Where Are the Animals of Yellowstone in Mid-July?

Mid-summer in Yellowstone National Park offers one of the best opportunities of the year to view wildlife. By mid-July, snow has melted from the valleys, rivers are running clearer, and animals are active across the park’s diverse habitats. From Hayden Valley to the higher elevations of Mount Washburn, Yellowstone’s animals are busy foraging, migrating, and raising young.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to see wildlife in Yellowstone in July, this guide will show you where animals are most commonly spotted—and where they might be hiding if they’ve moved off the beaten path.

Bison in Yellowstone During Summer

In mid-July, bison are highly active and most commonly found grazing in Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley. These two areas are the best places to see large bison herds, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

This time of year also marks the start of the bison rut, or mating season, making sightings even more dynamic. Expect to see males bellowing, wallowing in dust, and engaging in head-to-head challenges. If the bison are not visible in their usual spots, they may be traveling through quieter areas like the Mary Mountain Trail corridor, which connects the Hayden Valley to the central plateau.

Elk in Yellowstone in Mid-July

Elk are widely distributed across Yellowstone in summer, favoring forest edges, river corridors, and meadowlands. Bulls often retreat to higher, cooler elevations, while cows and calves stay near rivers and wetlands where the vegetation is thick and water is accessible.

Common areas for summer elk sightings include the Madison River, Gibbon Meadows, and Blacktail Plateau. Elk calves are still young in July and are often seen following closely behind their mothers.

Grizzly and Black Bears in Yellowstone in July

Both black bears and grizzlies remain active during mid-July, though as the weather warms, they tend to move into higher elevations. They’re often spotted foraging for roots, insects, and berries or scavenging carcasses from earlier in the year.

Dunraven Pass, the slopes around Mount Washburn, and Pebble Creek in northeast Yellowstone are reliable areas for bear activity. Bears that aren’t visible in these popular areas may be moving through travel corridors like the Mary Mountain region or retreating farther into the backcountry in search of food. For the best chance at a sighting, scan hillsides during the early morning or late evening with binoculars or a spotting scope.

Where to See Wolves in Yellowstone in Summer

Wolf sightings are possible in July, though they can be elusive. Packs are typically near their den sites or rendezvous areas, raising pups and hunting small game or young elk. Lamar Valley continues to be the best place to see wolves in Yellowstone, especially around dawn and dusk.

Slough Creek is another wolf hotspot, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them crossing meadows or riverbanks. If wolves aren’t visible in the main valleys, they may be on the move across open plateaus or between den sites in areas like Mary Mountain.

Coyotes and Foxes: Smaller Predators on the Move

Coyotes are active throughout the summer, commonly seen trotting across meadows or hunting rodents. They are often spotted in Lamar Valley, the Tower-Roosevelt area, and Norris Geyser Basin. Red foxes, though harder to spot, may appear near the edges of forest clearings or open hillsides early in the morning or late at night.

Even if you don’t see them, you might hear their yips and barks at night, especially in less-trafficked areas of the park.

Moose in Yellowstone During July

Moose sightings are rare but possible in summer, especially in Yellowstone’s cooler, wetter northern and southern regions. They tend to stay near lakes, beaver ponds, and willow-lined streams where food and cover are plentiful.

Look for moose in places like Soda Butte Creek, Willow Park near Mammoth Hot Springs, and along the Lewis River closer to the South Entrance. Early morning is the best time to catch a glimpse of one near the water.

Bird Watching in Yellowstone in Mid-Summer

July is nesting season for many of Yellowstone’s 300+ bird species. Bald eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, and a variety of waterfowl are active along rivers and lakes, while songbirds fill the meadows and forests with their calls.

For birdwatching, try Yellowstone Lake, Hayden Valley, and Slough Creek. Look for osprey nesting on dead snags near water and bald eagles soaring along riverbanks.

Tips for Seeing Wildlife in Yellowstone in July

Mid-July is a peak time for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone, but conditions can change quickly. Animals may move from their usual spots due to temperature, food availability, or human activity.

If you’re not seeing animals in typical hotspots like Hayden or Lamar Valley, don’t assume they’ve disappeared. They could be traveling through less-visited areas like the Mary Mountain Trail corridor or retreating to higher elevations during the hottest parts of the day.

For the best wildlife experience:

• Visit early in the morning or after 6 PM

• Bring binoculars or a spotting scope

• Be patient and stay quiet

• Follow park safety rules: stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife

Not sure where to start? Guided experiences like those offered by Old Faithful and Friends Tours can take the guesswork out of wildlife viewing. Their expert guides know the best times, routes, and hidden corners of the park, increasing your chances of unforgettable sightings.

Final Thoughts: Yellowstone Wildlife in July

Seeing wildlife in Yellowstone in July is one of the park’s greatest experiences. From massive bison herds in the valleys to quiet moose grazing near streams, the park is alive with movement and sound. Whether you're hoping to see a wolf pack in Lamar Valley or a grizzly on the Mount Washburn slopes, mid-summer offers incredible opportunities—if you know where to look.

If you want a deeper, more personalized wildlife experience, consider booking a tour with Old Faithful and Friends Tours. With custom itineraries and small group sizes, they help you discover Yellowstone’s wildlife in a way that’s respectful, safe, and rewarding.

Be flexible, stay aware, and don’t be afraid to explore beyond the main roads. The animals of Yellowstone are always on the move—and that’s part of the adventure.