Yellowstone Hiking
Yellowstone National Park, encompassing 2.2 million acres, is one of America's premier wilderness areas. Most of the park is backcountry and managed as wilderness. Over 1,100 miles (1770 km) of trails are available for hiking. However, there are dangers inherent in wilderness: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, cold water lakes, turbulent streams, and rugged mountains with loose, "rotten" rock. Visiting wilderness means experiencing the land on its terms. If you choose to explore and enjoy the natural wonders of Yellowstone, there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any situation. Carefully read all backcountry guidelines and regulations.
Yellowstone Park Hiking Featured Listings
These featured businesses are official Yellowstone Park permitees
Professionally Guided Hikes to Yellowstone's Best Secret Spots
Gateway Community Hiking Listings
The listings found below are offered in the Gateway Communities that surround Yellowstone National Park.
Big Sky Montana :: view all listings
Mountain recreation in Southwest Montana - Western Gateway.
Grizzly Outfitters - Big Sky's Hiking Gear & Rental Headquarters
Trails.com
Bozeman Montana :: view all listings
Gardiner, MT, Livingston, MT and Bozeman, MT - Northern Gateway.
Enjoy a naturalist-led hike into Yellowstone Park
Vacation Rental Homes near YNP - Forest Hikes from our Door
Grand Canyon's colorful walls
© National Park Service
There are numerous trails suitable for day hiking. Begin your hike by stopping
at a ranger station or visitor center for information. Trail conditions
may change suddenly and unexpectedly. Bear activity, rain or snow
storms, high water, and fires may temporarily close trails. At a minimum,
carry water, a raincoat or poncho, a warm hat, insect repellent, sunscreen,
and a first aid kit. It is recommended that you hike with another
person. No permit is required for day hiking.
Hiker Campsites
Camping for front country hikers or bicyclists is limited to the
developed campgrounds located throughout the park. Campsites are available
by reservation (through Xanterra Parks and Resorts) and on a first
come, first served basis.
The distances separating campgrounds and the fact that the campgrounds
typically fill early each day during the peak visitation season will
pose logistical problems for the front country hiker or bicycle camper
in Yellowstone. A limited number of campsites are reserved for hikers
and bicyclists at all campgrounds with the exception of Slough
Creek. Camping is not available at Old Faithful. If you are
traveling with a group of hikers or bicyclists, call Xanterra Parks
and Resorts prior to your arrival to check on group campsite availability;
not all campgrounds can accommodate groups. If you have access to
a vehicle, use it to find a campsite in your destination campground
early each day.
Hikers or bicyclists camping without a vehicle can use designated hiker/biker
sites for $ 4.00 per individual per night. All other vehicle campsites
range from $ 10 to $ 16 per night depending on the campground. Opening and
closing dates vary considerably for each campground. Check the Calendar
Page or Camping Page
to make sure that a campground is open if you are planning a spring or
fall visit to Yellowstone.
Water
Should you drink the water? Intestinal infections from drinking untreated water are
increasingly common. Waters may be polluted by animal and/or human wastes. When possible,
carry a supply of water from a domestic source. If you drink water from lakes and streams,
bring it to a boil or use a water filter to reduce the chance of infection.
Yellowstone's weather is unpredictable. A sunny warm day may become fiercely stormy
with wind, rain, sleet, and sometimes snow. Lightning storms are common; get off water or
beaches and stay away from ridges, exposed places, and isolated trees.
Currently OutsideOther pages you might find helpful:
The Trail Database
The Trail Database is a useful online directory of hiking articles, links, and personal hiking sites throughout the world.
