Exploring Yellowstone’s trails reveals hidden treasures that most visitors never see. From boardwalk trails around geothermal features to challenging backcountry adventures, the park offers hikes for every skill level. So below are my favorite Yellowstone National Park Hikes.
The vast expanse of Yellowstone National Park contains over 900 miles of hiking trails. Each path tells a different story – some lead to thundering waterfalls, others wind through open meadows where wildlife roams freely.
Some of the most spectacular views come from the rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, while other trails showcase the park’s famous thermal features like Grand Prismatic Spring.
Having visited Yellowstone ten times since my first trip after 8th grade, most recently in 2021, I can confidently say it’s my favorite place on Earth. Each visit reveals new wonders along these ancient paths.
Whether you’re looking for a short distance walk or planning to tackle the challenging Seven Mile Hole Trail, this guide will help you find your perfect adventure. From spotting bighorn sheep in Lamar Valley to discovering hidden thermal features, these trails showcase the best of America’s first national park.
Ready to hike but don’t have a backpack?
In a recent article, I cover the 25 best hiking backpacks for hikers on a budget! These are quality backpacks that won’t break the bank.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
17 Best Yellowstone National Park Hikes
1. Sky Rim Trail
The Sky Rim Trail offers one of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park for experienced hikers. This challenging 20-mile trail in North America’s first National Park takes about 10 hours to complete. Starting from the Glen Creek Trailhead through dense forest, this trail climbs to nearly 10,000 feet in elevation.
The difficulty level is strenuous, with spectacular views along the 6-mile ridge between Dailey Pass and Big Horn Peak. Grizzly bears and Black Bears frequent this area, so check with the Ranger Station about weather conditions and wildlife activity before starting.
This vast expanse of Yellowstone’s trails requires excellent fitness and proper gear. The best time to attempt this hike is early July through September. Most hikers tackle this as a long day hike rather than using the backcountry campsites.
2. Avalanche Peak Trail
Among Yellowstone’s best day hikes, Avalanche Peak delivers jaw-dropping views and natural wonders. From the parking area near Eleanor Lake, this trail gains 2,100 feet in just over two miles through lodgepole pine forest. The skill level required is high, making it one of the most challenging short hikes in the park.
After leaving the forested area, hikers cross rock formations and a narrow ridge. The best views include panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding geothermal features. The Visitor Center recommends starting early to avoid afternoon storms.
Even in summer, the peak demands winter gear. The best time for this moderate hike is after early July when snow melts. The parking lot fills quickly during peak season.
3. Lamar River Trail
The Lamar River Trail offers some of the best places to spot wildlife in Yellowstone National Park. This 7-mile trail near the East Entrance provides great options for viewing Grizzly Bears and Black Bears in their natural habitat. The vast expanse of meadows also attracts wolves and bison.
Starting at the Specimen Ridge Trail junction, hikers traverse miles of trails through wildflower meadows. The difficulty level is moderate, and the Ranger Station strongly recommends carrying bear spray. This trail showcases some of the United States’ finest wildlife viewing opportunities.
Morning and evening provide the best time for wildlife photography. The half mile stretch near Cache Creek offers especially good viewing spots.
4. Storm Point Loop
Storm Point Loop ranks among the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This fun 2.3-mile loop along Yellowstone Lake offers spectacular views without demanding climbs. The trail begins near the parking area with a short walk through hydrothermal features.
Unlike the Upper Geyser Basin’s boardwalk trails, this natural wonder combines forested areas with rocky beaches. The best views include panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake. Weather conditions can change quickly at the exposed point.
This great trail provides a perfect option for families seeking easy trails. The Visitor Center rates this as one of the park’s best places for spotting shoreline wildlife.
5. Bunsen Peak Trail
Starting from the Glen Creek Trailhead, Bunsen Peak Trail delivers some of the best views in Yellowstone National Park. This 4.3-mile round trip showcases the vast expanse of America’s first National Park. The moderate hike passes through dense forest affected by natural wonders like the 1988 fires.
Near the parking lot, hikers see Swan Lake Flats and great places for wildlife viewing. The difficulty level increases with switchbacks leading to panoramic views of geyser basins and mountain ranges. The Ranger Station recommends this as one of the best day hikes for photography.
The best time to start is early morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. This short hike offers spectacular views of Mammoth Hot Springs.
6. Mystic Falls Trail
Mystic Falls ranks among the best easy hikes near the Upper Geyser Basin. This great trail combines geothermal features with a pleasant 2.5-mile loop. Starting from the parking area at Biscuit Basin, hikers enjoy both boardwalk trails and natural wonders.
The trail winds through lodgepole pine forest to reach jaw-dropping views of the 70-foot waterfall. Weather conditions permitting, many hikers continue past the falls to see spectacular views of various geyser basins. This moderate hike showcases Yellowstone’s hydrothermal features.
The Visitor Center suggests early morning visits to avoid crowds. The skill level required makes this one of the best places for family hiking.
7. Mount Washburn Trail
Mount Washburn offers one of the best day hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This great trail climbs to panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. From the parking lot, this 7-mile round trip follows a historic route through the vast expanse of America’s largest National Park.
The difficulty level is moderate, gaining 1,400 feet in elevation. The best views include Hayden Valley, geothermal features, and even Grand Teton National Park. Black Bears and Grizzly Bears frequent this area, especially in fall.
The Ranger Station advises checking weather conditions before starting. This forested area bursts with wildflowers by early July.
8. Beaver Ponds Loop
Among Yellowstone’s best easy hikes, Beaver Ponds Loop provides a peaceful 5-mile escape. Starting near the Visitor Center, this great trail winds through dense forests and natural wonders. The skill level suits most hikers, making it one of the park’s best day hikes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears. The best time for spotting animals is early morning. Unlike the boardwalk trails near geyser basins, this area sees fewer crowds.
The Ranger Station recommends this as one of the best places to experience Yellowstone’s vast expanse of wilderness. Weather conditions rarely affect this sheltered trail.
9. Natural Bridge Trail
Natural Bridge offers one of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This great trail covers a 2.5-mile round trip through lodgepole pine forest. Starting from the parking area near Bridge Bay, it’s among the best places to see unique rock formations.
The skill level makes it perfect for families seeking natural wonders. The difficulty level stays easy until a short, steep side trail to the bridge’s top. The Visitor Center recommends this as one of Yellowstone’s best day hikes for geology enthusiasts.
Weather conditions rarely impact this sheltered trail. Unlike the vast expanse of geyser basins, this area provides a peaceful alternative to hydrothermal features.
10. Elephant Back Mountain Trail
Among the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park, Elephant Back Mountain provides spectacular views of Yellowstone Lake. This 3.5-mile loop near the East Entrance ranks high among the park’s best day hikes. From the parking lot, the trail climbs through dense forest to panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake.
The difficulty level is moderate, gaining 800 feet in elevation. The Ranger Station suggests starting early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Unlike the crowded boardwalk trails near geyser basins, this forested area offers solitude.
The best time for photography comes during early morning or late afternoon. Weather conditions can change quickly at higher elevations.
11. Lone Star Geyser Trail
Lone Star Geyser ranks among Yellowstone’s best easy hikes for viewing hydrothermal features. This great trail follows an old service road through lodgepole pine forest. Starting from the parking area near Old Faithful, visitors experience natural wonders away from Upper Geyser Basin crowds.
The skill level suits all ages, making it one of the best places for family adventures. The Visitor Center posts eruption times for this spectacular geyser. Unlike other geothermal features, this vast expanse of forest provides peaceful hiking between shows.
Weather conditions rarely prevent access to this short hike. The best time to visit is between eruptions, which occur every three hours.
12. Trout Lake Trail
Trout Lake offers one of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park’s northern region. This pleasant 1.2-mile walk through dense forest starts from a small parking area near the Northeast Entrance. The Ranger Station lists this among the best places for wildlife viewing, including both Black Bears and Grizzly Bears.
The difficulty level remains moderate due to a short, steep section. Unlike the vast expanse of geyser basins, this forested area provides intimate wildlife encounters. The best time for viewing river otters and fishing ospreys comes during early morning.
Weather conditions rarely impact this sheltered trail. The Visitor Center recommends this as one of the park’s best day hikes for photographers.
13. Ice Lake Trail
Ice Lake ranks among the best day hikes in Yellowstone National Park’s backcountry. This great trail winds through lodgepole pine forest for a 6.4-mile round trip. Starting from the parking lot near the Norris Geyser Basin, hikers experience natural wonders away from geothermal features.
The skill level requires moderate fitness as the trail gains 1,200 feet. The best views include wildflower meadows and spectacular views of surrounding peaks. Black Bears and Grizzly Bears frequently visit this area.
The Ranger Station recommends checking weather conditions before starting this longer hike. The best time to visit comes in early July when wildflowers peak.
14. Pelican Valley Trail
Among Yellowstone’s best hikes for wildlife viewing, Pelican Valley crosses prime Grizzly Bear habitat. This 6.8-mile round trip through the vast expanse of meadowlands offers some of the best views in North America’s first National Park. The parking area fills quickly during peak season.
The Visitor Center strictly enforces group size requirements due to frequent bear activity. Unlike boardwalk trails near geyser basins, this moderate hike provides a true wilderness experience. The skill level demands awareness and proper safety equipment.
Weather conditions affect trail accessibility. The best time for hiking comes between July and October when regulations allow access.
15. Slough Creek Trail
Slough Creek provides one of the best day hikes in Yellowstone National Park for spotting wildlife. This great trail extends nearly 20 miles through the vast expanse of America’s largest National Park. From the parking area, hikers enter one of the best places to view wolves and bears.
The difficulty level varies along this long hike through natural wonders. The Ranger Station recommends checking weather conditions and wildlife activity before starting. Unlike the Upper Geyser Basin’s crowds, this trail offers solitude.
The best time for wildlife photography is at dawn or dusk. Many visitors combine this with Specimen Ridge Trail for extended backcountry adventures.
16. Wraith Falls Trail
Wraith Falls ranks among the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park. This short walk covers just a 0.9-mile round trip through dense forests and meadows. Starting from the parking lot, this trail offers one of the best places for quick natural wonders viewing.
The skill level suits all ages, making it perfect for families. Unlike the vast expanse of geyser basins, this intimate trail focuses on a single spectacular waterfall. The Visitor Center recommends this as one of the park’s best short hikes.
Weather conditions rarely prevent access. The best time for photography comes during spring runoff.
17. Hellroaring Creek Trail
Among Yellowstone’s best day hikes, Hellroaring Creek descends through the vast expanse of wilderness. This great trail covers 2.1 miles each way from the parking area to the Yellowstone River. The Ranger Station rates this among the best places for experienced hikers seeking adventure.
The difficulty level challenges hikers with steep sections. Unlike other natural wonders in the park, this trail features a dramatic suspension bridge. Black Bears and Grizzly Bears frequent this area.
The best time for hiking comes early morning before the heat builds. Weather conditions can make the trail slippery after rain.
Final Thoughts
Hiking in Yellowstone offers more than just exercise – it opens windows into the park’s hidden wonders. Whether you choose the challenging Uncle Tom’s Trail in the canyon area or a shorter route through the Douglas Fir forest, each path brings new discoveries.
Remember that many trails, like the popular Fairy Falls Trail, get crowded during peak season. Consider starting naturalist day hikes early or choosing less-traveled paths like Trout Lake hike for a more peaceful experience.
Always carry bear spray and stay alert on these trails. Even popular boardwalk trails can offer surprise wildlife sightings, from grazing elk to soaring eagles. The park’s network of paths, from easy trails to back trail adventures, helps protect these spaces while allowing visitors to explore safely.
Take time to soak in the views from spots like Inspiration Point. These Yellowstone hikes connect us to something bigger than ourselves – they remind us why preserving our national parks matters for future generations.
No matter which trail you choose, walking these paths creates memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to hike but don’t have a backpack?
In a recent article, I cover the 25 best hiking backpacks for hikers on a budget! These are quality backpacks that won’t break the bank.
Just click that link to read it on my site.