Yellowstone Adventure: A One-Day Guide to Tower Roosevelt and Lamar Valley

Contents

Tower Roosevelt and the Lamar Valley | Introduction

Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley, located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, are areas renowned for their wild beauty and historical significance. The Tower-Roosevelt area gets its name from the majestic Tower Fall near Tower Creek and the Roosevelt Lodge, where President Theodore Roosevelt once camped. This region's geological landscape is unique, with steep canyons formed by river erosion, showcasing remnants of volcanic activity from millions of years ago. It offers not only breathtaking natural scenery but also a rich historical backdrop. Roosevelt Lodge is one of the historical landmarks in Yellowstone tied to President Theodore Roosevelt's legacy.

Nearby Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s most expansive grassland valley, often referred to as the "Serengeti of America." Nourished by the Lamar River, the grasslands and waterways create a rich ecosystem that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. It is home to large populations of American bison, elk, wolf packs, and grizzly bears, making it a prime destination for wildlife viewing.

Tower Roosevelt and Lamar Valley | Day Trip Itinerary

The Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley areas can be combined into a half-day to full-day itinerary. Start with a visit to Tower Fall, where a short trail leads to a viewpoint offering a full view of the waterfall. Next, explore the Petrified Tree and stop by the Calcite Springs Overlook to admire the stunning views of the Yellowstone River Canyon from above. For lunch, you can enjoy a simple American-style meal at Roosevelt Lodge, soaking in the historical ambiance with its Western charm. If you're interested, consider joining one of the horseback riding or stagecoach tours offered in the area to venture deeper into Yellowstone’s wilderness.

The Lamar Valley is located in the northeast and is about a 30-minute drive from the Tower-Roosevelt area. The drive is very scenic and you may see wildlife along the way, so keep your speed low and be prepared to stop at any time to enjoy the animals and scenery. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to see wildlife in the Lamar Valley, and if you have enough time, you can stay longer in Lamar Valley. As you drive along Lamar River Drive, keep an eye out for moving animals on both sides of the road. Remember to bring binoculars, especially to watch for wolves and predators. If you have time, walk the trails near Specimen Ridge to capture even more spectacular views.

Tower Roosevelt and Lamar Valley | Transportation & Accommodations

Inside The Park

Roosevelt Lodge Cabins

The closest lodging to this area is Roosevelt Lodge, located in the Tower-Roosevelt region. It is one of the most historic accommodations in Yellowstone National Park, offering rustic cabins, some with private bathrooms and others with shared facilities. With its "back-to-basics" charm, Roosevelt Lodge captures the spirit of 1920s camping and provides a unique, nostalgic atmosphere.

Canyon Lodge & Cabins

Canyon Lodge & Cabins is located in the northern part of Yellowstone at Canyon Village, close to the magnificent Yellowstone Grand Canyon. While it is a bit farther from this area, it is still within a reasonable driving distance, making it an ideal place to stay if you're planning a day trip here. Canyon Lodge offers a more modern and comfortable accommodation experience, with nearby facilities such as restaurants, a café, and a convenience store to cater to travelers' needs.

Off-Site Lodging

The Tower-Roosevelt area is located in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park, and the most convenient entry points are through the North Entrance or the Northeast Entrance. Nearby lodging options outside the park include Gardiner and Cooke City, both offering convenient access to this region.

Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley | Attractions

Must-see | Tower Falls Waterfall

Tower Falls is the centerpiece of the Tower District, a 40-meter waterfall formed when Tower Creek flowed through the canyon, where it falls straight down to the bottom of the canyon and is surrounded by spectacular volcanic walls. The name comes from the distinctive rock spires surrounding the top of the falls, which were formed by volcanic activity and add to the unique geological features of the falls. The observation deck overlooks the entire waterfall, and the trail is short and gentle enough for visitors of all ages. For those who want to get closer to the falls, you can follow the Tower Falls Trail, which is about 1 kilometer long, to the river below the falls.

Calcite Springs

Calcite Springs is a geological wonder within the Yellowstone River Canyon. From the overlook, you can gaze down at the white deposits formed by hot springs, a mixture of milky calcite crystals and translucent honey-colored barite crystals, which stand in striking contrast to the surrounding steep canyon walls. The **Calcite Springs Overlook** is the best spot to take in this scenery, where you can also observe geothermal activity along the riverbanks and unique columnar basalt rock formations. The sulfuric gases and steam rising from the springs add an air of mystery to the area. For a short stroll, visitors can follow the overlook’s rim trail, which is about 800 feet (244 meters) long.

Roosevelt Lodge

Roosevelt Lodge is steeped in history, with its rustic cabins dating back to the 1920s. Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who once camped nearby, the lodge honors his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Yellowstone National Park. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth stopping by to relax in the rocking chairs on the lodge’s front porch and soak in the charming “Old West” ambiance.

Roosevelt Lodge also offers horseback riding and stagecoach experiences, as well as the popular "Old West Dinner Cookout." These activities give visitors the chance to explore Yellowstone’s wilderness in the most traditional way, providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of early adventurers and explorers.

Petrified Tree

The Petrified Tree is a well-preserved prehistoric redwood fossil located near Roosevelt Lodge. This petrified tree stands as a testament to Yellowstone’s ancient volcanic history, dating back approximately 50 million years. During that time, volcanic ash covered the area’s forests, and silica-rich minerals infiltrated the tree's tissues, eventually turning them to stone. This process preserved the tree’s structure and texture, making it a valuable resource for studying ancient ecosystems.

Must-See | Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is Yellowstone’s premier wildlife viewing destination, where sightings of herds of bison and elk are almost guaranteed. In the early morning or evening, you may also catch glimpses of wolf packs, bears, or other predators in action. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars and a telephoto lens to capture natural moments of wildlife behavior. When driving through the area, exercise caution and drive slowly, as bison herds may occupy the roads or cause traffic delays. Be sure to allow extra time in your schedule for these potential wildlife encounters.

If you're particularly interested in wolves, Lamar Valley is one of the best places in the United States for observing gray wolves. During winter, wolf activity is more noticeable, making it an ideal time for spotting these fascinating predators in their natural habitat.

Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley | Dining

Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room

The Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room is the main restaurant in this area, featuring a rustic log cabin ambiance and family-style dining. It offers a wide variety of delicious dishes. Unlike many other restaurants, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept reservations. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure a table.

Tower General Store

Dining options in this area are limited. If you’re not planning to eat at the Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room, your second option is to grab some simple food at the General Store near Tower Falls. The store also serves Wilcoxson’s ice cream, which is highly recommended.