Pelican Valley, Lake District
Pelican Valley is one of the top spots for viewing wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. This mixed habitat – wetlands, meadows and forest - is home to elk, moose, bison and grizzly bear. So what’s the drawback? Pelican Valley is not visible from the roadway. Access to this area of Yellowstone is via hiking trail only.
Pelican Valley
J. Schmidt courtesy National Park Service
Moose, Pelican Valley
Bryan Harry courtesy National Park Service
Pelican Valley
Harlan Kredit courtesy National Park Service
Pelican Valley
J. Tyers courtesy National Park Service
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Getting There
Pelican Valley is accessible from Yellowstone's East Entrance Road. The dirt road to the trailhead is 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Fishing Bridge, directly across from Indian Pond.
Getting Around
The 6-mile (10 km) Pelican Valley Trail is graded moderate. The trail traverses forest and meadowland, passes a small hydrothermal area and ends at a washed-out bridge. NB: Check trail openings with park rangers before venturing out. Be bear aware. Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife, 100 yards (91m) from bears and wolves and 25 yards (23m) from all other animals.
Things to Keep in Mind
Pelican Valley is in grizzly country. The trail is closed until July 4 each year and off-trail travel and backcountry camping are not permitted in the area.
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