Yellowstone National Park is a haven for nature lovers, boasting diverse wildlife, bubbling hot springs, vibrant geysers, and breathtaking landscapes. A journey through Yellowstone is not complete without experiencing its captivating trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual wanderer, Yellowstone offers something for everyone. Here’s a guide to 10 of the best Yellowstone National Park hiking, each trip brings unique perspectives and experiences that nationalparkshops.com wants to bring to you.
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Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail
- Length: 2.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 105 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail is a short, accessible trail that leads to a stunning panoramic viewpoint of Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park’s most iconic feature. The vibrant hues of turquoise, orange, and yellow, created by thermophilic bacteria thriving in the hot waters, are best appreciated from a distance. This trail is perfect for families and those seeking a quick but rewarding hike.
Beaver Ponds Loop
- Length: 8.9 km
- Elevation Gain: Over 350 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Beaver Ponds Loop is one of Yellowstone National Park hiking, that ascends more than 350 feet and meanders through open areas with sagebrush and groups of trees. The beaver ponds are located about halfway along the loop. While you may spot beavers or evidence of them, it is more common to see muskrats and aquatic birds. Keep an eye out for bears, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and moose as you walk.
North Rim Trail
- Length: 6.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5850 ft (1780 m)
- Difficulty: Moderate
Park at the designated parking lot for Wapiti Lake on South Rim Drive near Chittenden Bridge south of Canyon Village. Walk down the paved path to the bridge and then head to the North Rim Trail trailhead.
The trail offers stunning views of the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Start at the north side of Chittenden Bridge, and follow the river downstream on an old road. Descend the stairs to see Upper Falls, then head back to the trail towards the Upper Falls parking lot. Optionally, visit Crystal Falls overlook. Cross Cascade Creek, switchback to Lower Falls. Continue to Lookout Point, take Red Rock Trail for another view of Lower Falls, then reach Grand View. Follow the dirt trail to Inspiration Point, where you can turn back or arrange transportation.
South Rim Trails
- Length: 1.1 km
- Elevation Gain: 600-1,200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The South Rim Trails provide various hiking routes along the southern rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, offering stunning views of the canyon, Yellowstone Falls, and the surrounding scenery. The South Rim trail is nearly 2 miles long and leads to the Artist’s Point lookout.
Tower Fall Overlook – One of Yellowstone National Park Hiking
- Length: 0.75 miles
- Elevation Gain: 243 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The waterfall on Tower Creek, which is 132 feet tall, is breathtaking as it cascades down onto the rocks below. This brief hike at Yellowstone National Park Hiking showcases unique rock formations carved by water in the basalt landscape. It is a wheelchair-friendly trail that begins with a short asphalt path of around 150 yards leading to an overlook of Tower Fall. The trail has inclines ranging from 2% to 4%.
Due to significant erosion, the lower section of the trail is currently closed. Beyond the Tower Fall Overlook, you can continue walking for 0.75 miles to witness Tower Creek merging with the Yellowstone River. If you have health issues like heart, lung, or knee conditions, it might be best to appreciate the scenery from the overlook.
Mount Washburn Trail
- Length: 9.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 10,219 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Mount Washburn Trail is 5-6 miles long, winds its way through a forested area and offers stunning views of the Grand Tetons, as well as famous landmarks within the park such as Old Faithful Geyser Basin and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. In July, the mountains are covered with colorful wildflowers. Bighorn sheep are commonly spotted along the trail. As you approach the top, the temperature decreases and there are frequent afternoon storms.
Fairy Falls Trail
- Length: 7.7 km
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Fairy Falls, standing at a height of 200 feet (61 m), is among the most impressive waterfalls in Yellowstone National Park hiking. To reach the falls, start at the trailhead and hike 1.6 miles (2.6 km) through a forest of young lodgepole pine trees. If you choose to extend your hike, you can walk an additional 0.6 miles (0.97 km) to visit Spray and Imperial geysers, adding a total of 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to your journey.
Lone Star Geyser
- Length: 5.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 240 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
The journey covers a total of five miles, beginning with a series of waterfalls and tracing a river through a forested valley to reach the main attraction of Yellowstone’s remote geyser basins. Lone Star Geyser shoots up 30-45 feet into the air approximately every three hours. Visitors can relax on log benches while waiting for the geyser to erupt, or opt for a more active approach by cycling along one of the few designated trails in the park that permit bicycles. Bike rentals are available during the summer months at the Bear Den Gift Shop located at Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Mystic Falls
- Length: 2.0 miles
- Elevation Gain: 70 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Embark on a 2.0-mile hike through recently developed woodland before ascending to the waterfall, where the river descends 70 feet while flowing rapidly through a narrow passage. Sometimes, geothermal processes produce a spooky mist. To enhance your hiking experience, keep going past the waterfall until you reach the intersection with Fairy Creek Trail and make your way to the Biscuit Basin viewpoint.
Bunsen Peak Trail
- Length: 7.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
This brief four-mile trek may be challenging as you approach the top due to a set of sharp turns. The views of the Gallatin Mountain Range are unparalleled within the park. Along the way, you will encounter a group of lifeless trees that have an eerie atmosphere and a rock structure known as Cathedral Rock. You will have numerous chances to take photos.
Yellowstone National Park Hiking offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. From easy strolls to challenging ascents, the park’s diverse trails showcase the natural beauty and unique geology that make Yellowstone a must-visit destination. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and hit the trails to discover the wonders of Yellowstone on foot.
