Yellowstone National Park is a hiker’s paradise, with over 1,000 miles of trails to explore. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy walk or a challenging multi-day trek, there’s a trail for you in Yellowstone.
Here are five of the best hiking trails in Yellowstone, each offering something unique and unforgettable⁚
- Old Faithful Loop Trail⁚ A short and easy trail that takes you past the iconic Old Faithful geyser.
- Uncle Tom’s Trail⁚ A moderately challenging trail that leads to a stunning view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
- Fairy Falls Trail⁚ A beautiful trail that follows a cascading waterfall.
- Hellroaring Creek Trail⁚ A challenging trail that takes you through a rugged canyon.
- Mount Washburn Trail⁚ A strenuous trail that leads to the summit of Mount Washburn, the highest point in the park.
Old Faithful Loop Trail
The Old Faithful Loop Trail is a short and easy trail that takes you past the iconic Old Faithful geyser. The trail is just over a mile long and is relatively flat, making it a good option for families with young children or anyone looking for a leisurely walk.
The trail begins at the Old Faithful Visitor Center and follows the Firehole River. Along the way, you’ll pass by several other geysers, including Castle Geyser and Grand Geyser. You’ll also have great views of the Upper Geyser Basin, with its colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pots.
The highlight of the trail, of course, is Old Faithful. This famous geyser erupts regularly, every 60 to 90 minutes. The eruptions can reach heights of up to 180 feet, so be sure to have your camera ready!
The Old Faithful Loop Trail is a must-do for any visitor to Yellowstone. It’s a great way to see the park’s most famous geyser and learn about the unique geothermal features of the area.
Tips for hiking the Old Faithful Loop Trail⁚
- The trail is very popular, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
- The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few short, steep sections.
- The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail Stats⁚
- Distance⁚ 1.1 miles
- Elevation gain⁚ 100 feet
- Difficulty⁚ Easy
- Time to complete⁚ 30-60 minutes
Uncle Tom’s Trail
Uncle Tom’s Trail is a moderately challenging trail that leads to a stunning view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The trail is 3.5 miles long and gains 450 feet of elevation, but the views are worth the effort.
The trail begins at the Uncle Tom’s Trailhead, which is located just east of Canyon Village. The trail follows the rim of the canyon, providing hikers with breathtaking views of the Yellowstone River and the canyon’s colorful cliffs and waterfalls.
The highlight of the trail is the Uncle Tom’s Point lookout, which offers panoramic views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. From this vantage point, you can see the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls, and the Yellowstone River as it winds its way through the canyon.
Uncle Tom’s Trail is a popular hike, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The trail is also open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear;
Tips for hiking Uncle Tom’s Trail⁚
- The trail is moderately challenging, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
- The trail is mostly uphill, so be prepared for some climbing.
- The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail Stats⁚
- Distance⁚ 3.5 miles
- Elevation gain⁚ 450 feet
- Difficulty⁚ Moderate
- Time to complete⁚ 2-3 hours
Fairy Falls Trail
Fairy Falls Trail is a beautiful trail that follows a cascading waterfall. The trail is 5.6 miles long and gains 600 feet of elevation, but the views are worth the effort.
The trail begins at the Fairy Falls Trailhead, which is located just east of Canyon Village. The trail follows Fairy Creek through a lush forest, providing hikers with views of the creek and the surrounding mountains.
The highlight of the trail is Fairy Falls, a 200-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool of water. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation, and the area is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
Fairy Falls Trail is a popular hike, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The trail is also open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Tips for hiking Fairy Falls Trail⁚
- The trail is moderately challenging, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
- The trail is mostly uphill, so be prepared for some climbing.
- The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail Stats⁚
- Distance⁚ 5.6 miles
- Elevation gain⁚ 600 feet
- Difficulty⁚ Moderate
- Time to complete⁚ 3-4 hours
Hellroaring Creek Trail
Hellroaring Creek Trail is a challenging trail that takes you through a rugged canyon. The trail is 7.2 miles long and gains 1,200 feet of elevation, but the views are worth the effort.
The trail begins at the Hellroaring Creek Trailhead, which is located just east of Canyon Village. The trail follows Hellroaring Creek through a narrow canyon, providing hikers with views of the creek, the canyon walls, and the surrounding mountains.
The highlight of the trail is Hellroaring Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool of water. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation, and the area is a popular spot for picnics and swimming.
Hellroaring Creek Trail is a popular hike, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The trail is also open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Tips for hiking Hellroaring Creek Trail⁚
- The trail is challenging, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
- The trail is mostly uphill, so be prepared for some climbing.
- The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail Stats⁚
- Distance⁚ 7.2 miles
- Elevation gain⁚ 1,200 feet
- Difficulty⁚ Challenging
- Time to complete⁚ 4-5 hours
Mount Washburn Trail
Mount Washburn Trail is a strenuous trail that leads to the summit of Mount Washburn, the highest point in Yellowstone National Park. The trail is 6.8 miles long and gains 1,400 feet of elevation, but the views from the summit are worth the effort.
The trail begins at the Dunraven Pass Trailhead, which is located on the east side of the park. The trail follows a series of switchbacks through a forest of lodgepole pines and subalpine fir trees. As you climb, the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys become more and more impressive.
The highlight of the trail is the summit of Mount Washburn, which offers 360-degree views of the park. From the summit, you can see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the Absaroka Mountains, and the Gallatin Range. You can also see several of the park’s iconic landmarks, such as Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, and the Hayden Valley.
Mount Washburn Trail is a popular hike, so it’s best to start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The trail is also open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Tips for hiking Mount Washburn Trail⁚
- The trail is strenuous, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
- Bring plenty of water, as there is no water available on the trail.
- The trail is mostly uphill, so be prepared for some climbing.
- The trail is open year-round, but it can be icy in the winter. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
Trail Stats⁚
- Distance⁚ 6.8 miles
- Elevation gain⁚ 1,400 feet
- Difficulty⁚ Strenuous
- Time to complete⁚ 4-5 hours
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