The Elk & Bison Prairie is a 3.5-mile paved loop through restored grassland near Golden Pond. Elk and bison move freely inside the enclosure, so every visit is different and sightings are never guaranteed. Cooler hours near sunrise and sunset usually offer the best combination of animal activity and comfortable viewing.
Route: 3.5-mile one-way driving loop
Hours: dawn to dusk year-round, subject to closure
Vehicle rule: enclosed vehicles only
Allow: 30–60 minutes, longer if animals block the road
Stay on the paved road and follow posted instructions. Bison and elk are wild, powerful animals. Remain inside the vehicle when animals are close, keep pets secured inside and never feed, call, approach or pressure wildlife to move. Motorcycles, bicycles, horses and pedestrians cannot enter the enclosure.
An entry fee applies per enclosed vehicle. The fee machine and operating details can change, so confirm them before arrival. A slow second loop can be more rewarding than trying to stop where traffic cannot safely pass.
Check current admission, rules and alerts on the official prairie page.
