Yellowstone National Park offers an extensive network of hiking trails spanning over 1,100 miles (1,770 km) across its 2.2 million acres of wilderness. Here are some of the most popular and accessible trails in the park.
Grand Prismatic Hot Spring Overlook Trail
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 40-60 minutes
- Elevation: Mostly gentle grades (5% or less)
Trail Experience
This accessible trail leads to a spectacular viewpoint of the Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States. The overlook provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate the spring's stunning rainbow-like colors and massive size.
Trail Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Grand Prismatic Hot Spring
- Scenic walk along Fountain Flat Drive
- Excellent photography opportunities
- Educational displays about geothermal features
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: April through October
- Best Time of Day: Early morning for fewer crowds and better lighting
- Photography Tips: Morning light offers optimal conditions
Fairy Falls Trail
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 2-3 hours
- Terrain: Relatively flat
Trail Experience
This enchanting trail winds through forest landscapes to reach the spectacular 200-foot Fairy Falls. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for most hikers, while the destination offers one of Yellowstone's most impressive waterfalls.
Trail Highlights:
- 200-foot waterfall
- Forest hiking
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Combined views of geothermal features
Important Information
- Plan extra time for enjoying the falls
- Limited parking available at trailhead
- Accessible trail with mostly gentle grades
Upper Geyser Basin Loop
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 1.5-2 hours
- Surface: Paved paths and boardwalks
Trail Experience
This family-friendly loop offers an essential Yellowstone experience, showcasing the park's famous geothermal features. The trail is fully accessible and provides safe viewing of numerous geysers and hot springs.
Trail Highlights:
- Multiple active geysers
- Colorful hot springs
- Educational interpretive signs
- Wheelchair-accessible boardwalks
Facilities
- 18 accessible parking spaces
- Paved paths and boardwalks
- Safety railings throughout
- Visitor center access
Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 4.9 miles (7.9 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 1.75-2.5 hours
- Elevation: Mostly gentle with steep sections at observation point
Trail Experience
This iconic trail combines the classic Upper Geyser Basin experience with an elevated perspective from the Old Faithful Observation Point. The route offers diverse views of Yellowstone's most famous geothermal features, particularly magical during sunrise and sunset when steam creates surreal lighting effects.
Trail Highlights:
- Multiple active geysers
- Old Faithful viewing opportunities
- Panoramic observation point
- Steam and thermal features
- Sunrise/sunset photography opportunities
Important Information
- Boardwalks can be slippery in cold weather
- Steep sections at observation point (can be bypassed)
- Best viewed at different times of day
- Accessible boardwalk sections available
Mammoth Terraces Trail
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 2.5 miles (4.0 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 1-1.5 hours
- Surface: Mixed boardwalks and paved paths
Trail Experience
This fascinating trail showcases one of the world's finest examples of travertine terraces. The dynamic hydrothermal features create ever-changing limestone formations, colored by thermophilic bacteria in stunning patterns.
Trail Highlights:
- Living limestone formations
- Rainbow-colored bacterial mats
- Historic cultural significance
- Educational geological displays
- Seasonal color variations
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Some sections have steep stairs
- Multiple viewing platforms
- Regular rest areas with benches
Canyon Rim South Trail to Artist Point
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 1-1.5 hours
- Terrain: Well-maintained path
Trail Experience
This scenic trail follows the south rim of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, culminating at the famous Artist Point. The route offers some of the most spectacular canyon views in the park.
Trail Highlights:
- Grand Canyon views
- Famous Artist Point overlook
- Photography opportunities
- Wildlife viewing possibilities
Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 4.1 miles (6.6 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Average time: 1.5-2 hours
- Best season: April through October
Trail Experience
This popular trail offers views of three distinct waterfalls in Yellowstone's canyon area. The path provides various vantage points of the falls while traversing through diverse terrain.
Trail Highlights:
- Three spectacular waterfalls
- Canyon views
- Bird watching opportunities
- Multiple viewing platforms
Important Information
- Popular trail with frequent visitors
- No swimming in rivers (fast and cold)
- Stay on marked trails in thermal areas
- Backcountry permit required for camping
Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 1.5-2 hours
- Terrain: Mixed elevation with some climbing
Trail Experience
This less-crowded trail offers a unique combination of geothermal features and natural beauty. Starting in a geyser basin, the trail climbs through forest along the Little Firehole River to reach Mystic Falls, with potential Old Faithful viewing opportunities from higher elevations.
Trail Highlights:
- Mystic Falls
- Geyser basin views
- Old Faithful distant viewpoint
- Forest and river scenery
- Quieter than neighboring trails
Dunraven Pass to Mount Washburn
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 7 miles (11.3 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 3.5-4 hours
- Season: June through October
Trail Experience
This popular mountain trail offers panoramic views of Yellowstone's diverse landscape, including the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and surrounding mountain ranges.
Trail Highlights:
- Mountain summit views
- Grand Canyon vistas
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- High-altitude experience
Safety Information
- Lightning risk above treeline
- Bear activity common in fall
- Limited parking available
- High elevation hiking
Brink of the Lower Falls Trail
Trail Overview
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 0.7 miles (1.1 km) out-and-back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 30-45 minutes
- Season: June through September
Trail Experience
This short but steep trail provides an intimate view of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, offering a unique perspective from the brink of the waterfall.
Trail Highlights:
- Close-up waterfall views
- Canyon perspectives
- Bird watching opportunities
- Dramatic viewpoints
General Hiking Information
Safety Considerations
- Most trails are above 7,000 feet elevation
- Snow possible until late May or early June
- Mountain passes may be snow-covered until late July
- Stream crossings can be dangerous during spring runoff
Trail Regulations
- No permits required for day hiking
- Dogs not permitted on trails
- Stay on marked paths
- Never touch or enter thermal features
Preparation Tips
- Check current trail conditions online
- Bring adequate water and sun protection
- Wear appropriate footwear
- Carry bear spray (recommended)