The Best Hiking Trails in Yellowstone

With more than 900 miles of hiking trails to explore, Yellowstone National Park offers endless opportunities for individuals and families looking for adventure. Climb through the park's unique geography of steamy geyser basins, crashing waterfalls, majestic canyons, serene forests and other beautiful natural wonders. 

Whether you are looking for a rigorous challenge or an easy hike to enjoy with your kids, you will surely find the right trails for you and your group within Yellowstone. Review some of Yellowstone's most popular hiking trails for experienced hikers and families with little ones below. 

Top Hiking Trails for Experienced Hikers

Yellowstone is a hiker's heaven with four different mountain ranges to explore. If you are looking for a challenge that pushes your abilities and gets your adrenaline pumping, these are the best hiking spots in Yellowstone for you:

• Mount Washburn: This popular 6-mile hike takes you through beautiful forests and meadows of wildflowers to breathtaking mountaintop views of iconic park features. You might catch glimpses of wildlife, such as bighorn sheep. However, grizzly bears frequent this trail in the fall, so you will want to steer clear of it in September and October.
• Bunsen Peak: While this trail may be a more manageable 4.6 miles, it has steep switchbacks up to the summit. You will climb 1,300 feet through serene meadows and forests to the peak, where you can see some of Yellowstone's best features.
• Avalanche Peak: With a 2,100-foot elevation gain in the first 2.1 miles, this trail offers a rigorous challenge for experienced hikers. The trail is often snowy throughout the year, so it is best to plan your hike during the summer months. Even so, you should pack rain gear, gloves and a hat. 

Yellowstone Day Hikes for Kids

There are many hiking trails throughout Yellowstone that offer opportunities for you to enjoy the area's breathtaking scenery and exciting wildlife with your family. Stroll along one of the park's plentiful short and flat hikes that are ideal for small children, or take on a slightly more rigorous hike with your older kids. Plan to take the trails slowly, and feel free to turn back and finish the hike the way you came if your family needs to finish sooner than expected.

A few easy hikes in Yellowstone include:

• Wraith Falls: As a mile-long round-trip trail, this trail is easy for families with little ones. Hike through sagebrush meadows and mixed conifer forests to see the 79-foot waterfall along Lupine Creek.
• Trout Lake: While the trail may start with a short and steep uphill climb, the rest of the 1.2-mile walk is easy. Travel the lollipop loop trail through the woods and around the lake, keeping an eye out for wildlife.
• Mystic Falls: Trek alongside a creek to see a beautiful 70-foot cascading waterfall along the Little Firehole River. The trail is 2.4 miles there and back.
• Storm Point: This 2.3-mile loop trail takes you through a forest up to Storm Point, which juts into Lake Yellowstone. Your family will see lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery throughout the trip. This trail is often closed at the end of spring and the start of summer due to bear activity. 
• Grand Prismatic Overlook: Gradually climb 105 feet in elevation along the ridge to look down on the colorful Grand Prismatic Spring. This easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike offers rewarding views.
• Fairy Falls: If you have older kids who are ready for a longer hike, this 5.4- or 6.7-mile trail may be right for your family. The trail is mostly flat and easy and ends with views of a gorgeous 200-foot waterfall. 

Guided Tour Options

Yellowstone National Park stretches over 2.2 million acres, creating endless sights when hiking throughout the area. Taking a guided tour can be one of the best ways to capture all of Yellowstone's glory. Whether you are going to the park for the first time and are unsure where to start, or you want to see something you have not noticed before, going on a guided tour may be a great solution.

Guides have extensive experience exploring Yellowstone and finding hidden gems. They can offer valuable information and insights, point out wildlife and show you the best photography locations. Guided tours are also one way to escape the crowds Yellowstone is famous for.

Yellowstone hiking tours will plan the excursion, notifying you where to meet and which trails you will explore. You will need to stick to their itinerary and schedule.

Safety Tips for Yellowstone National Park Hiking

In addition to following basic safety measures such as staying on trails and telling someone about your hiking plans, keep these Yellowstone-specific safety tips in mind.

Respect Wildlife

Yellowstone is home to an extensive variety of wildlife. Keep your distance from them, and never feed or touch them. Wild animals, especially large ones like bison, moose, elk, wolves and bears, can be dangerous.

All of Yellowstone National Park is in bear country. Follow the park's detailed rules for safety in bear country, such as:

• Staying at least 100 feet away.
• Bringing and knowing how to use bear spray.
• Hiking in groups of three or more.
• Making noise.

Prepare for the Weather

Weather conditions can change quickly and drastically throughout the year in Yellowstone National Park. Afternoon storms can be common at mountaintops. Prepare for unpredictable weather by:

• Wearing multiple layers.
• Bringing rain gear, hats and gloves.
• Checking road and trail conditions before going to the park.
• Being flexible with your hiking plans if the weather changes.

What to Bring When Hiking in Yellowstone

Water is one of the most important things to bring on your hike. Bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated — the amount you need will depend on the temperature and how strenuous your hike is. Also, remember to pack food to keep you energized throughout your trek. If you are hiking with kids, consider bringing snacks they do not usually get at home to help motivate them during the walk.

Remember to pack additional items, such as:

• Sun protection, including hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Multiple clothing layers that are breathable, windproof and water-resistant.
• Warm clothing items like hats, gloves and thick socks.
• Bug spray.
• A rain jacket or poncho.

Book Your Stay at KOA to Enjoy Scenic Yellowstone Hikes

If you are looking for a memorable mountain getaway, come see what Yellowstone Park / West Gate KOA Holiday has to offer. Whether you want to book a Tent Site, Camping Cabin or RV Site, you can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing home base for your Yellowstone adventures. KOA offers several convenient amenities and activities to suit a range of preferences and needs. Reserve your stay today to start planning your next hiking trip!