views of the geyser itself; the elegant Lake Yellowstone Hotel, perched along the shores of Yellowstone Lake; and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, located in the northern part of the park with easy access to wildlife and thermal features.

If you’re ready to start planning your family's national park adventure, I’d love to help — these unforgettable animal encounters are just a trip away!