Discover Yellowstone’s 10 best hikes: easy boardwalks, scenic lake walks, geyser basin loops, and summit climbs—plus safety, photo tips, and a difficulty table.
The best way to meet Yellowstone is on foot. From misty geyser basins and rainbow pools to quiet lakes and wind-swept summits, these are the 10 best hikes in Yellowstone—organized by difficulty, with distances, highlights, safety notes, and photography tips you can trust.
Essential Hiking Tips for Yellowstone
- Wildlife first: Keep at least 25 yards (23 m) from most wildlife and 100 yards (91 m) from bears and wolves. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Thermal safety: Stay on boardwalks and marked paths—ground can be thin with near-boiling water beneath.
- Altitude & weather: Conditions swing fast. Pack layers, sun protection, and extra water. Afternoon storms are common in summer.
- Start early: For parking, cooler temps, and best wildlife/photography light.
- Closures happen: Trails and roads change with maintenance, fire, and weather—always check current conditions before you go.
Trail Difficulty Table (At-a-Glance)
| Hike | Distance (round trip) | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook | 1.6 miles / 2.6 km | Easy | Iconic view over rainbow hot spring |
| Fairy Falls | 5.4 miles / 8.7 km | Moderate | Tall waterfall + colorful basins nearby |
| Mount Washburn | 6–7 miles / 9.6–11.3 km | Moderate → Strenuous | Panoramic summit, wildflowers |
| Uncle Tom’s Trail | 0.6 miles / 1 km | Strenuous (stairs) | Lower Falls close-up (check status) |
| Mystic Falls & Biscuit Basin Loop | 3.5 miles / 5.6 km | Moderate | Waterfall, geysers, forest loop |
| Lamar Valley Trails | Varies | Easy → Moderate | Prime wildlife viewing |
| Yellowstone Lake Overlook | 1.5 miles / 2.4 km | Easy | Lake vistas near West Thumb |
| Lone Star Geyser | 4.8 miles / 7.7 km | Easy → Moderate | Backcountry geyser eruptions |
| Avalanche Peak | 4.5 miles / 7.2 km | Strenuous | Alpine summit, huge views |
| Storm Point | 2.3 miles / 3.7 km | Easy | Lakeshore loop, wildlife sign |
Distances are approximate and can vary by trailhead choice and seasonal detours.
The 10 Best Hikes in Yellowstone (Details & Tips)
1) Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (Easy • 1.6 mi / 2.6 km)
Why go: The classic aerial perspective of Yellowstone’s most colorful hot spring. The overlook sits above the Midway Geyser Basin and gives a sweeping view when steam lifts.
Trail notes: Short, gently graded path from the Fairy Falls trailhead. Go mid-morning on cool days for less steam; on warm windy afternoons, steam can obscure colors.
Photo tip: Pack a microfiber cloth for lens mist. A mid-range zoom (24–70mm) frames both the spring and boardwalks.
2) Fairy Falls (Moderate • 5.4 mi / 8.7 km)
Why go: A graceful waterfall tucked behind Midway Geyser Basin, often paired with the Grand Prismatic overlook.
Trail notes: Mostly flat old roadbed and forest path. Mosquitoes can be active early summer; bring repellent.
Photo tip: A circular polarizer tamps glare on wet rock; try slower shutter speeds for silky water.
3) Mount Washburn (Moderate → Strenuous • 6–7 mi / 9.6–11.3 km)
Why go: One of Yellowstone’s best panoramas. In early summer, expect wildflowers; in shoulder seasons, bring layers for wind and cold.
Trail notes: Two main routes (check which is open). Expect sustained climbing and exposure near the top.
Photo tip: Wide-angle for big skies; zoom for distant ranges. Golden morning light is worth the early start.
4) Uncle Tom’s Trail (Strenuous stairs • ~0.6 mi / 1 km round)
Why go: A dramatic stairway descent toward the thunder of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
Trail notes: Short but intense; hundreds of steps. Status changes with maintenance—verify conditions before you go.
Photo tip: Mist can drift; keep gear dry. A fast shutter freezes spray arcs in sun.
5) Mystic Falls & Biscuit Basin Loop (Moderate • 3.5 mi / 5.6 km)
Why go: A compact sampler: geysers, forest, and a lively waterfall near Old Faithful.
Trail notes: Mild elevation with a worthwhile overlook spur. Boardwalk etiquette applies around thermal features.
Photo tip: Backlit steam at low sun angles creates ethereal frames—watch footing on damp boards.
6) Lamar Valley Trails (Easy → Moderate • distance varies)
Why go: Yellowstone’s wildlife boulevard—bison, pronghorn, foxes, and, with luck, wolves at dawn or dusk.
Trail notes: Use designated pullouts; carry binoculars and keep distances. Early starts avoid heat shimmer in long-lens shots.
Photo tip: A 300mm+ lens helps; stabilise with a monopod from pullouts to stay mobile and respectful.
7) Yellowstone Lake Overlook (Easy • 1.5 mi / 2.4 km)
Why go: A short climb to a high perch above West Thumb with tranquil lake views and mountain backdrops.
Trail notes: Family-friendly grade; can be buggy on calm evenings.
Photo tip: Sunset pastels reflect well on calm water—bring a lightweight tripod.
8) Lone Star Geyser (Easy → Moderate • 4.8 mi / 7.7 km)
Why go: A backcountry geyser with periodic eruptions—an Old Faithful vibe without the crowd.
Trail notes: Mostly paved/gravel path along a river. Eruption windows vary; patience pays.
Photo tip: A neutral density filter softens steam and water; compose with surrounding forest for scale.
9) Avalanche Peak (Strenuous • 4.5 mi / 7.2 km)
Why go: Quick, steep climb to an alpine summit with sweeping views over the Absarokas and Yellowstone Lake.
Trail notes: Significant elevation gain and exposure—avoid during storms, bring layers even in summer.
Photo tip: Contrast a foreground ridge or cairn against distant ranges for depth.
10) Storm Point (Easy • 2.3 mi / 3.7 km)
Why go: Gentle loop to a rocky lakeshore headland—shorebirds, wind-sculpted pines, and big-sky horizons.
Trail notes: Sand sections can feel slow; watch for afternoon wind along the lake.
Photo tip: Long exposures smooth waves; watch for leading lines in driftwood.
Photography Tips on the Trail
- Lenses: 24–105mm covers most scenes; 70–200mm or 100–400mm for wildlife. Prime 20–24mm for night sky if stargazing.
- Filters: Polarizer for glare on water and hot-spring minerals; ND for silky waterfalls.
- Light: Steam and canyon mist backlight beautifully at sunrise. Midday is harsh—seek forest shade or abstract patterns.
- Care: Thermal mist is mineral-rich—wipe gear gently and store in a dry bag.
Maps, Gear & Seasonal Notes
- Maps: Pick up a paper map at visitor centers and download an offline map app before entering the park.
- What to pack: Water, snacks, layers, rain shell, hat, sunscreen, first-aid kit, headlamp, bear spray.
- Seasonal closures: Roads and some trails are seasonal. Shoulder seasons can mean snow on higher routes.
- Etiquette: Yield to uphill hikers, step aside for wildlife, and leave no trace—what you pack in, you pack out.
FAQ: Hiking in Yellowstone
What is the best month for hiking?
July–September offer the most open trails and services. June and October are quieter but can bring snow, mud, and early closures.
Do I need permits for day hikes?
No permits for day hiking on these trails. Overnight backcountry trips require permits from the park.
Is bear spray required?
Not required, but strongly recommended. Keep it accessible, know how to use it, and hike in groups when possible.
Are boardwalks considered hikes?
Yes—many of Yellowstone’s signature sights are reached by boardwalks. Treat them like trails: stay on them and follow posted guidance.
Can I do these hikes in winter?
Access changes significantly in winter. Some areas require guided snowcoach/snowmobile trips. Verify seasonal access before planning.
Next up in the series: Top 10 Yellowstone Attractions • Wildlife Photography Guide