Top 10 Wildlife Watching Locations in the U.S.

The United States is home to a wide variety of unique and fascinating wildlife species, from the grizzly bears of Alaska to the alligators of the Everglades. With its vast and varied landscapes, the US is an ideal destination for wildlife watching enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities to observe and photograph some of the world’s most fascinating animals.

Yellowstone National Park is one of the top destinations for wildlife watching in the US, with its stunning natural landscapes and abundance of wildlife. Visitors to the park can observe bison, wolves, bears, elk, moose, pronghorns, and eagles, among other species. The park’s Lamar Valley is known for its wolf watching opportunities, while the Hayden Valley is a great place to observe bison and elk.

Denali National Park in Alaska is another popular destination for wildlife watching, with its rugged wilderness and abundance of large mammals. Visitors to the park can observe grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, among other species. The park also offers a variety of guided tours and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Everglades National Park in Florida is a unique destination for wildlife watching, with its vast wetlands and abundant wildlife. Visitors to the park can observe alligators, manatees, panthers, crocodiles, turtles, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. The park’s Anhinga Trail is a popular spot for birdwatching, while the Shark Valley Tram Tour offers a chance to observe alligators and other wildlife from the comfort of a tram.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including black bears, elk, deer, raccoons, turkeys, and salamanders, among others. The park’s Cades Cove Loop Road is a popular spot for wildlife watching, with opportunities to observe black bears and other species.

Glacier National Park in Montana is another popular destination for wildlife watching, with its stunning mountain landscapes and abundance of large mammals. Visitors to the park can observe grizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and wolves, among other species. The park’s Many Glacier and Two Medicine areas are particularly good for wildlife watching.

Katmai National Park in Alaska is a unique destination for wildlife watching, with its abundant salmon runs and resident brown bears. Visitors to the park can observe these massive bears fishing for salmon, as well as beluga whales, bald eagles, and a variety of other wildlife species.

Monterey Bay in California is a popular destination for marine wildlife watching, with its abundance of sea otters, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and bird species. The bay’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a protected area that offers a variety of guided tours and wildlife watching opportunities.

Olympic National Park in Washington is another top destination for wildlife watching, with its abundance of large mammals and bird species. Visitors to the park can observe elk, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and salmon, among other species. The park’s Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge areas are particularly good for wildlife watching.

Redwood National and State Parks in California are another popular destination for wildlife watching, with their stunning coastal landscapes and abundance of wildlife. Visitors to the parks can observe elk, black bears, sea lions, bald eagles, and whales, among other species.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is home to a variety of large mammals and bird species, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, moose, bison, and eagles. The park’s Teton Range offers stunning views and ample wildlife-watching opportunities.

In conclusion, wildlife watching in the US offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with opportunities to observe and photograph some of the world’s most fascinating.

LocationWildlife
Yellowstone National ParkBison, wolves, bears, elk, moose, pronghorns, eagles
Denali National ParkGrizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep
Everglades National ParkAlligators, manatees, panthers, crocodiles, turtles, dolphins
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkBlack bears, elk, deer, raccoons, turkeys, salamanders
Glacier National ParkGrizzly bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, wolves
Katmai National ParkBrown bears, salmon, bald eagles, beluga whales
Monterey BaySea otters, whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, birds
Olympic National ParkElk, black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, salmon
Redwood National and State ParksElk, black bears, sea lions, bald eagles, whales
Grand Teton National ParkGrizzly bears, wolves, elk, moose, bison, eagles