Day Hiking
Whether you choose one of the many spectacular Yellowstone day hikes, or you decide to trek into Yellowstone’s backcountry, always be prepared for dramatic weather changes and possible wildlife encounters.
Old Faithful Area
- Fairy Falls - 5 to 6 miles - easy
- Mystic Falls - 2.4 miles - moderate
- Lone Star Geyser - 5 miles - easy
Grant Village Area
- Shoshone Lake - 6 miles - moderate
- Lake Overlook - 2 miles - moderate
- Riddle Lake - 5 miles - moderate
Fishing Bridge - Lake Area
- Elephant Back Mountain - 3 miles - moderate/difficult
- Pelican Creek - 1 mile - easy
- Storm Point - 3 miles - easy/moderate
Yellowstone National Park, encompassing 2.2 million acres, is one of America's premier year-round wilderness hiking areas. More than 1,100 miles of hiking trails are available.
Where To Hike:
Old Faithful Area
- Fairy falls - 5 to 6 miles - easy
- Mystic Falls - 2.4 miles - moderate
- Lone Star Geyser - 5 miles - easy
Grant Village Area
- Shoshone Lake - 6 miles - moderate
- Lake Overlook - 2 miles - moderate
- Riddle Lake - 5 miles - moderate
Fishing Bridge - Lake Area
- Elephant Back Mountain - 3 miles - moderate/difficult
- Pelican Creek - 1 mile - easy
- Storm Point - 3 miles - easy/moderate
Canyon Area
- Clear Lake/Ribbon Lake Loop 3 to 6 miles - easy
- Cascade Lake - 5 miles - easy
- Mt. Washburn - 6 miles - somewhat strenuous
Mammoth Hot Springs Area
- Beaver Ponds Loop - 5 miles - easy/moderate
- Bunsen Park - 4 miles - somewhat strenuous
- Wraith falls 1 mile - easy
Tower-Roosevelt Area
- Lost Lake Loop - 4 miles - easy/moderate
- Tower falls - 1 mile - somewhat strenuous
- Yellowstone River Picnic Area - 4 miles - easy
Lamar Valley Area
- Slough Creek (to first meadow) - 4 miles - easy/moderate
- Trout Lake - 1.2 miles - easy
Hire a Guide:
Consider contacting some of the experienced guides and outfitters on this page for added safety and enjoyment of your Yellowstone hiking experience.
Safety Precautions:
Stop at a ranger station or visitor center for information including trail conditions.
Be prepared for rapid weather changes, unexpected changes in trail conditions, and wildlife encounters.
