You should be fine with comfortable track sneakers. Taking the route from the Glen Creek trailhead along the Sportsman Lake Trail, youll begin this hike in Wyoming and end in Montana. Ready for a stinky but fun and easy Yellowstone hike? Its all very strange and unique there. Let me know if youre interested in an itinerary for this trip! There is some grading between Silex Spring and Fountain Paint Pot. My advice is to listen to the experts. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
Dress in layers for this hike. Once you hike the steps to the other side of the bridge, the hike back down is relatively easy. Continue straight on Specimen Ridge Trail for another mile or so, and youll reach Lamar Riverthe spot to sit down with your picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. You can take a short climb to the top of the hill for an overlook of the mud pots and hot springs. When you reach the bottom, after a 250 foot descent, youll witness the power of the falls as they plunge over the edge at thousands of gallons per second. We followed all of the rules posted at Yellowstone regarding hiking safely, especially since youre in Bear Country and could be on a trail passing a hydrothermal area. Like the Old Faithful hike, the hike to Fairy Falls is relatively flat, and a great option when youre traveling with family and want something easy and rewarding (with some highly photographable spots). We were able to find shorter routes of the suggested hikes in the book, though. But the draw of names like Mud Volcano and Black Dragon Caldron on the sign caught my kids eye, so we swerved to make the turn. They may be closed. For more info, visit the NPS website.
Observation Point Trail is a fun option for a short hike in the Old Faithful area. For an overnighter, youll need a backcountry permit and youll be looking to snag campsites 1G3 or 1G4 in the Upper Gardiner River area. Soon, youll be above treeline and ascending the southeast ridge of the peak, where the trail eventually begins to fade away.
Groomed trail, lodgepole pines, whitepark pines, mountain rock, Restrooms at the top; Canyon Village Visitor Education Center; Upper and Lower Falls, Start at Dunraven Pass parking lot, 4.5 miles north of Canyon Junction. You must show your pass at check-in to receive the discount on your site only. The entrance fee for each vehicle is $25, and thats good for the week. Storm Point is pretty exposed, so bringing a windproof jacket is recommended. Youll pass a stand of dead trees with an otherworldly feel and a rock formation called Cathedral Rock. Note:No access to Mount Washburn until May 2022. Starting on the southside of the Kingman Pass, this hike follows the slow-meandering Glen Creek. On this hike youll travel through sagebrush grasslands, wildflower meadows, and dense pine tree forests, before tackling a bit of scrambling before reaching the peak. Dress in layers and bring a rain shell on this one; the wind can be fierce at the top, the snow can last until late July, and the rain can roll in from out of nowhere. I think we spent more time trying to get a parking spot than trekking up to see the sites. On our way through Wyoming, every store we stopped at was sold out of it, so we ended up buying it inside Grand Teton National Park for $55. The Reward: Great views and one of Yellowstones classic waterfalls. (optional). The visitor centers will also have the information youre looking for. Make time for this short 3.5-mile hike with stunning views across Yellowstone Lake and the peaks that border its eastern edge. By far, the most rewarding hike and the most difficult hike was the one we took to see the beautiful falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a discount and updates on 57hours offers, webinars, and reviews. Crowds are the biggest issue, especially on the popular trailsavoid the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends like the plague. It covers 2.2 million acres and is located primarily in northwestern Wyoming, dipping over state borders into eastern Idaho and southern Montana. Yellowstone has 293 designated backcountry campsites, complete with food poles and storage boxes to keep the bears away. If youre doing Electric Peak as a day hike, this spur trail junction is where youll exit the main Sportsman Lake Trail and make your way towards your final destination. Its also wheelchair accessible up until the stairs at the very end. Yellowstone National Park has some of the most impressive scenerywaterfalls that plunge hundreds of feet, the worlds largest collection of geysers, deep-cut canyons, wildflower meadows in full bloom, and no shortage of wildlife. Would you share? The East Entrance grants you easy access to Yellowstone Lake and its rich geothermal features, while the South Entrance allows you to hit up the hikes in Grand Teton and down two national parks in a single tour. The geothermal waters at Norris are the hottest and some of the most acidic in Yellowstone National Park. Mud Volcano, close to Haydens Valley is a short 0.6-mile loop that brings you around the mud volcano and a few other thermal features including Dragons Mouth Spring, Sizzling Basin, and Grizzly Fumarole. Our favorite part of this area were Mound Spring and Palette Spring, but I imagine youd find a different favorite. In this Yellowstone hiking guide, I am covering the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park to include on your Yellowstone itinerary! The hike is only an hour long, so its easy to squeeze in between geyser-hunting seshes. Note: In 2021, the stairs are closed. You can find Yellowstone safety tips for hiking as well as day hike suggestions here. The roughly paved trail quickly descends 300 feet; thus, potentially making the return a slight challenge. It begins and ends at the same trailhead, and parking can be found at the Bridge Bay Marina. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. After around a mile in, youll see Swan Lake Flats, with Electric Peak and the Gallatins off in the distance. Because this is such a popular trail, try to get here early. Theres always some trail or road closed for maintenance in Yellowstone, and its good to check conditions before you head to the park. The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is located on the scenic shore of Yellowstone Lake,1/4 mile north of West Thumb Junction. Read on for which trails we did! Want to experience Yellowstone in depth? Im a full-time travel writer passionate about travel, photography, nature, coffee and pizza. This area is full of geysers and steaming hot springs. Known as one of the toughest high-altitude loops in the park, this 20-mile hike regularly hits highs of nearly 10,000 feet. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. Its heavily crowded so expect it to be slow going. Now that you know some of the best easy hiking trails in Yellowstone here are some things to keep in mind when hitting the trails. Another one of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone is to Fairy Falls. Weve rounded up some ideas for short hikes and walks ranging from 3/8 mile to three miles. A rainshells not a bad idea either as summer thunderstorms can catch you off guard. The trail leads to a vantage point that offers a birds-eye view of Old Faithful and many of the other hydrothermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin. Its quite a sight, and always worth the detour. Did you know Grand Prismatic Springs is deep enough to fit a 10 story building? By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy. Copyright 2022 Yellowstone Forever. EIN 47-5427975. This trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip, with an elevation change of 105 feet, making it one of the best and most rewarding easy hikes in Yellowstone.
27 miles from the West Yellowstone Entrance. It was hot and stinky and a little eerie to walk through alone. This is also where youll find the most restaurants, attractions, and off-trail activities. The trail rises 150 feet through a Douglas fir forest to a picturesque mountain lake. The last half-mile is a steep push, but one worth the panoramic views at the top. From the trailhead, hike a little over a half-mile and take the short, side trail to see the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Excelsior Geyser from the newly constructed overlook. Tip: Keep a close eye on kids. This partially paved, 1.5-mile trail (three miles round-trip) leads through a forested area to the Natural Bridge, a towering rock formation. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it can be seen up close from a boardwalk that goes around it, but this doesnt really let you see the entire view since it is so large. Youll be hiking above treeline and in the hot sun for most of it, but the top can be cold and windy.
Time: Varies, but we only spent about 20 minutes on the trail because we wanted to catch Old Faithfuls eruption. the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail. Admire the greenery and the occasional steam vent before you reach Storm Point, the highlight of the hike. Back at the junction, turn left to stay on Lamar River Trail instead of continuing straight on Specimen Ridge.
If you have more than hour, hit the nearby paved trails to explore. Electric Peak is exposed at its top, so you need to be prepared with proper gear if the weather takes a turn, which can happen at a moments notice. The trail is closed for bear management part of the year; it opens in late May and is suitable to hike until early winter. The Midway Geyser Basin is home to one of the parks biggest show stoppers: Grand Prismatic Spring. We were tired. All of them are kid-friendly and interesting for visitors of all ages. The Reward: It will seem like youre on the top of the world. The Reward: The iconic Yellowstone view of the waterfalls from the bottom of the trail, complete with a rainbow if youre lucky. It takes around 25 minutes to 40 minutes to complete the loop depending on how long you spend looking at the different features. Location: Midway Geyser Basin Closest to the Yellowstone West Entrance. This trail is subject to wildlife closures (bears) mainly during the Spring. Granted, can easily drive and park at Uncle Toms Point or Artists Point to catch glimpses, but the most breathtaking vistas are away from the crowds. Stop by a ranger station or the visitor center for the latest information on the condition of trails. Nestled in close proximity to the North Canyon Rim parking lot, restrooms are nearby. Its impossible to explore all the beauty Yellowstone hiking has to offer. Parking at Uncle Toms Point, we first saw the Upper Falls, before taking the Southern Rim Trail toward Artists Point, where you get a great view of Lower Falls (the taller falls). Youre likely to see bighorn sheep. Wyoming 82190. Bright blue, rimmed with green and yellow, and with orange sun-like rays, it is arguably the best of the many beautiful colored pools in Park. From here, its loose rock and steep switchbacks until you reach the exposed and windswept peak another half-mile up. This area is where many faults and earthquakes happen. Here a1/2-mile loop will lead you around the large hole in the rock formed by erosion. The area is stunning and unearthly. However, wed also talked to a family whod mentioned being caught in a hailstorm there. The 132-foot waterfall on Tower Creek is stunning, crashing onto the rocks below. For one thing, it smells like a lot of stinky mud pots and fumarole do. There is a small store at the Bridge Bay Marina, where you can pick up food/ necessities and hit the restrooms. This is a flat, fun 2.3-mile loop through a forest leading to a rocky peninsula jutting into Lake Yellowstone. Learn how your comment data is processed. Old Faithful might be more synonymous with Yellowstone, but the Grand Prismatic Spring is the thermal feature that will make you forget for a moment that youre still on Planet Earth. The hike to Bunsen Peak is filled with view after view of some of Yellowstones best features. I suggest buying it before you make the trip to Wyoming. Tip: There some stairs on this path, so its not 100% accessible. Yellowstone National Park was a family favorite growing up. From the trailhead, the 2.5-mile hike follows a lovely little creek through a conifer forest right up to the foot of the titular falls. I brought a backpack with food, but did not bring enough water, it turned out. Before we delve deeper, here is a brief summary of the best day hikes in Yellowstone National Park: Tackling a hike in Yellowstone Park rewards you with jaw-dropping views of some of the most majestic scenery the country has to offer. Sagebrush, new growth forests, lots of switchbacks, and rocky, steep sections, North Entrance; Mammoth Hot Springs; Indian Creek; Osprey Falls, Park in the Glen Creek Trailhead parking lot, just under 5 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs and right past the Golden Gate Bridge Park. Enjoy a short walk down a wide/flat dirt path surrounded by trees that opens up to a boardwalk and thermal features. Opting for the longer route through to Cache Creek (adding another two or so miles), youll be trading in the meadows for woodland and mountain views as you hike.
Geysers are Yellowstones biggest draw, so if you dont stop by the legendary Old Faithful or the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, its like you havent even been here. It leads to Lower Lookout Point which offers an incredible view of the largest waterfall in the Rocky Mountains, a 308-foot waterfall. Seasoned hikers can do it in one gruelling day, but its also a great option for a two or three day backpacking trip. Remember, its a super volcano after all. The offer is not valid with the Interagency Annual Pass. A few other things worth mentioning: Expect parts of the trail to remain snow-covered well into the summer, and be prepared for some slippery sections. I started planning this trip months in advance, highlighting possible easy hike options in Lonely Planets Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks guidebook. Once you pass through the museum, take in the astounding view from the overlook. For many Yellowstone veterans, this is their favorite hike.
Dress in layers for this hike. Once you hike the steps to the other side of the bridge, the hike back down is relatively easy. Continue straight on Specimen Ridge Trail for another mile or so, and youll reach Lamar Riverthe spot to sit down with your picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery. You can take a short climb to the top of the hill for an overlook of the mud pots and hot springs. When you reach the bottom, after a 250 foot descent, youll witness the power of the falls as they plunge over the edge at thousands of gallons per second. We followed all of the rules posted at Yellowstone regarding hiking safely, especially since youre in Bear Country and could be on a trail passing a hydrothermal area. Like the Old Faithful hike, the hike to Fairy Falls is relatively flat, and a great option when youre traveling with family and want something easy and rewarding (with some highly photographable spots). We were able to find shorter routes of the suggested hikes in the book, though. But the draw of names like Mud Volcano and Black Dragon Caldron on the sign caught my kids eye, so we swerved to make the turn. They may be closed. For more info, visit the NPS website.
Observation Point Trail is a fun option for a short hike in the Old Faithful area. For an overnighter, youll need a backcountry permit and youll be looking to snag campsites 1G3 or 1G4 in the Upper Gardiner River area. Soon, youll be above treeline and ascending the southeast ridge of the peak, where the trail eventually begins to fade away.
Groomed trail, lodgepole pines, whitepark pines, mountain rock, Restrooms at the top; Canyon Village Visitor Education Center; Upper and Lower Falls, Start at Dunraven Pass parking lot, 4.5 miles north of Canyon Junction. You must show your pass at check-in to receive the discount on your site only. The entrance fee for each vehicle is $25, and thats good for the week. Storm Point is pretty exposed, so bringing a windproof jacket is recommended. Youll pass a stand of dead trees with an otherworldly feel and a rock formation called Cathedral Rock. Note:No access to Mount Washburn until May 2022. Starting on the southside of the Kingman Pass, this hike follows the slow-meandering Glen Creek. On this hike youll travel through sagebrush grasslands, wildflower meadows, and dense pine tree forests, before tackling a bit of scrambling before reaching the peak. Dress in layers and bring a rain shell on this one; the wind can be fierce at the top, the snow can last until late July, and the rain can roll in from out of nowhere. I think we spent more time trying to get a parking spot than trekking up to see the sites. On our way through Wyoming, every store we stopped at was sold out of it, so we ended up buying it inside Grand Teton National Park for $55. The Reward: Great views and one of Yellowstones classic waterfalls. (optional). The visitor centers will also have the information youre looking for. Make time for this short 3.5-mile hike with stunning views across Yellowstone Lake and the peaks that border its eastern edge. By far, the most rewarding hike and the most difficult hike was the one we took to see the beautiful falls of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a discount and updates on 57hours offers, webinars, and reviews. Crowds are the biggest issue, especially on the popular trailsavoid the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends like the plague. It covers 2.2 million acres and is located primarily in northwestern Wyoming, dipping over state borders into eastern Idaho and southern Montana. Yellowstone has 293 designated backcountry campsites, complete with food poles and storage boxes to keep the bears away. If youre doing Electric Peak as a day hike, this spur trail junction is where youll exit the main Sportsman Lake Trail and make your way towards your final destination. Its also wheelchair accessible up until the stairs at the very end. Yellowstone National Park has some of the most impressive scenerywaterfalls that plunge hundreds of feet, the worlds largest collection of geysers, deep-cut canyons, wildflower meadows in full bloom, and no shortage of wildlife. Would you share? The East Entrance grants you easy access to Yellowstone Lake and its rich geothermal features, while the South Entrance allows you to hit up the hikes in Grand Teton and down two national parks in a single tour. The geothermal waters at Norris are the hottest and some of the most acidic in Yellowstone National Park. Mud Volcano, close to Haydens Valley is a short 0.6-mile loop that brings you around the mud volcano and a few other thermal features including Dragons Mouth Spring, Sizzling Basin, and Grizzly Fumarole. Our favorite part of this area were Mound Spring and Palette Spring, but I imagine youd find a different favorite. In this Yellowstone hiking guide, I am covering the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park to include on your Yellowstone itinerary! The hike is only an hour long, so its easy to squeeze in between geyser-hunting seshes. Note: In 2021, the stairs are closed. You can find Yellowstone safety tips for hiking as well as day hike suggestions here. The roughly paved trail quickly descends 300 feet; thus, potentially making the return a slight challenge. It begins and ends at the same trailhead, and parking can be found at the Bridge Bay Marina. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. After around a mile in, youll see Swan Lake Flats, with Electric Peak and the Gallatins off in the distance. Because this is such a popular trail, try to get here early. Theres always some trail or road closed for maintenance in Yellowstone, and its good to check conditions before you head to the park. The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is located on the scenic shore of Yellowstone Lake,1/4 mile north of West Thumb Junction. Read on for which trails we did! Want to experience Yellowstone in depth? Im a full-time travel writer passionate about travel, photography, nature, coffee and pizza. This area is full of geysers and steaming hot springs. Known as one of the toughest high-altitude loops in the park, this 20-mile hike regularly hits highs of nearly 10,000 feet. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. Its heavily crowded so expect it to be slow going. Now that you know some of the best easy hiking trails in Yellowstone here are some things to keep in mind when hitting the trails. Another one of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone is to Fairy Falls. Weve rounded up some ideas for short hikes and walks ranging from 3/8 mile to three miles. A rainshells not a bad idea either as summer thunderstorms can catch you off guard. The trail leads to a vantage point that offers a birds-eye view of Old Faithful and many of the other hydrothermal features in the Upper Geyser Basin. Its quite a sight, and always worth the detour. Did you know Grand Prismatic Springs is deep enough to fit a 10 story building? By continuing to use our site, you consent to our use of cookies as described in our cookie policy. Copyright 2022 Yellowstone Forever. EIN 47-5427975. This trail is 1.2 miles roundtrip, with an elevation change of 105 feet, making it one of the best and most rewarding easy hikes in Yellowstone.
27 miles from the West Yellowstone Entrance. It was hot and stinky and a little eerie to walk through alone. This is also where youll find the most restaurants, attractions, and off-trail activities. The trail rises 150 feet through a Douglas fir forest to a picturesque mountain lake. The last half-mile is a steep push, but one worth the panoramic views at the top. From the trailhead, hike a little over a half-mile and take the short, side trail to see the Grand Prismatic Spring and the Excelsior Geyser from the newly constructed overlook. Tip: Keep a close eye on kids. This partially paved, 1.5-mile trail (three miles round-trip) leads through a forested area to the Natural Bridge, a towering rock formation. Located in the Midway Geyser Basin, it can be seen up close from a boardwalk that goes around it, but this doesnt really let you see the entire view since it is so large. Youll be hiking above treeline and in the hot sun for most of it, but the top can be cold and windy.
Time: Varies, but we only spent about 20 minutes on the trail because we wanted to catch Old Faithfuls eruption. the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook Trail. Admire the greenery and the occasional steam vent before you reach Storm Point, the highlight of the hike. Back at the junction, turn left to stay on Lamar River Trail instead of continuing straight on Specimen Ridge.
If you have more than hour, hit the nearby paved trails to explore. Electric Peak is exposed at its top, so you need to be prepared with proper gear if the weather takes a turn, which can happen at a moments notice. The trail is closed for bear management part of the year; it opens in late May and is suitable to hike until early winter. The Midway Geyser Basin is home to one of the parks biggest show stoppers: Grand Prismatic Spring. We were tired. All of them are kid-friendly and interesting for visitors of all ages. The Reward: It will seem like youre on the top of the world. The Reward: The iconic Yellowstone view of the waterfalls from the bottom of the trail, complete with a rainbow if youre lucky. It takes around 25 minutes to 40 minutes to complete the loop depending on how long you spend looking at the different features. Location: Midway Geyser Basin Closest to the Yellowstone West Entrance. This trail is subject to wildlife closures (bears) mainly during the Spring. Granted, can easily drive and park at Uncle Toms Point or Artists Point to catch glimpses, but the most breathtaking vistas are away from the crowds. Stop by a ranger station or the visitor center for the latest information on the condition of trails. Nestled in close proximity to the North Canyon Rim parking lot, restrooms are nearby. Its impossible to explore all the beauty Yellowstone hiking has to offer. Parking at Uncle Toms Point, we first saw the Upper Falls, before taking the Southern Rim Trail toward Artists Point, where you get a great view of Lower Falls (the taller falls). Youre likely to see bighorn sheep. Wyoming 82190. Bright blue, rimmed with green and yellow, and with orange sun-like rays, it is arguably the best of the many beautiful colored pools in Park. From here, its loose rock and steep switchbacks until you reach the exposed and windswept peak another half-mile up. This area is where many faults and earthquakes happen. Here a1/2-mile loop will lead you around the large hole in the rock formed by erosion. The area is stunning and unearthly. However, wed also talked to a family whod mentioned being caught in a hailstorm there. The 132-foot waterfall on Tower Creek is stunning, crashing onto the rocks below. For one thing, it smells like a lot of stinky mud pots and fumarole do. There is a small store at the Bridge Bay Marina, where you can pick up food/ necessities and hit the restrooms. This is a flat, fun 2.3-mile loop through a forest leading to a rocky peninsula jutting into Lake Yellowstone. Learn how your comment data is processed. Old Faithful might be more synonymous with Yellowstone, but the Grand Prismatic Spring is the thermal feature that will make you forget for a moment that youre still on Planet Earth. The hike to Bunsen Peak is filled with view after view of some of Yellowstones best features. I suggest buying it before you make the trip to Wyoming. Tip: There some stairs on this path, so its not 100% accessible. Yellowstone National Park was a family favorite growing up. From the trailhead, the 2.5-mile hike follows a lovely little creek through a conifer forest right up to the foot of the titular falls. I brought a backpack with food, but did not bring enough water, it turned out. Before we delve deeper, here is a brief summary of the best day hikes in Yellowstone National Park: Tackling a hike in Yellowstone Park rewards you with jaw-dropping views of some of the most majestic scenery the country has to offer. Sagebrush, new growth forests, lots of switchbacks, and rocky, steep sections, North Entrance; Mammoth Hot Springs; Indian Creek; Osprey Falls, Park in the Glen Creek Trailhead parking lot, just under 5 miles south of Mammoth Hot Springs and right past the Golden Gate Bridge Park. Enjoy a short walk down a wide/flat dirt path surrounded by trees that opens up to a boardwalk and thermal features. Opting for the longer route through to Cache Creek (adding another two or so miles), youll be trading in the meadows for woodland and mountain views as you hike.
Geysers are Yellowstones biggest draw, so if you dont stop by the legendary Old Faithful or the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring, its like you havent even been here. It leads to Lower Lookout Point which offers an incredible view of the largest waterfall in the Rocky Mountains, a 308-foot waterfall. Seasoned hikers can do it in one gruelling day, but its also a great option for a two or three day backpacking trip. Remember, its a super volcano after all. The offer is not valid with the Interagency Annual Pass. A few other things worth mentioning: Expect parts of the trail to remain snow-covered well into the summer, and be prepared for some slippery sections. I started planning this trip months in advance, highlighting possible easy hike options in Lonely Planets Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks guidebook. Once you pass through the museum, take in the astounding view from the overlook. For many Yellowstone veterans, this is their favorite hike.