Hiking Trails to Explore in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness of natural wonders and breathtaking views. From cascading waterfalls to steaming geysers, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. It is also home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the United States. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, you’ll find plenty to explore in Yellowstone. Here are 12 hiking trails to explore in Yellowstone National Park.

1. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most spectacular sights in the park. The canyon stretches for 20 miles and is over 1,000 feet deep in places. The North and South Rim Trails are two of the most popular hikes in the canyon. The North Rim Trail is a full day hike that offers stunning views of the canyon and the surrounding area. The South Rim Trail is a short 2-mile hike with plenty of scenic overlooks.

The Lower Falls Trail is another great option for those looking to explore the canyon. This 5-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the base of the Lower Falls, where you can get an up close look at the powerful cascade of water. For an even more adventurous experience, you can take the Upper Falls Trail. This 8-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the top of the canyon, offering amazing views of the Yellowstone River.

2. Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest body of water in the park and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. The 5-mile Mary Mountain Trail takes you around the lake’s northern shore, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges. The 18-mile Shoshone Lake Trail takes you along the lake’s western shore, and offers some of the best views in the park.

For those looking for a shorter hike, the 4-mile Storm Point Trail takes you to the northern tip of the lake, where you can take in stunning views of the nearby mountains. The 5-mile Firehole Lake Trail takes you to a secluded lake in the heart of the park, and offers the chance to see some of the park’s iconic wildlife.

3. Mt. Washburn

Mt. Washburn is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The 6-mile roundtrip hike takes you up a steep trail to the summit, where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike is strenuous and can take up to 4 hours to complete, but it is well worth the effort. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the 1.5-mile Dunraven Pass Trail offers a great alternative. This trail takes you to the top of a nearby pass, offering spectacular views of the park and the surrounding area. For a more challenging hike, you can take the 8-mile Dunraven Pass Loop Trail, which takes you around the pass and up to the summit of Mt. Washburn.

4. Cascade Lake

Cascade Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the park. The 9-mile roundtrip Cascade Lake Trail takes you around the lake, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot moose, bald eagles, and other wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous, but the views make it well worth the effort.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the 2-mile Cascade Creek Trail takes you along the Cascade Creek and offers some of the best views of the lake. The 4-mile Grassy Lake Trail takes you around the lake and offers the chance to spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife.

5. Lone Star Geyser

The Lone Star Geyser is one of the most popular attractions in the park. The 3-mile roundtrip Lone Star Geyser Trail takes you to the geyser, where you can witness the powerful eruption of water. Along the way, you can spot bison, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is easy and takes about 2 hours to complete.

For a more challenging hike, the 8-mile Upper Geyser Basin Trail takes you around the geyser basin and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot some of the park’s iconic geothermal features. The trail is strenuous and can take up to 5 hours to complete, but the views are well worth the effort.

6. Mammoth Hot Springs

Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most iconic features in the park. The 3-mile roundtrip Mammoth Hot Springs Trail takes you around the hot springs and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The trail is easy and takes about 2 hours to complete.

For a more challenging hike, the 7-mile Upper Mammoth Hot Springs Trail takes you around the hot springs and up to the summit of a nearby peak. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The trail is strenuous and can take up to 4 hours to complete, but the views are well worth the effort.

7. Bechler River

The Bechler River is one of the most beautiful rivers in the park. The 8-mile roundtrip Bechler River Trail takes you along the river and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous, but the views make it well worth the effort.

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the 1.5-mile Bechler Meadows Trail takes you to a secluded meadow where you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The 4-mile Bechler River Falls Trail takes you to the base of Bechler Falls, where you can take in stunning views of the powerful cascade of water.

8. Grand Prismatic Spring

The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most iconic features in the park. The 1-mile roundtrip Grand Prismatic Spring Trail takes you to the edge of the spring, where you can take in the spectacular colors and views. Along the way, you can spot bison, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is easy and takes about 1 hour to complete.

For a more challenging hike, the 6-mile Fairy Falls Trail takes you around the Grand Prismatic Spring and up to the base of nearby Fairy Falls. Along the way, you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous and can take up to 3 hours to complete, but the views are well worth the effort.

9. Tower Falls

Tower Falls is one of the most spectacular sights in the park. The 1-mile roundtrip Tower Falls Trail takes you to the base of the falls, where you can take in stunning views of the powerful cascade of water. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is easy and takes about 1 hour to complete.

For a more challenging hike, the 4-mile Tower Falls Loop Trail takes you around the falls and up to the top of the nearby peak. Along the way, you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous and can take up to 3 hours to complete, but the views are well worth the effort.

10. Mountain View Trail

The Mountain View Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The 8-mile roundtrip trail takes you around the mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

For a shorter hike, the 4-mile Heart Lake Trail takes you around the lake and offers some of the best views of the mountain. The 6-mile Thunderer Pass Trail takes you to a nearby pass, where you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding area.

11. Lamar Valley

The Lamar Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in the park. The 8-mile roundtrip Lamar Valley Trail takes you along the valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot bison, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

For a shorter hike, the 2-mile Blacktail Plateau Trail takes you to a secluded plateau where you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The 4-mile Red Rock Trail takes you around the valley and offers the chance to take in some of the most breathtaking views in the park.

12. Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor adventurers. The park is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the United States. The 8-mile roundtrip Teton Crest Trail takes you around the mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Along the way, you can spot bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife. The trail is moderately strenuous and can take up to 4 hours to complete.

For a shorter hike, the 4-mile Cascade Canyon Trail takes you to a secluded canyon where you can spot some of the park’s iconic wildlife. The 5-mile Paintbrush Divide Trail takes you around the mountains and offers the chance to take in some of the most spectacular views in the park.

Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness of natural wonders and breathtaking views. From cascading waterfalls to steaming geysers, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, you’ll find plenty to explore in Yellowstone. Whether you’re looking for a short hike or a challenging trek, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore in Yellowstone National Park. From the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the majestic peaks of Grand Teton National Park, there is something for everyone in Yellowstone.