Dreaming of a wolf sighting in the American West? Good news! You can absolutely see wolves in the wild near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, particularly within the vast landscapes of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
The Jackson Hole area is home to a robust wolf population. As of the end of 2024, at least 46 wolves across six distinct packs, including the Horsetail Creek, Lower Gros Ventre, and Blacktail Butte packs, den and roam in and around Grand Teton National Park. (Source: NPS)
Yellowstone National Park, a pioneer in wolf reintroduction since 1995, stands as arguably the best place in the world to observe wolves in their natural habitat. This successful reintroduction has transformed the park into a global destination for wolf-watching. (Source: Yellowstone Forever) The broader Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem collectively supports over 100 wolves (Source: Wyoming Game & Fish 2023 Wolf Report) in 9 different packs: Rescue Creek, Junction Butte, Eight Mile, Lupine, Shrimp Lake, Wapiti Lake, Mollies, Cougar Creek, and Bechler Pack (Source: Yellowstone Guidelines).
Where to look:
While sightings of these incredible animals is never a guarantee, certain areas offer better chances:
- Yellowstone National Park:
- Lamar Valley: Often dubbed the “American Serengeti” for its abundant wildlife, it’s a prime wolf-watching spot
- Slough Creek: Another renowned area in Yellowstone’s Northern Range.
- Hayden Valley: Offers open terrain where wolves frequently hunt.
- Near Jackson Hole:
- Elk Ranch Flats: An easily accessible turnout in Moran with vast swaths of viewing opportunities.
- Gros Ventre River corridor near Jackson
When to go:
Wolves, like many wild animals, are most active during dawn and dusk. These crepuscular hours offer the best opportunities for spotting them as they hunt or move about. In the middle of a warm summer day, these animals are likely to be resting. Check out this blog for more info.
For the best chance of a memorable wolf encounter, consider a guided tour with Wildlife Expeditions. Our professional naturalist guides utilize specialized tools, such as Maven scopes and radios, and stay up-to-date with tracking information from dedicated wolf watchers and rangers, significantly increasing your chances of a sighting.
Our Yellowstone tours can include:
- Early-morning departures to Lamar and Hayden Valleys
- Multi-day itineraries to maximize time in Yellowstone’s Northern Range
- Expert naturalist guides for interpretation and tracking
