34 Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Thirty-four Yellowstone walks and hikes across the geyser basins, canyon, lake, Mammoth, and the northern range, with reviewed maps and live alerts.
Yellowstone's hiking map is really several maps joined by long roads. A geyser-basin boardwalk, a canyon descent, a Yellowstone Lake loop, and a 10,000-foot summit may share a park name, yet they solve very different days. These 34 choices cover every major road district and make room for both short thermal walks and full-day backcountry routes.
Several routes stay close to thermal features, where leaving a boardwalk can be fatal. Others cross active bear habitat, climb above treeline, or follow cold lake shores. The order groups related districts and trip types for planning; it is not a popularity ranking.
The route files supply the displayed distance and elevation gain. Yellowstone changes quickly: wildlife closures, fire, snow, washed-out tread, road access, and thermal hazards can alter a hike after this page is saved. Read the live official alerts and the park's backcountry situation report before setting out.
Live park weather
Yellowstone National Park
Old Faithful Visitor Education Center
Loading the latest conditions and alerts…
What changes a hiking day here
Thermal ground gives no second chance
Hot-spring crust may look solid while hiding superheated water. Stay on boardwalks and designated trails, keep children close, and never touch runoff. Pets are prohibited in thermal areas, including when carried. Leave immediately if gases make anyone feel unwell.
Every district is bear country
The NPS advises groups of three or more, daylight travel, frequent noise, and bear spray carried where each hiker can reach it. Stay 100 yards from bears, wolves, and cougars and 25 yards from bison, elk, and other wildlife. Turn back if a bear or carcass blocks the route.
Road distance belongs in the itinerary
A trail near Mammoth can be hours from one near West Thumb once traffic, wildlife jams, and construction are added. Match the hike to the district already planned for that day. No vehicle reservation is required in 2026, but an entrance pass and current road access still matter.
Snow and cold water outlast spring
Many trails lie above 7,000 feet, and passes may keep snow into late July. Streams can become deep, swift fords during runoff; Yellowstone Lake remains cold in warm weather. Carry layers and water, and use the backcountry report to judge the specific route rather than the parking-lot weather.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls and Fairy Creek Loop | 3.7 mi | 2 hr | Moderate | A waterfall hike attached to a geyser basin |
| Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook | 1.6 mi | 40 min | Easy | The clearest land-based view of Grand Prismatic |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A compact survey of colorful mudpots and springs |
| Beaver Ponds Loop | 5.7 mi | 2 hr 25 min | Moderate | A half-day wildlife-country loop near Mammoth |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin | 1 mi | 1 hr | Easy | Thermal features beside Yellowstone Lake |
| Mount Washburn from Dunraven Pass | 7.1 mi | 3 hr 30 min | Moderate | A broad summit panorama from 10,219 feet |
| Natural Bridge Trail | 3.1 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | An easy forest walk to a rhyolite arch |
| Mud Volcano Trail | 0.8 mi | 21 min | Easy | The park's largest concentration of restless mudpots |
| Elephant Back Mountain Trail | 3.9 mi | 1 hr 57 min | Moderate | A forested overlook above Yellowstone Lake |
| Storm Point Loop | 2.5 mi | 49 min | Easy | A short Yellowstone Lake shoreline loop |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 4.7 mi | 3 hr 33 min | Hard | A short, severe climb to an alpine summit |
| Trout Lake Loop | 1.2 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short northeast lake walk |
| Purple Mountain Trail | 6.6 mi | 3 hr 34 min | Moderate | A quieter summit above the Madison Plateau |
| Midway Geyser Basin Trail | 0.7 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A close boardwalk circuit past Grand Prismatic Spring |
| Fairy Falls Lollipop Trail | 8.5 mi | 3 hr | Moderate | A longer waterfall loop from the Grand Prismatic corridor |
| Upper Geyser Basin Loop | 3.2 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | The park's largest concentration of named geysers |
| Geyser Hill and Observation Point Loop | 2.5 mi | 1 hr 1 min | Easy | A compact basin circuit with an elevated viewpoint |
| Fountain Paint Pot Trail | 0.7 mi | 1 hr | Easy | Four kinds of hydrothermal activity in one short walk |
| Lone Star Geyser Trail | 5.3 mi | 1 hr 38 min | Easy | A quiet Firehole River walk to a backcountry geyser |
| Grizzly Lake Trail | 4.6 mi | 2 hr 30 min | Moderate | A moderate forest-and-lake outing away from boardwalk crowds |
| Bunsen Peak | 4.4 mi | 2 hr 37 min | Moderate | A half-day summit above the northern road corridor |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces | 2.2 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | Travertine terraces and changing spring activity |
| Norris Geyser Basin Complete Loop | 2.9 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | A full circuit of Porcelain and Back basins |
| Wraith Falls | 0.8 mi | 1 hr | Easy | A short northern-range waterfall walk |
| Crevice Lake via Blacktail Deer Creek Trail | 9.1 mi | 5 hr | Moderate | A long descent into quieter northern backcountry |
| Brink of the Lower Falls Trail | 0.8 mi | 1 hr | Moderate | A direct descent to the lip of Lower Falls |
| North Rim Trail | 2.2 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | Linking multiple canyon viewpoints on foot |
| Artist Point via South Rim Trail | 2.8 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Easy | A canyon-rim walk ending at the classic Lower Falls view |
| Cascade Lake to Observation Peak | 9.5 mi | 5 hr | Moderate | A full-day lake-and-summit route from Canyon country |
| Seven Mile Hole Trail | 10.3 mi | 6 hr | Hard | A strenuous descent from the rim to the Yellowstone River |
| Yellowstone River via Hellroaring Creek Trail | 2.1 mi | 1 hr 30 min | Moderate | A short northern backcountry descent toward the river |
| Specimen Ridge and Amethyst Mountain Trails | 8.2 mi | 4 hr 30 min | Moderate | An open-ridge climb over the northern range |
| Slough Creek Trail | 19.8 mi | 7 hr 13 min | Hard | A long valley walk through prime wildlife habitat |
| Lamar Valley Trail | 7.1 mi | 3 hr | Moderate | Open-valley hiking in Yellowstone's northeast |
Mystic Falls and Fairy Creek Loop
- Distance
- 3.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 760 feet
- Time
- 2 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the signed Biscuit Basin parking area and begin on the boardwalk; never park on vegetation when the lot is full.
- Best time
- Morning, before Biscuit Basin fills and while the climb above the Firehole is still cool.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Mystic Falls begins among Biscuit Basin's thermal features, then leaves the boardwalk for forest beside the Little Firehole River. The falls spill down a rough wall in several steps. Continuing over the Fairy Creek side turns the outing into a loop with a higher view across the basin.
The upper loop adds steeper, drier tread and a more serious backcountry feel than the crowded opening suggests. Stay on the signed line at every thermal edge. Bear closures have affected the Old Faithful district before, so a barricade or ranger direction overrides the saved route.
What helps on this route
- Complete the basin boardwalk before the trail junction if the parking area is still quiet.
- Carry bear spray after leaving the developed boardwalk, even on a busy day.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk followed by forest trail, river edges, a moderate climb, exposed overlook tread, and a looping descent.
Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
- Distance
- 1.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 170 feet
- Time
- 40 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start at the Fairy Falls parking area, which fills frequently in summer; wait for a legal space.
- Best time
- A cool morning after some mist has lifted, or later in the day when parking turns over.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The overlook trail follows a broad former road before climbing a short hillside above Midway Geyser Basin. From the platform, Grand Prismatic's blue center and orange microbial mats read as a whole, rather than as fragments glimpsed from the basin boardwalk.
Steam can hide the pool on cold mornings, and the small viewing area becomes crowded. Remain on the official spur and platform. The slope outside the trail is both fragile and hazardous thermal terrain, even where bare ground appears firm.
What helps on this route
- Give the overlook a few minutes; wind often clears steam in brief windows.
- Visit the Midway boardwalk separately instead of trying to descend toward the spring.
Terrain and access: Wide, nearly level approach followed by a short packed-dirt climb to a fenced overlook.
Artists Paintpots Trail
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 110 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Artists Paintpots lot south of Norris and stay within the marked trail system.
- Best time
- Early or late in the day, when the small lot and narrow boardwalk are less congested.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Artists Paintpots packs several kinds of hydrothermal activity into a one-mile loop. A level approach crosses lodgepole forest and wet ground; the upper loop climbs past steaming vents and thick, bubbling mudpots stained pink, gray, and cream by minerals.
The climb is short, though its uneven steps and hot exposed ground feel different from a flat boardwalk stroll. Mudpot behavior changes with water supply and season. Watch from the rail and let the feature's own pace determine the stop.
What helps on this route
- Keep loose hats and toys secured so nothing falls into a thermal feature.
- Walk the upper loop slowly; oncoming visitors have limited room to pass.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk, packed path, stairs, a short hill, and exposed thermal ground with no safe off-trail space.
Beaver Ponds Loop
- Distance
- 5.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 900 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 25 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Begin from the signed trailhead near Liberty Cap or behind Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and note where the loop will finish.
- Best time
- Morning in spring through fall, with extra bear awareness in low light and thick vegetation.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Beaver Ponds leaves the developed Mammoth terraces for sagebrush slopes, forest, ponds, and open northern-range views. Beavers may be absent; water birds, muskrats, elk, deer, pronghorn, or signs of larger wildlife often supply the interest instead.
Two trailheads make the finish easy to misread. Confirm the loop direction before climbing away from Mammoth. Bears frequent this area, and the narrow trail passes brushy water edges where loud conversation matters more than a bear bell.
What helps on this route
- Mark the chosen start on an offline map because the return may emerge elsewhere in the Mammoth complex.
- Keep the group together around ponds and blind corners.
Terrain and access: Narrow dirt and rock, switchbacks, sagebrush, forest, wooden bridges, pond margins, and several short steep grades.
West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 65 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the West Thumb lot; oversize vehicles should follow the posted parking layout.
- Best time
- Morning for calmer water and fewer tour groups, or evening when the basin has cooled.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
West Thumb sets hot springs and geysers against the broad edge of Yellowstone Lake. The boardwalk loop passes deep blue pools, mudpots, and lakeshore vents within a volcanic basin that later filled with water.
Wind off the lake can be sharp even under full sun. Keep everyone on the boardwalk and close to handrails where appropriate; the clear water below is scalding, and thermal crust along the shore offers no safe shortcut.
What helps on this route
- Carry a layer for the lake wind instead of judging conditions from Grant Village.
- Use the longer loop only if every boardwalk segment is open.
Terrain and access: Mostly level boardwalk and paved approaches with exposed lake wind and hazardous thermal ground on both sides.
Mount Washburn from Dunraven Pass
- Distance
- 7.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,380 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the Dunraven Pass trailhead; the small lot fills early on peak summer days.
- Best time
- A clear summer morning, avoiding September and October when grizzly activity is high along this route.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
From Dunraven Pass, the trail traverses flowered slopes and climbs steadily to Mount Washburn's fire lookout. On a clear day the summit view reaches across the Yellowstone caldera, canyon country, lake, and distant ranges.
There is no water along the trail and little protection above treeline. Lightning, wind, sun, and bears are the main concerns. The park specifically discourages this hike in September and October because grizzlies frequent the area then.
What helps on this route
- Carry all drinking water from the trailhead and pack a wind layer.
- Turn around before thunder reaches the open ridge; the lookout is not a storm plan.
Terrain and access: Steady alpine climb, open sidehill tread, exposed ridge travel, and a long descent at high elevation.
Natural Bridge Trail
- Distance
- 3.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 300 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Walk from Bridge Bay Marina using the signed trail and service-road connection.
- Best time
- After the early-summer bear closure has lifted and before the marina area becomes busy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Bridge Creek cut Yellowstone's Natural Bridge through a 51-foot rhyolite cliff. The approach mixes forest trail and an old service road before reaching the exhibit and a short switchback toward the formation.
The top of the bridge is closed to protect the feature. Early in summer, the entire trail commonly closes while bears feed on spawning trout. Confirm the opening date, stay below barriers, and expect wet rock near the creek.
What helps on this route
- Ask at Fishing Bridge when early-season access is uncertain.
- Keep off the top of the arch even if old footprints appear beyond the closure.
Terrain and access: Semi-paved forest approach, service road, short steep switchbacks, creek edges, and potentially slick rock.
Mud Volcano Trail
- Distance
- 0.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 120 feet
- Time
- 21 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Mud Volcano lot south of Hayden Valley and remain inside the marked boardwalk system.
- Best time
- Early morning or evening, when traffic through Hayden Valley is lighter.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Mud Volcano's short loop passes steaming vents, acidic pools, and mudpots that thump and gurgle as gas escapes through clay. The boardwalk climbs enough to separate this stop from a level roadside viewing platform.
Hydrogen sulfide and other gases can collect in thermal basins. Anyone who feels ill should leave promptly. Keep hands away from runoff and children within reach; the dull-colored water is hot enough to cause severe burns.
What helps on this route
- Walk uphill at a measured pace because heat and sulfur gases can make exertion uncomfortable.
- Expect bison near Hayden Valley roads and keep the required 25-yard distance.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk and paved path with a sustained short hill, stairs, steam, and unstable thermal ground beside the route.
Elephant Back Mountain Trail
- Distance
- 3.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 810 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 57 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the pullout about one mile south of Fishing Bridge Junction and keep the vehicle fully off the road.
- Best time
- A clear morning after the trail is reported open and dry enough for the forest climb.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Elephant Back Mountain climbs through lodgepole forest to an overlook above Yellowstone Lake. The trail splits into a loop after the main ascent begins; both branches meet again near the viewpoint.
The trees hide the lake for much of the approach, so the overlook arrives all at once. Bears use the forest, and the small trailhead provides little warning about conditions higher up. Make noise, carry spray, and check that the route remains open.
What helps on this route
- Choose a loop direction at the signed fork and remember it for the descent.
- Do not stop making bear noise just because other cars are present at the pullout.
Terrain and access: Dense forest, a sustained 800-foot climb, roots and rock, a lollipop loop, and one open lake viewpoint.
Storm Point Loop
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 50 feet
- Time
- 49 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Indian Pond pullout east of Fishing Bridge; verify the trail is open before leaving the car.
- Best time
- A calm morning after seasonal bear closures have lifted.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Storm Point crosses open meadow near Indian Pond, slips through lodgepole forest, and reaches a wind-polished rock point on Yellowstone Lake. Marmots inhabit the rocks, while the return follows shore and forest to close the loop.
Bear activity often closes the trail in late spring and early summer. A separate beach area west of the route is also closed to protect plants. Stay on the established loop and back away if wildlife occupies the point or approach.
What helps on this route
- Confirm closure status at Fishing Bridge or in the current situation report.
- Pack a warm layer; the point can be windy when the meadow is still.
Terrain and access: Open meadow, forest floor, flat lakeshore tread, exposed rock, and generally gentle grades.
Avalanche Peak Trail
- Distance
- 4.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,160 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 33 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed pullout west of the East Entrance and cross the road carefully to the trail.
- Best time
- A clear midsummer morning after snow has left the ridge and before afternoon lightning.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Avalanche Peak gains about 2,100 feet in a little over two miles. Forest gives way to a large bowl, talus slopes, and a narrow summit ridge with views toward remote peaks and Yellowstone Lake.
The ratio of gain to mileage makes this one of the hardest outings in the guide. Snow often lingers into July, and the exposed ridge is a dangerous place for lightning or high wind. The NPS does not recommend the route for people with heart or respiratory problems.
What helps on this route
- Carry rain gear, hat, and gloves even when the East Entrance road is warm.
- Cross the narrow ridge only when wind, footing, and visibility are comfortably within the group's ability.
Terrain and access: Very steep forest climb, open bowl, loose talus, narrow ridgeline, possible snow, and roughly 2,100 feet of gain.
Trout Lake Loop
- Distance
- 1.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 250 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the small pullout south of Pebble Creek Campground on the Northeast Entrance Road.
- Best time
- Morning or evening for softer light, while avoiding dawn and dusk when bears are most active.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Trout Lake sits above the road behind a brief 150-foot climb through Douglas-fir. Once at the water, the trail makes a small loop around wet meadow and shore with views toward the rounded northeast hills.
The modest distance does not remove wildlife concerns. Bears use this country, and the narrow shore can put hikers close to animals before either notices. Keep the group together, carry spray, and give otters, waterfowl, and larger animals room.
What helps on this route
- Wait for another legal space if the small pullout is full.
- Step back from the shore rather than crowding wildlife for a photograph.
Terrain and access: Short forest climb, narrow lakeshore tread, damp meadow edges, a small loop, and gentle grades after the approach.
Purple Mountain Trail
- Distance
- 6.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,610 feet
- Time
- 3 hr 34 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed trailhead pullout on the Grand Loop Road north of Madison Junction and keep the vehicle fully off the roadway.
- Best time
- A clear morning after snow has left the upper trail.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Purple Mountain rises through lodgepole forest from the Madison side of the park. Long switchbacks trade sudden steepness for a steady climb, and openings near the top look across the Madison and Gibbon country.
The route is less developed than Yellowstone's basin boardwalks and can hold snow or deadfall after nearby roads open. Carry bear spray, make noise in the forest, and use the summit only as far as current footing and weather allow.
What helps on this route
- Start with enough water for the full climb; there is no dependable source on the route.
- Save an offline map because the wooded lower trail can feel repetitive on descent.
Terrain and access: Forested switchbacks, sustained climbing, roots and loose rock, then a more open summit shoulder.
Midway Geyser Basin Trail
- Distance
- 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 70 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Midway Geyser Basin lot and wait for a legal space rather than stopping on the road shoulder.
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon, outside the busiest tour-bus window.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The Midway boardwalk crosses the Firehole River and threads between Excelsior Geyser Crater, Grand Prismatic Spring, and neighboring pools. At ground level, steam, runoff channels, and microbial mats are the main visual story.
This is a different visitor experience from the separate hillside overlook. Wind can redirect steam across the boardwalk without warning, so slow down when visibility drops and never step onto thermal crust to pass.
What helps on this route
- Secure hats and loose items before crossing exposed boardwalk sections.
- Pair the basin with the overlook only if both parking areas have legal capacity.
Terrain and access: Mostly level boardwalk with bridge approaches, wet spray, steam, and unprotected thermal ground beside the route.
Fairy Falls Lollipop Trail
- Distance
- 8.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 210 feet
- Time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Start from the Fairy Falls parking area and follow the signed route west of Midway Geyser Basin.
- Best time
- Morning before the lot fills and before afternoon heat builds on the open approach.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The broad opening corridor leads past the Grand Prismatic overlook junction before entering lodgepole forest for Fairy Falls. The falls drop down a pale cliff into a shallow basin, a distinct destination beyond the busier overlook spur.
The looping return adds quieter forest and thermal-country context. Stay on every signed path around hot ground, and check the current backcountry report because fire, bear activity, or damaged tread can change the usable itinerary.
What helps on this route
- Carry water from the trailhead; shade does not remove the dry feel of the approach.
- Do not improvise shortcuts between the waterfall and thermal features.
Terrain and access: Broad former road, packed forest trail, a waterfall spur, sandy sections, and a longer looping return.
Upper Geyser Basin Loop
- Distance
- 3.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 140 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Old Faithful visitor parking complex and begin from the official basin boardwalk network.
- Best time
- Early morning for lighter foot traffic, then adjust the loop around posted geyser predictions.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Upper Geyser Basin links Old Faithful with a dense collection of pools, springs, and geysers along the Firehole River. Boardwalk and paved connectors make it possible to build a loop without retracing every segment.
Eruption timing changes from day to day. Read predictions at the visitor center or in the NPS app, but treat them as estimates and keep moving only on open boardwalks.
What helps on this route
- Choose one or two predicted eruptions instead of racing between every feature.
- Carry water and sun protection; the basin has long exposed stretches.
Terrain and access: Paved paths, boardwalk, river crossings, short steps, and continuously hazardous thermal ground.
Geyser Hill and Observation Point Loop
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 380 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 1 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Park in the Old Faithful complex and reach Geyser Hill from the main boardwalk.
- Best time
- Morning, or during a quieter interval between Old Faithful eruption crowds.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Geyser Hill places active vents and colorful pools close to Old Faithful, then the Observation Point spur climbs into forest for a higher view over the basin. The combination supplies both boardwalk detail and a short dry-trail climb.
The overlook path enters bear habitat and can be slick after rain or snow. Return by the mapped loop instead of cutting down the slope toward visible boardwalks.
What helps on this route
- Check Old Faithful's next predicted eruption before climbing to the viewpoint.
- Carry bear spray even though the trail begins in a developed area.
Terrain and access: Thermal boardwalk, paved connectors, forest switchbacks, an overlook, and a looping return.
Fountain Paint Pot Trail
- Distance
- 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 40 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Fountain Paint Pot lot on the Lower Geyser Basin road corridor.
- Best time
- Early or late in the day when the compact boardwalk is less crowded.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
This boardwalk passes mudpots, hot springs, fumaroles, and geysers in a tight Lower Geyser Basin circuit. Water supply changes the mudpots from wet bubbling pools to thicker, noisier clay later in the season.
The easy distance does not reduce the thermal hazard. Keep children within reach, allow room for visitors to pass, and leave immediately if gas or heat causes discomfort.
What helps on this route
- Read the waysides to distinguish steam vents from springs and geysers.
- Avoid setting bags or tripods outside the boardwalk edge.
Terrain and access: Level boardwalk and paved approach with steam, exposed sun, and fragile thermal crust throughout.
Lone Star Geyser Trail
- Distance
- 5.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 100 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 38 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Lone Star trailhead near Kepler Cascades and do not block service access.
- Best time
- Morning, with enough schedule flexibility to wait for geyser activity.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
A broad, gently graded path follows the Firehole River to Lone Star Geyser. The forest setting separates this cone geyser from the developed basin experience, though the destination still requires strict thermal-area behavior.
Eruptions are not guaranteed on arrival. Read any recent visitor log at the site, stay on durable ground, and leave enough daylight for the return rather than waiting indefinitely.
What helps on this route
- Carry bear spray and make noise on the quieter forest sections.
- Keep clear of the cone and runoff even when the geyser is inactive.
Terrain and access: Wide low-gradient path, river corridor, forest shade, and a thermal destination on an out-and-back route.
Grizzly Lake Trail
- Distance
- 4.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 890 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Grizzly Lake trailhead between Norris and Mammoth and keep the vehicle inside the pullout.
- Best time
- Late summer morning after wet ground and early snow have eased.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The trail climbs through lodgepole regrowth before dropping toward long, narrow Grizzly Lake. The route's interest comes from quiet forest, changing post-fire habitat, and the lake rather than a developed viewpoint.
Wet tread, mosquitoes, and bear activity can matter more than the mileage suggests. Check conditions, carry spray, and turn around if wildlife holds the narrow corridor.
What helps on this route
- Pack insect protection during the wetter part of summer.
- Expect the return to regain elevation lost on the way to the lake.
Terrain and access: Rolling forest trail, an initial climb, roots and damp ground, then a descent to the lakeshore.
Bunsen Peak
- Distance
- 4.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,350 feet
- Time
- 2 hr 37 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Bunsen Peak trailhead south of Mammoth and confirm the connecting road is open.
- Best time
- A clear morning before heat or thunderstorms reach the exposed upper switchbacks.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Bunsen Peak climbs from sage and forest onto open volcanic slopes with broad views toward Mammoth, Swan Lake Flat, and the Gallatin Range. Frequent switchbacks keep the grade manageable but leave little shade near the top.
Wind and lightning can make the summit unsuitable even when the trailhead is calm. Carry bear spray on the wooded approach and retreat before a storm reaches the open slope.
What helps on this route
- Bring sun protection and a wind layer for the exposed summit.
- Check the backcountry report for current trail and road access.
Terrain and access: Forest and sagebrush approach, steady switchbacks, open rocky slope, and an exposed summit.
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces
- Distance
- 2.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 400 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use designated Mammoth terrace parking and follow the signed boardwalk entrances.
- Best time
- Morning or evening for cooler boardwalk temperatures and easier parking.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Mammoth's footpaths climb among travertine terraces built by mineral-rich water. Active flow shifts over time, so bright white deposits, dry formations, and colored microbial mats can appear in different places from one visit to the next.
The stairs and elevation change make this more demanding than its developed setting implies. Stay on open boardwalks and use the road-access overlooks only as separate stops, not as shortcuts through closed thermal ground.
What helps on this route
- Start at the lower terraces if the group prefers to climb before descending.
- Carry water; reflected heat can build on sunny summer afternoons.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk, paved connectors, many stairs, sustained short climbs, and exposed thermal terraces.
Norris Geyser Basin Complete Loop
- Distance
- 2.9 mi
- Elevation gain
- 240 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- loop
- Parking
- Use the Norris Geyser Basin visitor lot and follow the posted one-way traffic pattern when active.
- Best time
- Early morning, before the lot and narrow basin paths become busy.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Norris combines the open, pale Porcelain Basin with the more wooded Back Basin. A complete loop passes a wider range of vents, springs, and geysers than the short overlook paths while remaining inside the developed trail system.
Sections are steep, rough, or stair-heavy, and closures can reroute the circuit. Follow current signs, never cross a barrier, and leave the basin if steam or gas causes dizziness or nausea.
What helps on this route
- Photograph the current trail map before leaving the museum area.
- Save time for both basin branches rather than rushing the final boardwalk.
Terrain and access: Boardwalk, dirt path, stairs, uneven grades, exposed basin floor, and wooded thermal corridors.
Wraith Falls
- Distance
- 0.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 100 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Wraith Falls pullout east of Mammoth and keep the vehicle clear of the road.
- Best time
- A summer morning after the trail is reported clear.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Wraith Falls is reached by a brief path across open ground and into light forest. Lupine Creek fans down a sloping rock face rather than making a single vertical plunge, giving the destination a different shape from Yellowstone's canyon falls.
The trail is short but still sits in active wildlife country. Carry bear spray, keep children close, and do not leave the signed path for a closer angle at the wet rock.
What helps on this route
- Wait for a legal parking space if the small pullout is full.
- Treat wet rock near the falls as a turnaround point, not a scrambling surface.
Terrain and access: Open meadow edge, compact forest trail, gentle climbing, and damp rock near the falls.
Crevice Lake via Blacktail Deer Creek Trail
- Distance
- 9.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,740 feet
- Time
- 5 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start at the signed Blacktail Deer Creek trailhead on the northern Grand Loop Road.
- Best time
- A cool summer morning with current creek and wildlife conditions checked first.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Blacktail Deer Creek Trail leaves the road plateau for open slopes, forest patches, and lower Yellowstone River country before reaching Crevice Lake. The route feels remote quickly and demands more reserve for the climb back to the trailhead.
Water crossings, heat, wildlife, and exposed sections can change the day's difficulty. This is a backcountry outing rather than a roadside lake walk; carry navigation, water treatment, and bear spray.
What helps on this route
- Budget time and water for the uphill return.
- Check the situation report for bridge or creek-crossing notices before departure.
Terrain and access: Long descending approach, open sage slopes, forest, creek and river country, then a sustained return climb.
Brink of the Lower Falls Trail
- Distance
- 0.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 340 feet
- Time
- 1 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed North Rim brink parking area; the one-way road makes missed pullouts inconvenient.
- Best time
- Morning before the steep path and compact platform become crowded.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The brink trail drops from the North Rim to a platform at the point where the Yellowstone River pitches into the canyon. Spray, sound, and the accelerating river dominate the destination.
The paved switchbacks are extremely steep, and every foot lost must be regained. Rim overlooks are the safer choice for anyone with heart, lung, knee, balance, or heat concerns.
What helps on this route
- Let uphill hikers keep their rhythm on the narrow switchbacks.
- Keep children inside the barriers and away from the platform edge.
Terrain and access: Very steep paved switchbacks, stairs, wet surfaces, a confined viewing platform, and a strenuous climb out.
North Rim Trail
- Distance
- 2.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 430 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use a designated North Rim parking area and plan the return around the one-way canyon road.
- Best time
- Morning for softer light on canyon walls and lighter foot traffic.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The North Rim Trail connects developed overlooks above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Walking between viewpoints replaces repeated short drives with changing angles on the river, canyon walls, and distant falls.
Some sections run close to steep terrain even when railings are present at overlooks. Stay on open trail, supervise children closely, and check for construction detours before committing to a one-way walk.
What helps on this route
- Decide whether to walk out and back or arrange a legal two-vehicle shuttle before starting.
- Carry a layer because shade and canyon wind can cool the rim quickly.
Terrain and access: Rolling rim trail, paved and dirt connectors, stairs, forest shade, exposed viewpoints, and abrupt drop-offs nearby.
Artist Point via South Rim Trail
- Distance
- 2.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 390 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Begin from a designated South Rim parking area and follow current signs toward Artist Point.
- Best time
- Morning, before the most popular overlooks become congested.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The South Rim Trail approaches Artist Point through forest and open canyon edges rather than treating the viewpoint as a parking-lot stop. Lower Falls appears and disappears between trees before the broad final view.
Rim closures and construction can interrupt through travel. Use only open trail, keep back from unprotected edges, and accept a shorter turnaround if signs close a connector.
What helps on this route
- Photograph the current South Rim map before leaving the trailhead.
- Give wildlife on the path a wide retreat route instead of moving toward it.
Terrain and access: Forest rim path, short climbs, paved overlook approaches, steps, and steep canyon exposure.
Cascade Lake to Observation Peak
- Distance
- 9.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,600 feet
- Time
- 5 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the Cascade Lake trailhead north of Canyon Junction and do not park on meadow vegetation.
- Best time
- A clear midsummer morning after snow and saturated meadow conditions have eased.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The approach crosses open meadows to Cascade Lake before turning uphill through whitebark pine toward Observation Peak. The summit opens a broad view over central Yellowstone that is earned only after the long, steady climb.
The NPS notes that the upper trail can remain wet or snowy through July and that dependable water is absent beyond Cascade Lake. Carry enough for the climb and turn around before lightning reaches the summit.
What helps on this route
- Start early enough to cross exposed meadows before afternoon storms.
- Treat lake water only where collection is legal and practical; carry the upper-route supply from below.
Terrain and access: Wet-prone meadow, lake approach, forested summit climb, exposed peak, and a long out-and-back return.
Seven Mile Hole Trail
- Distance
- 10.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,360 feet
- Time
- 6 hr
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Start from the signed Glacial Boulder pullout on the North Rim road.
- Best time
- A cool, stable summer morning with eight hours of daylight in reserve.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Seven Mile Hole follows the canyon rim before dropping more than 1,000 feet toward the Yellowstone River. The lower route enters hotter, rougher terrain and passes both dormant and active thermal areas.
The climb out comes after the most committing part of the day. Stay on trail around every hot feature, conserve water and energy, and turn around early if heat, smoke, or weather erodes the return margin.
What helps on this route
- Carry a treatment method if the river will be used as an emergency water source.
- Track turnaround time independently of distance because the final climb is slow.
Terrain and access: Canyon rim, long steep descent, loose tread, thermal ground, river elevation, and a strenuous climb back.
Yellowstone River via Hellroaring Creek Trail
- Distance
- 2.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 630 feet
- Time
- 1 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Hellroaring trailhead west of Tower Junction.
- Best time
- A cool morning after checking current creek, bridge, and fire conditions.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The Hellroaring corridor drops from the road through forest and open slopes toward the Yellowstone River. River views and the suspension-bridge setting give the route a backcountry feel within a relatively short distance.
The return climbs to the trailhead, and summer heat can collect on exposed slopes. Carry bear spray, water, and the current route map; continue only as far as official signs and conditions support.
What helps on this route
- Save water for the exposed uphill return.
- Do not approach bison or other wildlife occupying the trail corridor.
Terrain and access: Descending forest and sage trail, exposed slopes, river corridor, bridge approach, and an uphill return.
Specimen Ridge and Amethyst Mountain Trails
- Distance
- 8.2 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,700 feet
- Time
- 4 hr 30 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the currently open signed trailhead in the Tower–Roosevelt area and verify access before driving there.
- Best time
- A cool summer morning after checking crossings, wildlife, and trailhead closures.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
This route climbs from the northern-range grasslands toward Specimen Ridge and Amethyst Mountain. Elevation brings wider views across wildlife-rich valleys and volcanic ridges, with little shelter from sun or wind.
The area can hold bison, bears, and carcasses, while river or creek conditions may alter access. The current NPS report has the final word on trailhead status and crossings; do not substitute an unmarked roadside start.
What helps on this route
- Carry more water than the mileage alone suggests.
- Turn around rather than trying to pass wildlife on narrow trail or open slope.
Terrain and access: Open grassland, sustained ridge climbing, exposed volcanic slopes, sparse shade, and backcountry crossings.
Slough Creek Trail
- Distance
- 19.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,620 feet
- Time
- 7 hr 13 min
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Begin at the signed Slough Creek trailhead near the campground road and keep access lanes clear.
- Best time
- A cool morning with a conservative turnaround selected in advance.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
Slough Creek Trail crosses a first ridge and enters broad meadows threaded by the creek. The full mapped outing is long, but shorter out-and-back turnarounds still reach quiet northern-range scenery.
Bison, bears, wolves, and other wildlife use the valley. Carry bear spray, travel together, maintain required distances, and turn around when an animal blocks the safe route.
What helps on this route
- Choose and record a turnaround time before entering the valley.
- Check creek depths and current trail-clearing notes in the backcountry report.
Terrain and access: Initial ridge, rolling open valley, creek margins, long exposed miles, and limited shade.
Lamar Valley Trail
- Distance
- 7.1 mi
- Elevation gain
- 720 feet
- Time
- 3 hr
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- out-and-back
- Parking
- Use the signed Lamar trail access and never stop in a travel lane or wildlife pullout entrance.
- Best time
- Daylight hours with good visibility and current ford conditions.
- Pets
- Pets are not allowed on park trails. Trained service animals are allowed.
The Lamar route leaves the road corridor for open grasslands framed by long ridges. Distance and exposure create a different experience from roadside wildlife watching, with a need for independent navigation and a firm turnaround.
River and creek fords can change quickly, and large animals may occupy the trail. Do not enter swift water beyond the group's skill and never close distance on wildlife to hold the planned line.
What helps on this route
- Carry a current map and note the exact return point before leaving the road.
- Use binoculars for wildlife and yield the travel corridor early.
Terrain and access: Open grassland, rolling trail, river and creek approaches, little shade, and potentially wet crossings.
Official planning sources
Trail access and safety details were checked against these National Park Service pages. The maps and profiles follow the corresponding route geometry.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Trail geometry and planning details include National Park Service public information.