5 Amazing Places for Sunrise in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone mornings are something special. Before the crowds roll in and the roads fill up, the park is quiet, peaceful, and alive in a simpler way. You might catch steam curling into the sky from a geyser, hear a distant wolf call, or spot a grizzly in the early light. Sunrise in Yellowstone isn’t just beautiful; It’s one of the best times to experience the park!
Whether you’re chasing that perfect photo, hoping for a wildlife sighting, or just craving a quiet moment in nature, here are five great places to watch the sunrise in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Lake, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Lamar Valley
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1. Lamar and Hayden Valleys
Best for: Wildlife watching and wide-open views
Location: Lamar Valley (Northeast Entrance) and Hayden Valley (Central Yellowstone)
If wildlife is on your wishlist, sunrise is prime time. Lamar Valley is often called the “Serengeti of North America,” due to its abundance of wildlife and valley views. The hour just before and after sunrise is one of the best for wildlife viewing in Lamar Valley, as these cool, quiet hours are when bears, wolves, and foxes (among others) are most active. You’ll want to get there early and settle in to scan the valley floor as the sun peeks over the Absaroka Range.
Hayden Valley, a bit more centrally located, 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
Best for: Hot springs at golden hour
Location: Western edge of Yellowstone Lake, near the South Entrance
The West Thumb Geyser Basin is where Yellowstone Lake meets geothermal wonderland. As the sun rises, steam rises too, and the morning light makes the geysers and hot springs shimmer in shades of orange, pink, and turquoise.
You’ll have the boardwalk practically to yourself if you go early, and the lakeshore views are beautiful in every direction. Keep an eye out for otters swimming near the shoreline.
3. Mount Washburn
Best for: A sunrise hike with sweeping views
Location: Dunraven Pass Trailhead (central Yellowstone, seasonal access)
Want an adventure? Sunrise from the summit of Mount Washburn is unforgettable. The trail (6–7 miles roundtrip from the Dunraven Pass parking lot) climbs steadily through open meadows and wildlife-rich terrain, with wildflowers in summer and opportunities to spot bighorn sheep or even a grizzly in the distance.
At the top, you’ll get panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and on a clear day, even the Tetons far off on the horizon. But getting up there before dawn takes planning.
If you’re hiking Mount Washburn at sunrise, here’s what to keep in mind:
Bring a light source. You’ll be starting in the dark. Pack a reliable headlamp or flashlight (plus extra batteries) to help you stay safe and sure-footed on the way up.
Hike with others. This is bear country. Hiking in a group of 3–4+ makes encounters less likely and increases safety.
Carry bear spray. Always. Keep it accessible and make sure you know how to use it before you go. (It’s like pepper spray for bears, not bug spray.)
Make noise. Talk, clap, sing, or toss out a few “Hey bear!” calls to avoid surprising any wildlife, especially in areas with brush or limited visibility.
Check trail conditions. The trail is only accessible in summer, and bear activity can close the area without warning. Always check with the park before heading out.
Dress in layers. Even in July, you’ll want gloves, a hat, and a warm jacket for the early hours. Add a windproof/waterproof shell just in case.
Stay on the trail. For your safety and for the ecosystem. Staying on the marked route also helps you avoid an unexpected wildlife encounter.
Bring the essentials. Pack plenty of water and navigation tools. We recommend downloading an offline trail map from AllTrails or Gaia, and bringing a paper map just in case.
Tell someone your plans. Let someone know your hiking route, who you’re with, and when you expect to be back. This is especially important with limited cell service in the park.
Start early, but don’t rush. Plan your timing so you reach the top by sunrise, but go at a steady, safe pace. Hiking in the dark takes longer, so budget for that.
4. Brink of the Lower Falls
Best for: Canyon colors and river views
Location: North Rim Drive, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
If you only have time for one canyon view in the early morning, make it this one. The Brink of the Lower Falls puts you right next to Yellowstone’s most powerful waterfall, where the sunrise light begins to fill the canyon and illuminate the rock walls in vivid hues.
After sunrise at the Brink, head to Artist Point on South Rim Drive. It’s quieter in the morning (we recommend arriving before 9am) and one of the most photogenic spots in the park.
5. Yellowstone Lake
Best for: Calm reflections and cozy vibes
Location: Lake Village and surrounding shoreline
Yellowstone Lake is massive, serene, and especially peaceful at sunrise. The early light dances across the water in shades of pink and gold.
Want a front-row seat without leaving your robe? The Sunroom at Lake Yellowstone Hotel is a dreamy place to watch the day begin from big windows, comfy chairs, and panoramic lake views. Prefer to be outside? The front porch at Lake Lodge is a charming sunrise spot, too.
For more adventurous travelers, Lake Butte Overlook offers sweeping views from above, and backcountry campers will love the secluded shorelines on the lake’s southern edge.
Planning Your Yellowstone Sunrise Adventure
Catching sunrise in Yellowstone is unforgettable, but it also takes a bit of prep.
Here’s what to know before you go:
Start early. Sunrise times change throughout the year, so check the exact time the night before and plan your drive or hike accordingly.
Dress warm. Even in summer, early mornings can be chilly, especially in valleys and at higher elevations. Layers are your friend.
Stay safe around wildlife. Sunrise is prime wildlife activity time. Keep a safe distance, carry bear spray, and never approach animals… no matter how amazing the photo might be.
Download offline maps. Cell service is limited in the park. We recommend downloading offline maps (like from AllTrails or Gaia GPS) before you go, or grabbing a physical map at the entrance gate or visitor center.
Prepare to drive in the dark. Since Yellowstone is a large park, most sunrise spots require driving before daylight. Go slow, stay alert for wildlife (especially bison or elk on the road), and give yourself extra time to arrive safely. If you're nervous about navigating in the dark, choose a sunrise spot closer to where you're staying, or scout the drive during daylight hours the day before.
Map of Sunrise Spots in Yellowstone
Want to visualize your sunrise stops? Here’s a quick map of the five spots we recommend for sunrise in Yellowstone, from iconic waterfalls to peaceful lake shores.
👉 RTL Tip: Staying near Gardiner or Cooke City? Head to Lamar. Closer to Lake Village or Old Faithful? Try West Thumb or Yellowstone Lake. Staying in Canyon Village? You’re right by the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making Brink of the Lower Falls, Artist Point, and even Hayden Valley easy options. Sunrise can be spectacular no matter where you are.
Yellowstone Sunrise FAQ
Q: What time is sunrise in Yellowstone?
It depends on the time of year! Sunrise can range from around 5:30 AM in summer to 7:30 AM in fall. Always check the current sunrise time for the day you’re visiting.
Q: Do I need a reservation for sunrise spots?
No reservations are required for these sunrise locations (or for entry into Yellowstone). Just be aware that popular viewpoints can fill up fast once the day gets going, which is another reason to head out early.
Q: What’s the best season for sunrise in Yellowstone?
Every season is beautiful, but spring and fall offer especially dramatic light and cooler temps (plus active wildlife). Summer is also great, but mornings start earlier.
Q: Can I see sunrise in Yellowstone during winter?
Yes, but access is limited since some park roads close seasonally. Yellowstone’s Northern Range (between Mammoth Hot Springs and Lamar Valley) is your best bet in winter.
Q: Is it safe to hike at sunrise?
Yes, if you’re prepared. Bring a light source, hike in a group if possible, carry bear spray, and be alert. See our full sunrise hiking safety tips in the Mount Washburn section above.
Keep Planning Your Trip
🎒 Want to see more of Yellowstone without the stress?
Grab our All-Seasons Yellowstone Travel Guide, packed with detailed itineraries, maps, seasonal tips, and everything you need to make the most of your trip!
📍 Pin it for later: Hover over any image in this post and click “Save” to add this to your Yellowstone planning board on Pinterest.
➡️ Next Read: 10 Can’t-Miss, Best Things To Do In Yellowstone Year-Round
Happy travels!
