Twenty-five bears in one May day

Still can’t get over the fact that we saw 25 different bears in one day during our May trip last year.

Most people don’t realize that once the heat hits in summer, the bears head high into the mountains. In May they’re down in the valleys where the grass is neon green. Peak baby season for bighorn sheep lambs and “red dog” bison calves, and the best time to spot wolf pups coming out of their dens.

Our strategy: stay in Gardiner or Mammoth for the quickest access to the Northern Range. Spend most of your time in Lamar Valley. Leave Gardiner while it’s still dark — about 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Lamar by first light.

The wildlife watching starts the second you leave town. Keep a lookout for fox, coyote, and herds of elk along the road before you even hit the valley.

If you want the full safari experience without the August crowds, May is the sweet spot.