With more than 900 miles of trails in Yellowstone, you could take a different hike each day of every visit. But Yellowstone Forever staff members have some favorite trails they like to return to again and again. Read more about our favorites below, and find out how to join us on the trails through our Yellowstone Forever Institute.

 

PHOTOGRAPHER’S PICK

Avalanche Peak

Strenuous – 4.2 miles round-trip

“In a fairly short hike, you can get spectacular views of the Absaroka Mountain Range and Yellowstone Lake. I don’t know of any hike like that in the park with that distance and that kind of payoff. Because of weather, this Lake-area trail is really only accessible from about late June to mid-October. I can’t do this hike enough!” — Matt Ludin, Social Media and Digital Content Manager

ANGLER’S PICK

Slough Creek Trail

Easy to Moderate – 1.7 to 1st Meadow/4.3 miles to 2nd Meadow/5 miles to 3rd meadow (one-way)

“The trail in the Lamar Valley takes you up a historic wagon road that was used by early homesteaders, and into beautiful high elevation meadows. Many go to fish for pure Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but the meadows are a great area to view wildflowers. The first mile of the trail is made up of moderately uphill switchbacks. Don’t forget to turn around to see a large panoramic view to the west. The rest of the trail is mostly flat and wide open, with a couple of small rolling hills. Best time for wildflower viewing is June, July and August.” — J.D. Davis, Interim Chief Development Officer

FAMILY-FRIENDLY PICK

Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail

Easy – 2 miles (one way)

“I love this short, easy trail on an early spring day when my kids and I want to head outdoors but a lot of the park is still covered in snow. As long as the weather cooperates, you’ll get spectacular views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and the mountains of the Northern Range. I’ve also seen everything from bighorn sheep to pronghorn to marmots on this trail—so much fun for the whole family!” — Wendie Carr, Chief Marketing Officer

WATERFALL PICK

Bechler Meadows Trail to Dunanda Falls

Easy to Moderate – 9 miles one-way to falls

“In the park’s Bechler Region (southwest corner), this hike is either a long out and back or an overnight. Travel through Bechler Meadows and just over a ridge you’ll come upon this impressive, 150-foot-high waterfall. There are hot springs nearly under the falls where you can soak your feet and enjoy the mist. I like to do the overnight so there is plenty of time to enjoy the falls. Go in early fall to avoid the bugs.” — Jeff Augustin, Senior Director of Park Projects

SEASON KICK-OFF PICK

Cache Creek in Spring – YF/Thomas Cluderay

Lower Cache Creek Out/Back

Strenuous – 17.2 miles round trip

“One of my favorite shoulder season hikes is an out-and-back overnight from Lamar River Trailhead to Lower Cache Creek (backcountry site 3C2). The trip starts off by crossing a footbridge and rolling hills out the east end of Lamar Valley, likely to be stippled with bison before descending down into a narrow valley that cradles Cache Creek. Once along the creek — you’ll keep to the north bank with waters high from spring melt — you will catch a waft of sulphur from Death Gulch; take in the snow-covered slopes of the surrounding mountains, anchored by towering pines; and no doubt see signs of wildlife. At a minimum you’ll come across tracks, from bears, wolves, coyotes, elk, and deer, all freshly captured in the spring mud. Be sure to carry bear spray with this trail located in prime grizzly country, but if timed right, you’ll enjoy plenty of solitude and no mosquitoes (yet)!” — Thomas Cluderay, General Counsel

PANORAMIC VIEW PICK

Specimen Ridge Day Hike

Strenuous – 3 miles round-trip

“For a different perspective of Lamar Valley, I highly recommend this hike! It’s a vigorous uphill climb, but the breathtaking view of Lamar Valley is more than worth it. My favorite time to hike it is late June, because bitterroot flowers are in full bloom and cover the top of the ridge.” — Marisa Cleary, Director of Events

BACKPACKER’S PICK

Electric Peak

Strenuous – 9.5 miles to summit

“My favorite hikes in the park are in the alpine zone where the mountain goats roam. That’s why the 10,969-foot Electric Peak, on the northern border of the park, certainly gets my vote! Your quads will remember the journey to Electric Peak several days after the ascent, as this hike requires nearly 20 miles and 4,100 feet of elevation gain to reach the rocky summit. A small amount of scrambling and route finding are necessary to reach the summit, but confident hikers should have little trouble following the cairns that lead the way through the jagged ridgeline. Unobstructed panoramic views are offered at the top, including views of the Grand Tetons to the south!” — Justin Barth, Senior Manager of Foundation Relations

QUICK PICK

Trout Lake

Easy to Moderate: One mile (round trip)

“I love this quick hike in the Northern Range for its beautiful scenery. Don’t be fooled by the short distance, because it comes with pretty decent elevation gain—so it’s still good exercise. The lake often has great fishing, and you might also spot a number of water-loving birds swimming along the surface.” — Laura Lekan, Senior Manager, Stewardship & Events

WINTER PICK

Mammoth Hot Spring Terrace Trails

Easy – 1 mile round-trip

“Though it is not the most strenuous of hikes, I always enjoy a quiet stroll on the boardwalks at the Mammoth Hot Springs terraces. If you go in different seasons and times of day, it will be a new experience every time. A favorite is getting to the Upper Terraces near Canary Spring on a clear and cold winter morning to watch the sun burst through the trees and steam. Breathtaking!” — Elle Winchester, Director of Annual Fund

LAKE PICK

Lost Lake Loop

Easy to Moderate – 2.8 miles

“This trail has a little bit of everything. It’s close to Roosevelt Lodge, so it’s perfect for visitors staying in the cabins. You’ll get to see wildflowers in the summer, sagebrush hilltops, great views of the Buffalo Plateau, and of course Lost Lake—which is often covered in a sea of lily pads. Black bears sometimes frequent the area, so it’s a good idea to hike in groups and bring the bear spray!” — Katy Fast, Program Coordinator, Institute

BACKPACKER’S PICK

Gallatin Skyline Trail

Strenuous – 40 miles round trip (completed in several days)

“This multi-day hike is a great opportunity to escape the summer crowds. If you’re up for challenging backpacking trips, you won’t want to miss this alpine trek. It’s long, it’s incredibly remote, and your reward is constant spectacular views. It follows the boundary ridge of the northwest section of the park, where you’ll have a chance to see every kind of wildlife you can find in Yellowstone. You’ll want several days, plenty of water, and advanced reservations for campsites—but you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment when you’re finished!” — Cody Siegle, Fleet and Vehicles Manager

 

COOL GEOLOGY PICK

The South Rim Trail (Portions of the trail closed for construction)

Moderate – 3 miles round-trip

“One of my favorite hikes is the South Rim Trail of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. It’s not a terribly difficult hike since you’re traversing along the rim of the canyon, but the rewards are spectacular. You’ll get to see a panoramic view of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, both the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, and even lesser-known Crystal Creek Falls.”— Alison Becker, Program Manager, Institute

Read more about Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.

For a comprehensive list of day hikes in Yellowstone, see NPS’s hiking guide. Remember to follow the best practices for hiking in bear country: be alert, make noise, hike in groups, do not run, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Be sure to familiarize yourself with Yellowstone’s backcountry guidelines, especially before heading out on overnight adventures.