Yellowstone National Park is a vast and diverse wilderness, offering a wide range of hiking opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there are plenty of easy trails that allow you to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, geothermal features, and abundant wildlife. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park, perfect for those looking to experience the park’s natural wonders without too much physical exertion.
Lamar River Valley to Cache Creek
Distance: 7 miles
Best For: Wildlife spotting and wildflower viewing
The Lamar River Valley to Cache Creek hike is a fantastic option for those seeking a moderate, yet rewarding, adventure. This 7-mile out-and-back trail takes you through the heart of the Lamar Valley, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for bison, elk, pronghorn, and even the elusive grizzly bear. The trail also offers stunning views of the Lamar River and the surrounding mountains, as well as the opportunity to witness the park’s vibrant wildflowers in bloom.
Fairy Falls Trail
Distance: 6 miles
Best For: Families and the magical Fairy Falls
The Fairy Falls Trail is a popular and easy hike that leads to the stunning Fairy Falls, a 197-foot waterfall that cascades over a mossy cliff. The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it an excellent choice for families and hikers of all abilities. Along the way, you’ll pass through a lush forest and have the chance to spot wildlife, such as deer and birds. The final destination, the Fairy Falls, is a true highlight of the hike, offering a serene and enchanting setting for a picnic or simply taking in the natural beauty.
Brink of the Lower Falls Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Best For: Feeling the power of the Lower Falls
For those seeking a more intense experience, the Brink of the Lower Falls Trail offers a unique perspective on one of Yellowstone’s most iconic features – the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River. This short, 1-mile hike takes you to the very edge of the falls, allowing you to feel the power and magnitude of the rushing water as it plunges over the 308-foot drop. The trail is steep and can be challenging, but the breathtaking views of the Lower Falls make it well worth the effort.
Storm Point Loop
Distance: 2.5 miles
Best For: The coastal experience
Situated on the shores of Yellowstone Lake, the Storm Point Loop offers a unique coastal experience within the park. This 2.5-mile loop trail takes you along the lake’s edge, where you can enjoy stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and even the occasional black bear. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it a great option for those looking to experience the park’s diverse landscapes.
Trout Lake Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles, round-trip
Best For: Spotting wildlife like otters and osprey
The Trout Lake Trail is a short, 1.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to a beautiful mountain lake. This easy trail is perfect for families and those looking to spot some of Yellowstone’s incredible wildlife, such as otters and ospreys. As you make your way to the lake, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to see a variety of birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
Natural Bridge Trail
Distance: 1.5 miles
Best For: Towering rock formation
The Natural Bridge Trail is a partially paved, 1.5-mile hike that leads to a towering rock formation known as the Natural Bridge. This unique geological feature was formed by the erosion of a former hot spring, and it’s a fascinating sight to behold. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it a great option for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Artists’ Paintpot Trail
Distance: 1 mile, round-trip
Best For: Colorful hot springs and small geysers
The Artists’ Paintpot Trail is a short, 1-mile round-trip hike that takes you through a fascinating geothermal area. Along the way, you’ll see colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and small geysers, all of which showcase the incredible volcanic activity that lies beneath the surface of Yellowstone. This easy trail is a great way to experience the park’s unique hydrothermal features without too much physical exertion.
Observation Point Trail
Distance: 1.6 miles, round-trip
Best For: Bird’s-eye view of Old Faithful and other hydrothermal features
The Observation Point Trail is a 1.6-mile round-trip hike that offers a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Old Faithful geyser and the surrounding hydrothermal features. This easy trail takes you up to a viewpoint that overlooks the Old Faithful area, allowing you to witness the iconic geyser’s eruptions from a unique perspective. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to see other geothermal wonders, such as hot springs and fumaroles.
Forces of the Northern Range Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
Best For: Boardwalk loop through an area regrowing after the 1988 fires
The Forces of the Northern Range Trail is a short, 0.5-mile boardwalk loop that takes you through an area of the park that was heavily impacted by the 1988 wildfires. This easy trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the park’s natural recovery process, as you’ll see the regrowth of vegetation and the return of wildlife to the area. The boardwalk makes the trail accessible for visitors of all abilities, and it’s a great way to learn about the park’s dynamic ecosystem.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Distance: 0.38 miles
Best For: Colorful hot springs and dormant lakeshore geysers
The West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail is a short, 0.38-mile boardwalk trail that takes you through a stunning geyser basin on the shores of Yellowstone Lake. Along the way, you’ll see a variety of colorful hot springs, as well as dormant lakeshore geysers that were once active. This easy trail is a great way to experience the park’s geothermal wonders without too much physical exertion, and it’s a perfect stop for those exploring the West Thumb area of the park.
These easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park offer a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife viewing and wildflower spotting to exploring the park’s unique geothermal features. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, these trails provide an accessible and rewarding way to discover the natural wonders of Yellowstone.