Hikes in Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley, often referred to as the “Serengeti of North America,” is one of the most remarkable places to hike in Yellowstone National Park. Famous for its sweeping meadows, abundant wildlife, and winding rivers, the valley is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers of all abilities. Trails in this region range from short, family-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry adventures, offering opportunities to experience the park’s scenery in a more intimate way than by vehicle alone.

Visitors exploring Lamar Valley’s hiking routes can expect encounters with bison, elk, and sometimes wolves, as well as vibrant displays of wildflowers in the warmer months. Below are the major hikes that define the Lamar Valley experience.

Quick Reference Guide: Hikes in Lamar Valley

Below is a quick-reference table highlighting key trails, their details, and visitor notes for planning your adventure.

Trail Name	Distance	Difficulty	Trailhead Location	Visitor Notes
Lamar River Trail	Up to 33 miles round-trip (out-and-back or point-to-point)	Moderate to strenuous	Near Soda Butte Cone	Signature hike of Lamar Valley following Lamar River deep into backcountry. Popular for shorter out-and-back hikes (3–5 miles). Wildlife includes bison, sandhill cranes, ospreys, and bald eagles. Wildflower displays in spring/summer. Carry bear spray.
Specimen Ridge Trail	17 miles one-way (shorten with out-and-back)	Strenuous	Near Tower Junction	Climbs from Lamar Valley to petrified forests and ridgelines. Highlights include petrified trees, sweeping views of Lamar Valley, Mount Washburn, and Absaroka Range. Best for experienced hikers.
Slough Creek Trail	4 miles to First Meadow; 10.3 miles to Third Meadow	Easy to moderate	Slough Creek Campground	Gentle climb along an old wagon road. Excellent wildlife viewing, including bison, wolves, and bears. Beautiful meadows with wildflowers and fishing opportunities. First Meadow (4 miles round-trip) is a popular shorter option.
Cache Creek Trail	7 miles round-trip (extendable)	Moderate	Along Lamar River Trail (~2 miles in)	Quieter alternative branching from Lamar River Trail. Offers solitude, wildlife habitat, meadows for photography, and access deeper into backcountry. Wolf and bear sightings possible.
Trout Lake Trail	1.2 miles round-trip	Easy	Near Northeast Entrance Road (between Pebble Creek and Soda Butte)	Short family-friendly hike leading to a beautiful alpine lake. Great for kids and quick visits. Wildlife includes otters and spawning cutthroat trout in early summer. Excellent photography spot, especially at sunrise.

1. Lamar River Trail

The Lamar River Trail is the signature route of Lamar Valley, stretching up to 33 miles round-trip if completed in its entirety. Beginning near the Soda Butte Cone, the trail follows the Lamar River deep into Yellowstone’s backcountry. While only the most experienced and well-prepared hikers attempt the full length, many visitors prefer shorter out-and-back hikes within the first three to five miles. These shorter treks provide an immersive taste of the valley’s beauty, with expansive views of rolling meadows, winding streams, and towering mountains. Along the way, bison are commonly spotted grazing near the riverbanks, and the skies above are often alive with bald eagles, ospreys, and sandhill cranes.

Wildflowers line the path in late spring and summer, transforming the valley floor into a colorful canvas. The trail is also a reminder of Yellowstone’s wilderness, and hikers are urged to carry bear spray, travel in groups when possible, and stay alert, as both black bears and grizzly bears inhabit the area.

2. Specimen Ridge Trail

The Specimen Ridge Trail is a strenuous yet deeply rewarding adventure that climbs away from the Lamar Valley floor into Yellowstone’s rugged high country. Stretching 17 miles one way, it is often undertaken as an out-and-back hike of shorter distance depending on one’s ability and time.

The trailhead begins near Tower Junction and immediately starts ascending, eventually leading hikers to ridgelines with sweeping views over Lamar Valley, Mount Washburn, and the Absaroka Range.

Perhaps the most unique feature of this trail is the chance to explore Yellowstone’s petrified forests, where ancient volcanic eruptions preserved towering trees in stone. The sense of walking through geological history is profound, and the contrast between the ancient fossilized trees and the living forests below is striking.

Wildlife encounters are common on these open ridges, where pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and even wolves may be seen from a distance. Because of its length and elevation gain, this hike is best suited for experienced adventurers who are comfortable with exposed terrain and capable of route-finding.

3. Slough Creek Trail

For those seeking a gentler introduction to Lamar Valley hiking, the Slough Creek Trail offers an excellent balance of accessibility, wildlife viewing, and scenery. Beginning at the Slough Creek Campground, the trail follows an old wagon road that leads into expansive meadows alongside the creek.

The trail is four miles round-trip to the First Meadow, which makes for a perfect day hike or family outing. Continuing on, hikers can reach the Second Meadow or even the Third Meadow, extending the trip to over ten miles round-trip.

Wildlife sightings are frequent here, with bison herds often dotting the meadows and wolves occasionally seen near the famous Slough Creek den area. The meadows are particularly stunning in summer when wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors, and the creek is a favorite for anglers seeking Yellowstone cutthroat trout. Many visitors are content to turn around at First Meadow, which offers a peaceful picnic spot and spectacular photography opportunities.

4. Cache Creek Trail

Branching off from the Lamar River Trail about two miles in, the Cache Creek Trail provides a quieter and more remote hiking experience. This seven-mile round-trip route leads into rolling hills and forested drainages, offering solitude that is sometimes hard to find in the more popular sections of Lamar Valley.

The trail is moderately difficult, with gentle elevation gains and scenic meadows along the way. Because it is less traveled, hikers here have a good chance of spotting wildlife such as elk, deer, or even wolves at a distance. Bears also frequent the area, so the usual precautions are important.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the quiet landscapes, making Cache Creek a rewarding detour for those seeking to escape the busier valley floor.

5. Trout Lake Trail

For visitors with limited time or families with young children, the Trout Lake Trail is one of the most delightful short hikes in the Lamar Valley region. At just 1.2 miles round-trip, the trail climbs a short but somewhat steep hill before opening onto a pristine alpine lake surrounded by forested slopes and towering peaks.

The reflections of Mount Hornaday shimmering in the still waters of the lake make this spot especially popular for photography, particularly in the early morning when light is soft and wildlife is active. In early summer, the lake comes alive as cutthroat trout spawn in its shallows, attracting river otters and drawing the attention of bald eagles and ospreys overhead.

The wildflowers around the lake only add to its charm, creating a picturesque and peaceful destination. It is a manageable hike for children and a perfect way to experience Yellowstone’s alpine beauty without committing to a full-day trek.