12 Best Hikes in Yellowstone Every Visitor Should Experience

If you’re interested in bucket list hikes in the USA, hiking in Yellowstone must be on your list. 

There’s no question that Yellowstone is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the US or, in fact, the world.

Whether you summit a major snowy peak or take a laid-back stroll past the geysers, this park offers a special kind of wilderness that just can’t be matched. 

From our experience offering two of the most epic hiking tours in Yellowstone, we’ve narrowed down a pretty good list of what we think are the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park.

The Seven Mile Hole trail offers a challenging hike with incredible scenery, showcasing Yellowstone’s diverse landscapes.

This hike is one of the best in Yellowstone for anyone who wants to experience what this park’s all about.

This trail starts near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and follows the rim of the canyon before descending over 1,000 feet into the canyon itself. 

You’ll pass some stunning views of the Silver Cord Cascade, which has plenty of great geothermal features and dense forests. 

The 10-mile round-trip hike takes 5 to 8 hours to complete. It’s strenuous but rewarding, ideal for those looking for a full-day adventure.

The Seven Mile Hole Trail is a definite highlight of our 6-day Grand Teton and Yellowstone hiking and camping adventure. 

Avalanche Peak is a must-do for any keen hikers seeking some of Yellowstone’s most impressive panoramic views. 

This 4-mile round trip hike is short but steep, with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet.

The trail starts near the East Entrance Road and quickly ascends through forested areas before reaching a barren, rocky summit. 

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake, the Absaroka Range, and even the Tetons in the distance.

As soon as you reach the top, you’ll realise why this is one of the best Yellowstone hikes.

This challenging hike is best done in the summer when the snow melts and the views are uninterrupted.

Lamar Valley is one of the best places in Yellowstone to spot the park’s wildlife.

Because of its abundant wildlife, including bison, wolves, and bears, this area is often referred to as “America’s Serengeti.”

The valley also offers some of the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park. The trails here are relatively easy and flat, making them accessible for all skill levels.

Whether you take a short stroll or a longer hike, you’ll be surrounded by stunning meadows, rivers, and mountains. 

We recommend hiking in the Lamar Valley in the early morning or late evening when wildlife is most active.

That’s why our Yellowstone hiking tour offers a special Lamar Valley hike at dusk, as there are often wolf, bear, and bison sightings during this time. 

If you’re after one of the best day hikes in Yellowstone, this trail is an excellent choice for a peaceful adventure. 

The Beaver Ponds Trail is a 5.4-mile loop starting near Mammoth Hot Springs. It’s a moderate hike that takes you through various landscapes, including forests, meadows, and ponds. 

The trail is generally quiet compared to more popular Yellowstone hiking routes, making it an excellent option for those seeking a more remote hike. 

Along the way, you might spot beavers, elk, and even bears. The trail offers beautiful views, especially in the fall when the foliage changes colour.

Starting from the Lone Star Geyser Trailhead, this hike takes you deep into Yellowstone’s backcountry. 

The trail follows the Firehole River and passes the Lone Star Geyser, which erupts every three hours. If you’re lucky when timing your hike, you might witness a private show from this impressive geyser.

The route is about a 9-mile round trip and offers a great mix of geysers, forests, and riverside scenery—everything Yellowstone is famous for.

This hike is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and experience Yellowstone’s wild, untouched beauty.

This route is also the start of our highly-rated backpacking adventure in the Shoshone Geyser Basin.

The Washburn-Grand Canyon Through-Hike combines two of Yellowstone’s iconic landmarks: Mount Washburn and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

This combination of iconic sights absolutely makes it one of the best hikes in Yellowstone.

It’s a strenuous hike that covers about 14 miles and includes steep climbs, but the views are well worth the effort. 

You’ll start by summiting Mount Washburn, where you can see for miles. The trail then descends into the Grand Canyon area, offering dramatic views of the Yellowstone River and its waterfalls.

If you’re after an unforgettable adventure with big rewards, this is a must-do Yellowstone hike.

The hike through the Shoshone Geyser Basin, ending at the Shoshone Lake, is one of the best backcountry experiences in Yellowstone.

In fact, we’ve included trails in the Shoshone Basin in our list of the best hikes in the US.

The trail is about 17 miles round trip and starts near the DeLacy Creek Trailhead. As you hike, you’ll pass through meadows, forests, and along the shore of Shoshone Lake. 

The highlight is the Shoshone Geyser Basin, one of the park’s most remote and least visited geothermal areas. This basin alone has more geysers than Iceland, making it a truly unique area to experience.

This hike is ideal for those who want to explore Yellowstone’s wilderness while observing impressive geothermal activities along the way. 

Our 4-day backpacking trip in Yellowstone Shoshone Basin covers this area in detail. It’s a truly incredible adventure for anyone who wants to experience Yellowstone’s sheer natural beauty and power.

The Storm Point Loop is a short, easy hike that offers beautiful views of Yellowstone Lake. It’s one of the best hikes Yellowstone National Park offers if you’re after an easy hike with a big payoff.

The 2.3-mile loop starts near Indian Pond and takes you through meadows, forests, and along the shoreline.

The hike’s highlight is Storm Point, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the lake and the Absaroka Range. 

This hike is excellent for families or anyone looking for a quick, scenic walk that still lets you experience the impressive wilderness of Yellowstone.

The hike from Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn is one of the most popular in Yellowstone. 

This 6-mile round-trip trail offers some of the best views in the park, including panoramic vistas of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley, and Yellowstone Lake.

The relatively short trail’s many sights make it one of the best hikes in Yellowstone by far.

The trail is pretty challenging, with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet, but the well-maintained path makes it accessible to most hikers. 

Wildlife sightings, including the rare bighorn sheep, are common along the way.

The Sky Rim Trail is a challenging, full-day hike offering some of Yellowstone’s best views. It’s one of Yellowstone National Park’s best hikes if you’re after a major full-day adventure.

This 19-mile loop takes you along the park’s western boundary, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trail includes steep climbs and descents, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit and experienced on more difficult trails. 

Along the way, you’ll pass through alpine meadows, dense forests, and rocky ridges. It’s the perfect trail for anyone interested in a challenging hike with big rewards.

The Fairy Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone, thanks to its beautiful waterfalls and geysers. 

The trail is a fun 7-mile round trip and starts near the Midway Geyser Basin. Along the way, you’ll pass the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook, where you can get a great view of the vibrant hot spring. 

The trail continues to Fairy Falls, one of the park’s tallest waterfalls, and then on to the less-visited Imperial and Spray Geysers. 

This hike is relatively easy and suitable for families. It’s one of the top hikes in Yellowstone if you want to take pictures of beautiful geysers and waterfalls.

Electric Peak is the tallest mountain in the Gallatin Range and offers one of the most challenging hikes in Yellowstone.

Reaching the summit makes it definitely one of the best hikes in Yellowstone, but it’s reserved for experienced mountain hikers only.

The 20-mile round-trip trail starts at the Glen Creek Trailhead and passes through meadows, forests, and rocky slopes. 

The hardest part of the final ascent to the summit involves some scrambling. When you get to the top, though, the 360-degree views are truly spectacular. 

This hike is best suited for experienced hikers and can be done as a long day hike or an overnight trip with a backcountry permit.

Whether you’re looking for the best day hikes in Yellowstone or want a longer backpacking adventure, this park absolutely spoils you for choice. 

Interested in making some lifelong memories in this hiking paradise? Check out our Yellowstone hiking and camping tours for the ultimate adventure.