Yellowstone National Park is a great place for outdoor adventure. It is undoubtedly a hiker’s delight, with its endless trails of varying descriptions.
With the trails in the park comprising stunning waterfalls, geysers, other-worldly hot springs, serene, pristine forests, and wildflower meadows, the features surrounding the hikes in Yellowstone are impressive, to say the least.
And although it is something of a tall order to cover the complete, vast array of hikes that exist in one of America’s foremost National Parks, what we have done is put together ten of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park.
10 of the Best Hikes in Yellowstone
1. North Rim Trail
The South Rim Trail is probably more well-known than the North one, which means that this 8-mile hike often gets overlooked in the region of the amazing Yellowstone River. But the North Rim trail allows you to access all the prominent viewing points along the canyon of the Yellowstone River.
You can start this hike from the Inspiration Point car park, or alternatively the Upper Falls car park. With an elevation up to 1000ft, some of the trails are quite steep and usually busy. But you can gaze across the broad variation in both color and geology from places like North Rim Inspiration Point.
Some of the best panoramic views of Lower Yellowstone Falls from a distance can be captured from the Red Rock viewing point, which you can access via the wooden stairway. Another viewing point with impressive views is just on the brink of the Lower Falls. This point is very close to the edge, which allows you to see and feel the power of the river.
2. Fairy Falls Trail
This trail qualifies for many as being among some of the best hiking available in Yellowstone. Needless to say, it can get quite busy so get there early if you’re thinking of parking in the Fairy Falls parking lot.
The trail is around a mile-and-a-half, and not too steep. It takes you close to the park’s tallest waterfall, which is 200-ft high, and the wildflowers along this walk make for impressive surroundings. As you pass through stretches of pine forest you’ll encounter a few decent viewing spots for the Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser.
You may even see a bear or two on this trail, as you can on many of the others – so a little caution in some areas may be wise.
3. Storm Point Trail
Storm Point is a pretty easy hike. It’s relatively flat and it’s a loop trail of just over 2 miles. You can pick up the trailhead a couple of miles past the Visitor’s Center at Fishing Bridge. This is the place to ask about any bear activity in the region before heading out, especially in the summer.
There are more meadows full of wildflowers along this walk, at least in the summertime, and the lakeside trail has some big vistas. Storm Point is a great place for checking out the views and any wildlife activity on the nearby rocky area. And there’s a beach next to the lake to check out before making your way back through the serene pine forest.
4. Clear Lake — Ribbon Lake Trail
This is another fairly easy to moderate hike and is ideal for anyone undertaking the walk with youngsters. It is quite a varied trail covering a stretch just under 4 miles, and it includes more wildflower meadows, pine forests, and a touch of hydrothermal activity.
You can begin the hike at the Wapiti Lake Trailhead, following the trail for just over half a mile before picking up the Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake trail by taking a left at a junction. In spring and early summer, you can spot various forms of wildlife in the area like bison, moose, and maybe bears.
Once close to the amazing emerald green, hydrothermal Clear Lake, you’ll notice various small, bubbling pools and simmering steam vents, so it’s best to stick with the path.
The descent to the Artist’s Point connector junction is a little steep, and if you carry on along the Ribbon Lake trail you’ll encounter the serene waters of Ribbon Lake. You can make your way back on the Wapiti Lake Trail to make a loop going back past Artist’s Point and the South Rim Trail.
This hike is popular for both novice and experienced hikers alike as it provides a real opportunity to take in a variety of some of Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes and scenery.
5. Point Sublime Trail
The short, 3-mile Point Sublime Trail