Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Hiking in Yellowstone National Park is one of the most rewarding ways to truly experience the park’s incredible diversity — from steaming geyser basins and alpine peaks to lush valleys teeming with wildlife. With more than 900 miles of hiking trails, Yellowstone offers something for every level of adventurer, from short family-friendly walks to multi-day backcountry treks. Each area of the park reveals a different side of its vast wilderness, making hiking here not just an activity, but a journey through a living, breathing landscape that has remained largely untouched for thousands of years.

Yellowstone National Park Hiking Quick-Reference Guide

This quick-reference table provides an overview of Yellowstone’s top hiking trails across all seven regions — Upper Geyser Basin, Canyon, Tower-Roosevelt, Lamar Valley, Lake Village, Bechler Region, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Trail Name	Distance (Round Trip)	Difficulty	Key Highlights
Old Faithful to Observation Point	1.1 miles	Easy	Panoramic views of Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin.
Fairy Falls	5 miles	Moderate	Tall waterfall and Grand Prismatic Spring overlook.
Mystic Falls	2.4 miles	Moderate	Charming waterfall surrounded by forest.
Uncle Tom’s Trail	0.6 miles	Strenuous	Steep stairs down to the base of Lower Falls.
South Rim Trail	4.1 miles	Moderate	Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Artist Point views.
North Rim Trail	3 miles	Easy–Moderate	Brink of Lower Falls and canyon vistas.
Mount Washburn	6 miles	Moderate–Strenuous	Summit with panoramic park views and wildlife.
Lost Lake Loop	2.8 miles	Easy–Moderate	Peaceful lake, wildflowers, and forested terrain.
Lamar River Trail	10 miles	Moderate	Prime wildlife viewing including bison and wolves.
Slough Creek Trail	7 miles	Moderate	Tranquil meadows and excellent fishing opportunities.
Elephant Back Mountain	3.5 miles	Moderate	Overlooks Yellowstone Lake and forested paths.
Storm Point	2.3 miles	Easy	Lakeside trail with abundant wildlife sightings.
Bechler River Trail	30 miles (one way)	Strenuous	Remote route with waterfalls and hot springs.
Dunanda Falls	16 miles	Strenuous	Majestic waterfall and geothermal pools nearby.
Beaver Ponds Loop	5 miles	Moderate	Wooded path with ponds and wildlife encounters.
Bunsen Peak	4.6 miles	Moderate–Strenuous	Rocky summit offering sweeping valley views.

Upper Geyser Basin Area

The Upper Geyser Basin, home to the iconic Old Faithful, is one of the most active geothermal areas on Earth, offering several fascinating hikes that combine geological wonder with scenic beauty. The Old Faithful to Observation Point Trail is a short but rewarding 1.1-mile round trip that takes visitors above the famous geyser, offering an elevated view of the eruptions and the steaming basin below. It’s a must-do for first-time visitors who want to see Old Faithful from a unique perspective away from the crowds. 

For those looking for a longer adventure, the Fairy Falls Trail, about 5 miles round trip, leads to one of Yellowstone’s most beautiful waterfalls, dropping gracefully from a height of 200 feet. The trail passes through lodgepole pine forests and offers views of the Grand Prismatic Spring from a nearby overlook, one of the most photographed sights in the park.

Another gem in this area is the Mystic Falls Trail, a 2.4-mile round trip that starts at Biscuit Basin. This moderate hike follows a lovely path along the Firehole River before climbing to a stunning overlook of Mystic Falls, surrounded by colorful thermal features.

Canyon Area

The Canyon Area, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” offers hikes that showcase the park’s dramatic geological history and incredible viewpoints. Uncle Tom’s Trail, though short at just 0.6 miles round trip, is an exhilarating hike that descends steep steel staircases along the canyon wall to a platform near the base of the 308-foot Lower Falls. The effort is well worth it for one of the most breathtaking views in Yellowstone. 

The South Rim Trail, stretching 4.1 miles round trip, offers a more leisurely experience with panoramic vistas of both Upper and Lower Falls, culminating at Artist Point — one of the most photographed spots in the park. 

Across the canyon, the North Rim Trail, about 3 miles round trip, takes hikers to several scenic overlooks including Lookout Point and Grand View, providing a different but equally stunning perspective of the canyon’s golden walls.

Tower-Roosevelt Area

The Tower-Roosevelt region combines rugged mountain terrain with historical charm. The Mount Washburn Trail is one of Yellowstone’s most popular summit hikes, offering a 6-mile round trip climb to a 10,243-foot peak. From the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views that stretch across the park to the Teton Range and beyond. The trail is well-maintained and often dotted with wildflowers in summer. 

Another favorite in this area is the Lost Lake Loop, a 2.8-mile round trip that begins near Roosevelt Lodge. It meanders through rolling meadows and forests to a quiet lake that reflects the surrounding hills, making it a perfect spot for solitude and wildlife spotting.

Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is a hiker’s paradise for those seeking wildlife encounters and wide-open views. The Lamar River Trail, approximately 10 miles round trip, follows the gentle flow of the Lamar River deep into the valley’s backcountry. It’s common to spot bison, pronghorn, and even wolves in the distance. Early mornings or evenings are especially magical when the valley glows under soft light. 

The Slough Creek Trail, 7 miles round trip to the first meadow, offers another scenic journey through peaceful meadows and along a pristine creek. It’s an excellent trail for fly-fishing enthusiasts and one of the best places to observe Yellowstone’s wolves in their natural habitat.

Lake Village Area

The Lake Village Area, centered around Yellowstone Lake, provides serene hiking options that combine water views with forested paths. The Elephant Back Mountain Trail, a 3.5-mile round trip, climbs steadily through pine forests to a sweeping overlook of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range beyond. It’s a moderately challenging trail that rewards hikers with one of the most picturesque lake views in the park. 

For a gentler option, the Storm Point Trail, a 2.3-mile round trip, loops through open meadows and along the lakeshore, where visitors often see marmots and birds nesting in rocky outcrops. The breeze from the lake and the sound of waves lapping against the shore create a tranquil hiking experience.

Bechler Region

The Bechler Region, often called “Yellowstone’s Cascade Corner,” is the park’s best-kept secret for serious backcountry hikers. The Bechler River Trail is a legendary 30-mile one-way trek that traverses remote terrain filled with waterfalls, hot springs, and lush meadows. It’s typically done as a multi-day backpacking trip, requiring planning and a backcountry permit. Along the route, hikers encounter several natural hot springs where they can soak surrounded by wilderness. 

The Dunanda Falls Trail, 16 miles round trip, is another highlight of this region. It leads to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall that cascades into a steaming pool — one of the most remarkable natural hot springs in the park. The journey through remote meadows and rivers makes this hike a true wilderness adventure for experienced hikers.

Mammoth Hot Springs Area

In the northern part of the park, the Mammoth Hot Springs region blends geothermal beauty with mountain scenery. The Beaver Ponds Loop, a 5-mile round trip, starts near the Mammoth Terrace area and winds through forests and open meadows, offering chances to see elk, black bears, and waterfowl. It’s a peaceful and scenic hike, especially in early morning light. 

For a more challenging climb, the Bunsen Peak Trail offers a 4.6-mile round trip hike to one of the most prominent summits in northern Yellowstone. The trail zigzags through pine forests and wildflower meadows, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Gallatin Range and Mammoth Hot Springs below.