Blacktail Plateau Drive Yellowstone National Park
A scenic, unpaved loop in Yellowstone offering prime wildlife viewing, especially for bison and pronghorn, away from the main crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime wildlife activity
Blacktail Plateau Drive Yellowstone National Park
Best Time
Prime wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic, unpaved loop in Yellowstone offering prime wildlife viewing, especially for bison and pronghorn, away from the main crowds.
"The best place for wildlife spotting in Yellowstone, with fewer crowds and stunning open landscapes."
Binoculars are a must! 🔭
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for better wildlife viewing. Patience is key for spotting animals from a distance.
Drive slowly & pull over safely 🚗
Take your time, drive slowly, and use designated pull-offs to observe wildlife. Never block the road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bison Herds
Throughout the plateau
Witness massive herds of bison grazing peacefully in their natural habitat. A truly iconic Yellowstone experience.
Pronghorn Antelope
Open grasslands
Spot the incredibly fast pronghorn antelope, often seen in small groups darting across the open plains.
Potential Bear Sightings
Forest edges and meadows
With luck, you might glimpse black bears or grizzly bears foraging in the area. Always maintain a safe distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wildlife Viewing Hotspot
Seasonal Access & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What wildlife can I expect to see at Blacktail Deer Plateau and Lamar Valley in January? Any thoughts/tips?
Binoculars are a must! 🔭
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for better wildlife viewing. Patience is key for spotting animals from a distance.
Drive slowly & pull over safely 🚗
Take your time, drive slowly, and use designated pull-offs to observe wildlife. Never block the road.
Is Blacktail Plateau Drive open?
Recommendations for 8 hours in the park from North Entrance
Best camera lens? 📸
A long lens (200-500mm) is recommended for capturing wildlife photos from a safe distance.
Check road status 🗺️
Always verify road conditions and closures before heading out, especially outside of peak summer.
Tips
from all over the internet
Binoculars are a must! 🔭
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope for better wildlife viewing. Patience is key for spotting animals from a distance.
Drive slowly & pull over safely 🚗
Take your time, drive slowly, and use designated pull-offs to observe wildlife. Never block the road.
Best camera lens? 📸
A long lens (200-500mm) is recommended for capturing wildlife photos from a safe distance.
Check road status 🗺️
Always verify road conditions and closures before heading out, especially outside of peak summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Blacktail Plateau Drive for its exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for bison and pronghorn. Many appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to other park areas, allowing for a more serene experience. However, some note the unpaved nature of the road and the lack of services, advising preparedness.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Blacktail Plateau Drive is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park. It's accessible from the Grand Loop Road, typically between Tower Junction and Mammoth Hot Springs. The entrance is well-marked, and it's a popular route for wildlife viewing.
No, the Blacktail Plateau Drive is a two-way road. It's a scenic loop that allows you to explore the plateau and its wildlife viewing opportunities. Remember to drive cautiously and be aware of other vehicles.
Generally, the Blacktail Plateau Drive is closed to wheeled vehicles during the winter months due to snow. It typically reopens in late May or early June, depending on snowmelt. Always check the official Yellowstone National Park website for current road status.
The closest entrances to the Blacktail Plateau Drive are the North Entrance (Gardiner, Montana) and the Northeast Entrance (Cooke City, Montana). It's centrally located within the northern section of the park.
Cell service is very limited to non-existent along most of the Blacktail Plateau Drive. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, a special ticket is not required for the Blacktail Plateau Drive itself. Your standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee covers access to all park roads, including this scenic drive.
The Blacktail Plateau Drive is generally open 24 hours a day when accessible, but it's best for wildlife viewing during daylight hours. Its seasonal opening and closing are dependent on snow conditions, typically from late May to early November.
There is no additional fee to enter the Blacktail Plateau Drive beyond the standard Yellowstone National Park entrance fee. This fee is per vehicle and is valid for seven days.
The Blacktail Plateau Drive usually opens for the season in late May or early June and closes in early November, weather permitting. Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can get out of your car at designated pull-offs and viewing areas on Blacktail Plateau Drive. However, always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🐻 Wildlife Viewing
The Blacktail Plateau Drive is a prime location for spotting bison, pronghorn, elk, and various bird species. Bears (black and grizzly) are also frequently seen in this area, especially during dawn and dusk.
The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late evening. Animals are most active during these cooler parts of the day, often foraging for food.
You must maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife, including bison and elk. Never feed wildlife.
While there aren't specific tours solely for Blacktail Plateau Drive, many general Yellowstone wildlife tours will include this area. You can also explore independently.
If you see a bear, stay in your vehicle, do not approach, and keep a safe distance. If you are outside your vehicle, make noise and slowly back away. Report any bear sightings to a park ranger.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Anywhere you see wildlife! The open meadows and rolling hills provide stunning backdrops. Pull-offs offer safe vantage points. Early morning light is particularly beautiful for landscape and wildlife shots.
A telephoto lens (200-500mm or longer) is highly recommended for wildlife photography. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive landscapes. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
The main restriction is maintaining safe distances from wildlife and not disturbing their natural behavior. Stick to designated pull-offs for photography to ensure safety and minimize impact.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the best light for photography, creating warm tones and dramatic shadows. Wildlife is also most active then.
No, drone use is prohibited in all national parks, including Yellowstone, for safety and wildlife protection reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a game to spot different animals, or have them draw pictures of what they see. The open spaces can be captivating for kids, and the chance to see bison or pronghorn can be a highlight of their trip. Ensure everyone uses the restroom before starting the drive, as facilities are scarce. The drive is a great way to break up longer park days and offer a different perspective on Yellowstone's natural beauty.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for changing light and weather. The plateau can be exposed, so a polarizing filter can be useful for managing glare and enhancing skies. Always use designated pull-offs for photography to avoid obstructing traffic and to ensure your safety. Patience is key; sometimes waiting for an animal to move into a better position can yield spectacular results. Remember to respect the wildlife and maintain ethical photography practices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters on the Plateau
To maximize your chances of seeing animals, plan your drive during the early morning hours or late evening. This is when wildlife is most active, seeking out cooler temperatures for feeding. Remember that Yellowstone is a wild place, and sightings are never guaranteed. Patience and a good pair of binoculars or a telephoto lens are your best friends here. Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from all animals – at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all others.
Safety is paramount when viewing wildlife. Never approach animals, feed them, or block the road. Use designated pull-offs to stop and observe. If you encounter a bear, remain in your vehicle if possible, or slowly back away if you are on foot. Report any unusual animal behavior or concerns to a park ranger. The Blacktail Plateau Drive offers a truly immersive experience into the wild heart of Yellowstone, but it requires responsible visitor behavior to ensure the safety of both people and animals.
Navigating and Experiencing the Drive
While the road is unpaved, it's generally well-maintained and suitable for most passenger vehicles during its operational season. However, it's essential to check the Yellowstone National Park website for current road conditions and any potential closures, especially outside of the peak summer months. Cell service is notoriously spotty to non-existent along the drive, so it's wise to download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary before you depart.
Visitors often describe the Blacktail Plateau Drive as a more tranquil and rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The lack of heavy traffic compared to other areas allows for a more peaceful observation of animals. Remember to bring water, snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the plateau can be exposed and temperatures can fluctuate significantly. The drive is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the wilder side of Yellowstone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit