When you visit Yellowstone National Park in the American southwest try to take the ranger walk through Hayden Valley. This broad rolling green valley with the Yellowstone River meandering through it forming marshes and meadows is home for a variety of wildlife including buffalo, elk, grizzly bear, black bear and moose. The all-absorbing serene beauty of this lush valley brought us back for a second visit. To go with a ranger is definitely preferable! Our ranger knew a lot about the wildlife and plants that make their homes in Hayden Valley. Also, it’s just nice to be with a group, and ours was small making the interchange between participants and ranger easier. Adjust your day to fit in the walk. Grizzlies have been seen here so all the more reason to go with a ranger group.

Note: This valley looked like the above description in early summer. By mid-September it was brown due to the heat of summer which takes away from the lush beauty you would want to see.