The Best Hikes for Exploring Yellowstone in Summer

As the largest and oldest National Park in the United States, Yellowstone National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore and experience the American wilderness. From its lush meadows to its magnificent mountains, Yellowstone is a paradise for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. And with its long summer days, there’s plenty of time to explore the wonders of the park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous climb, here are some of the best hikes for exploring Yellowstone in summer.

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

One of the most breathtaking hikes in Yellowstone is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This stunning canyon is over 1,000 feet deep and stretches for over 20 miles. The hike begins at the South Rim and takes you along the canyon’s edge, offering stunning views of its colorful rock formations and cascading waterfalls. As you descend the canyon, you’ll pass by several thermal features such as hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. The hike is about 8 miles round trip, but it’s worth the effort to experience this majestic natural wonder.

Mount Washburn

Mount Washburn is one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone. This moderate hike climbs to the summit of the 10,243-foot peak, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. You’ll pass through alpine meadows, lush forests, and rugged terrain. In the summer months, wildflowers abound and you may even spot some of the park’s wildlife such as bighorn sheep and elk. The hike is about 6 miles round trip, but it’s worth the effort for the unforgettable views.

The Fairy Falls Trail

For those looking for a shorter, more leisurely hike, the Fairy Falls Trail is a great option. This 3-mile round trip trail takes you through dense forests and meadows to a stunning 198-foot waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass by several thermal features and get glimpses of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly flat, making it an ideal choice for those who want to experience the beauty of the park without too much exertion.

Hellroaring Creek Trail

The Hellroaring Creek Trail is a long and challenging hike, but it’s worth the effort for the stunning views of the park. This 12-mile round trip trail takes you through lush meadows, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain passes. As you ascend the mountain, you’ll get sweeping views of the park and may even spot some of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly downhill, making it a great choice for those looking for a long and strenuous hike.

Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse areas in Yellowstone. This 8-mile round trip hike takes you through the valley, offering stunning views of its meadows, forests, and mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by several thermal features and get glimpses of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike.

Beaver Ponds Loop

The Beaver Ponds Loop is a 6-mile round trip hike that takes you through a variety of landscapes, from meadows to forests to mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by several thermal features and get glimpses of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the ponds and beaver dams, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

Upper Geyser Basin

The Upper Geyser Basin is one of the most popular areas in Yellowstone, and the hike to the basin is just as stunning as the basin itself. This 4-mile round trip hike takes you through meadows and forests, offering glimpses of the park’s wildlife and thermal features. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the geysers and hot springs, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Gardiner River Trail

The Gardiner River Trail is a beautiful and diverse hike, taking you through meadows, forests, and mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by several thermal features and get glimpses of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the river and its rapids, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Sentinel Meadows Loop

The Sentinel Meadows Loop is a 6-mile loop trail that takes you through meadows, forests, and mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass by several thermal features and get glimpses of the park’s wildlife. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the meadows and mountains, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Mount Holmes Trail

The Mount Holmes Trail is a strenuous, but rewarding, 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of the 8,912-foot peak. Along the way, you’ll pass through meadows, forests, and mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is mostly uphill, making it a great choice for those looking for a more challenging hike. And with its unforgettable views of the park, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Cascade Creek Trail

The Cascade Creek Trail is a 4-mile round trip trail that takes you through lush forests and meadows. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of the park’s wildlife and thermal features. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the cascading creek and its waterfalls, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Hayden Valley Trail

The Hayden Valley Trail is a 6-mile round trip hike that takes you through meadows, forests, and mountains. Along the way, you’ll get glimpses of the park’s wildlife and thermal features. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great choice for those looking for a more leisurely hike. And with its stunning views of the valley and its wildlife, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

The Bighorn Pass Trail

The Bighorn Pass Trail is a strenuous, but rewarding, 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of the 8,000-foot pass. Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows and rugged terrain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is mostly uphill, making it a great choice for those looking for a more challenging hike. And with its unforgettable views of the park, this hike is a must-see in Yellowstone.

Yellowstone National Park is a paradise for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. From its lush meadows to its majestic mountains, the park is full of wonders to explore. And with its long summer days, there’s plenty of time to experience the beauty of the park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous climb, there are plenty of hikes to choose from. From the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone to the Mount Holmes Trail, these hikes offer unforgettable views of the park’s majestic landscape. With its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and unique thermal features, Yellowstone is a must-see destination for any outdoors enthusiast.