🌲 Why Hiking is the Best Way to Experience Yellowstone
When most people think of Yellowstone National Park, they picture Old Faithful erupting, bison roaming Lamar Valley, or the bright colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring. But beyond the boardwalks and overlooks, Yellowstone offers something even better: incredible hikes for all levels.
Whether you’re a family with kids, a casual hiker looking for a short scenic walk, or an adventurer ready to tackle rugged backcountry trails, Yellowstone has the perfect hike for you. From easy loops to challenging summit climbs, every trail reveals a side of Yellowstone you can’t see from your car window.
This guide breaks down the best Yellowstone hikes into three categories:
- 🌿 Easy hikes — short, scenic, family-friendly
- 🥾 Moderate hikes — half-day adventures with a mix of scenery
- ⛰️ Challenging hikes — full-day or backcountry treks for seasoned hikers
Let’s lace up and dive in.
🚏 Table of Contents
- 🌿 Easy Hikes in Yellowstone
- 🥾 Moderate Hikes in Yellowstone
- ⛰️ Challenging Hikes in Yellowstone
- 🦺 Yellowstone Hiking Tips & Safety Essentials
- ⚡ Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Yellowstone Hike
🌿 Easy Hikes in Yellowstone (Beginner-Friendly, Short & Scenic)
Perfect for families, casual hikers, or anyone who wants a taste of Yellowstone without a big climb. These trails are short, rewarding, and accessible.
A short but scenic hike that climbs to an overlook of the Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s rainbow-colored hot spring.
- Best time: Midday, when the sun brings out the vivid colors.
- Trail notes: Slight uphill climb but manageable for most.
- Why go: The view from above is unforgettable and far better than just the boardwalk perspective.
Starting near Biscuit Basin, this gentle hike takes you through forest and geothermal features to a 70-foot waterfall.
- Trail notes: Mostly easy with light elevation gain.
- Bonus: Combine with the Biscuit Basin boardwalk for a geothermal + waterfall combo.
- Why go: It’s the perfect blend of Yellowstone’s unique features in under 3 miles.
This loop combines Yellowstone Lake’s beauty with colorful hot springs and steaming vents right along the shoreline.
- Trail notes: Entirely on a boardwalk — easy and family-friendly.
- Why go: Few places in the world let you see hot springs this close to a lake.
4. Artist Point (0.2 miles round trip)
Not really a hike, but a short walk to one of Yellowstone’s most iconic viewpoints: the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Trail notes: Paved, short, suitable for everyone.
- Why go: If you see only one viewpoint in Yellowstone, make it this one.
5. Mud Volcano & Dragon’s Mouth Spring (0.6 miles loop)
This short loop trail is packed with geothermal wonders, including bubbling mud pots and the famous Dragon’s Mouth Spring — a roaring cave-like vent that sounds like a dragon breathing.
- Why go: Quick, fascinating, and totally unique to Yellowstone.
🥾 Moderate Hikes in Yellowstone (Half-Day, Scenic & Adventurous)
These trails are great if you want a little more adventure without committing to a full-day backcountry trek. Expect 2–7 miles, some elevation, and a variety of landscapes.
One of Yellowstone’s best waterfall hikes, this trail takes you through lodgepole pine forest to the 200-foot Fairy Falls.
- Bonus: Add a side trail to Spray and Imperial Geysers for extra adventure.
- Why go: Waterfalls + geysers = Yellowstone’s magic in one hike.
A moderate forested climb that rewards you with sweeping panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake.
- Trail notes: Steady incline but not overly long.
- Why go: One of the best bang-for-your-buck views in the park.
This trail descends steep switchbacks and stairs into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering dramatic waterfall views.
- Trail notes: Short but intense — lots of stairs.
- Why go: A unique way to get up close to the mighty Lower Falls.
This hike takes you through the “Serengeti of North America”, offering some of the best wildlife viewing in Yellowstone.
- Wildlife: Expect bison, pronghorn, elk, and maybe wolves.
- Trail notes: Mostly flat, making the 7 miles manageable.
- Why go: Hike where Yellowstone’s wildlife truly thrives.
An underrated hike near Yellowstone Lake combining forest, meadow, and shoreline views.
- Trail notes: Flat, family-friendly.
Why go: Quiet, beautiful, and great for spotting marmots and bald eagles.
⛰️ Challenging Hikes in Yellowstone (Full-Day, Remote & Rugged)
These trails are for experienced hikers ready for steep climbs, long distances, and potential wildlife encounters. Bring water, food, bear spray, and be prepared for changing weather.
Yellowstone’s most iconic summit hike. From the top, you’ll see the Tetons, Beartooths, and miles of Yellowstone wilderness.
- Trail notes: Popular but steep. Start early to avoid crowds.
- Why go: 360° views you’ll never forget.
Steep and strenuous, but the views of Yellowstone Lake and surrounding peaks are jaw-dropping.
- Trail notes: Serious climb — not for beginners.
- Why go: One of the most rewarding short but steep hikes in the park.
A remote trail featuring petrified trees, wide-open views, and high wildlife chances.
- Trail notes: Can be done in shorter sections. Remote — expect solitude.
- Why go: A glimpse into Yellowstone’s ancient volcanic past.
The only maintained trail that goes to the bottom of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Trail notes: The descent is easy, but the climb back up is tough.
- Why go: A rare chance to stand at the canyon floor.
One of the most remote areas in the continental U.S., deep in Yellowstone’s backcountry.
- Trail notes: Backpacking only, not for casual hikers.
Why go: True wilderness adventure — no crowds, just nature.
🦺 Yellowstone Hiking Tips & Safety Essentials
- Carry bear spray (and know how to use it).
- Stay on marked trails — geothermal areas are fragile and dangerous.
- Start early to beat crowds and afternoon storms.
- Bring layers — Yellowstone weather changes fast.
- Carry water and snacks — even short trails feel longer at elevation.
Check trail conditions at visitor centers before heading out.
⚡ Final Thoughts: Find Your Perfect Yellowstone Hike
Whether you’re walking a short boardwalk loop or tackling a multi-day backcountry trek, hiking is the best way to truly experience Yellowstone.
- 🌿 Easy hikes let families and beginners get up close to geysers and waterfalls.
- 🥾 Moderate trails provide a half-day adventure with epic views and wildlife.
- ⛰️ Challenging routes reward seasoned hikers with solitude and jaw-dropping scenery.
No matter your level, Yellowstone has a trail waiting for you.
📥 FREE Yellowstone Hiking Cheat Sheet (PDF)
Want all these hikes in one quick reference? Download my FREE The Best Yellowstone Hikes for Every Level PDF with trail distances, difficulty ratings, and pro tips. Perfect for offline use in the park. Click here to grab it now!
📚 Plan Your Full Adventure with My RoadBooks
Yellowstone is just one stop on the ultimate U.S. road trip. My Chicago to Seattle RoadBook includes ready-to-use itineraries, maps, must-see hikes, and hidden gems — perfect for exploring Yellowstone and beyond. Check out the RoadBooks here.