5 Places for Sunrise in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone
Written By Kelly W

There’s something magical about watching the first light of daybreak over Yellowstone’s landscapes. As the sun rises, mist also rises from geothermal features, and wildlife begins to stir. The calm of the early morning often provides a quieter, more personal experience of the park, especially before the bulk of visitors arrive. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning photographs, enjoy solitude, or spot wildlife like bears or wolves, Yellowstone at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. Here are five great locations for sunrise in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lamar Valley

Table of Contents Show

     

    1. Lamar and Hayden Valleys

    Dawn is one of the best times of the day for wildlife viewing. Lamar Valley, located in the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park, is often referred to as the "Serengeti of North America" due to its abundance of wildlife and valley views. The hour just before and after sunrise is best for wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley, as these cool, quiet hours are when bears, wolves, and foxes (among others) are most active. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Lamar Valley and watch for wildlife while enjoying the scenery.

    Hayden Valley, situated in the central part of the park, is another prime wildlife viewing area and is often considered the heart of Yellowstone. Hayden Valley is known for its expansive meadows and the Yellowstone River, which winds through the valley and creates a picturesque and vital habitat for many species. Hayden Valley is a great place to spot bison, elk, wolves, bears, and various bird species, including bald eagles and sandhill cranes. The sun rising over the Yellowstone River lights up the valley, making it one of the best places to be as the sun rises.

     

    2. West Thumb Geyser Basin

    The West Thumb Geyser Basin is a beautiful area in Yellowstone National Park, located right on the edge of Yellowstone Lake. It’s a great place to be at sunrise because the morning light enhances the colors of the hot springs and geysers, with some taking on a reddish or orange glow. Plus, there are usually few people at the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the early morning, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful boardwalk stroll in a quieter setting. Keep your eyes peeled for otters swimming in the lake while you’re here.

     

    3. Mount Washburn

    Hiking Mount Washburn at sunrise is a rewarding experience, offering panoramic park views. The trail from Dunraven Pass is about 6-7 miles round trip and offers a steady climb with spectacular views. As you hike, you’ll pass through meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer and might spot wildlife like grizzly bears or bighorn sheep.

    The trail’s summit provides panoramic views of Yellowstone. As you approach, you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and, on clear days, even the distant Tetons. Hiking Mount Washburn at sunrise offers one of the best views in the park; however, there are some essential safety precautions to remember for a sunrise hike, especially in an area like Yellowstone, where wildlife and elevation are factors.

    1. Bring a Light Source: Since you'll start your hike before sunrise, carry a reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. This will help you navigate the trail in the dark and avoid tripping on rocks or roots.

    2. Hike with Others: If possible, hike with a group of 4 or more. This is particularly important as Yellowstone is bear country, and groups are less likely to surprise a bear or other wildlife.

    3. Carry Bear Spray: Always carry bear spray in Yellowstone and keep it easily accessible. Make sure you know how to use it before you head out. Bear spray can be your best defense in a close encounter with a bear.

    4. Make Noise: While hiking, especially in areas with dense vegetation or limited visibility, make noise to alert wildlife of your presence. Talking, clapping, or periodically calling out—“Hey Bear!”—can help prevent surprising a bear or other wildlife.

    5. Check the Weather: Weather can change quickly, especially early morning. Check the forecast before you start, and be prepared for cold temperatures, rain, or even snow, depending on the time of year for your hike. (Note: Access to Mount Washburn is limited outside of summer months. Bear activity can also temporarily close the trailhead, so check park conditions beforehand.)

    6. Dress in Layers: Early mornings can be chilly in Yellowstone, even during the summer, so wear layers that you can remove as the day warms up. A windproof and waterproof jacket, hat, and gloves are good additions for comfort and safety.

    7. Stay on the Trail: Stick to the marked trail to avoid getting lost and to protect the environment. Staying on the trail also helps reduce the risk of encountering wildlife unexpectedly.

    8. Pack the Essentials: Bring plenty of water and a map or GPS device. (We highly recommend downloading the AllTrails offline map.) Make sure your phone is fully charged, but don’t rely solely on it for navigation, as reception can be spotty in remote areas.

    9. Tell Someone Your Plans: Before you leave, let someone know your hiking route, expected return time, and who you're hiking with.

    10. Start Early, But Safely: Give yourself enough time to reach your destination before sunrise, but don’t rush. Take your time to ensure you’re safe, and consider the extra time it may take to hike in the dark.

     

    4. Brink of the Lower Falls

    The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is another great place to be for sunrise. One of the best viewpoints is the Brink of the Lower Falls, where you can watch the sunrise over the Yellowstone River.

    Nearby, Artist Point Overlook is also stunning in the early hours, with sunlight gradually filling the canyon and bringing its vibrant colors to life. This spot is ideal before 9AM, so for the best experience, head to the Brink of the Lower Falls on North Rim Drive for sunrise, then make your way to Artist Point on South Rim Drive.

     

    5. Yellowstone Lake

    Watching the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake is a serene experience. As the sun slowly rises, its light reflects off the water, creating a stunning blend of soft pinks, oranges, and golds that shimmer across the lake’s surface.

    One of the best spots is the Sunroom at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, where large windows offer a cozy, panoramic view of the lake. The front porch at nearby Lake Lodge provides a charming outdoor setting to watch the sunrise in solitude. Adventurers might prefer a backcountry campsite along the southern shore of Yellowstone Lake and hikers might love the sweeping views at Lake Butte Overlook. To combine two great sunrise spots into one, enjoy the sunrise from the lake’s shoreline at West Thumb Geyser Basin.

     

    Keep Planning Your Trip to Yellowstone National Park

    Plan the ultimate Yellowstone vacation with our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide! With insider tips, detailed maps, and tailored itineraries for each season, ensure you don’t miss out on the best things to do and see in Yellowstone year-round.

    Created from personal experience over 9 years and 10 trips (& counting), our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide is packed with expert advice for experiencing the best—and less-traveled—parts of Yellowstone National Park. Take the overwhelm out of planning a vacation to one of America’s largest national parks and make the most of your visit with our comprehensive, easy-to-use travel guide.

    Save this for later

    Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you might have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)

    Happy Travels!

     
    Kelly W
    Next

    30 Travel Stocking Stuffers Under $30 (or Way Less)