America’s oldest national park Yellowstone was established in the late 1800s but after visiting it will become obvious why it was the first. The park tells the story of our planet with ancient geological formations, dinosaur bones thermal bacteria, and of course the wildlife and human history of a more recent past. According to the sources, almost 3 million people visit the park every single year. And to me, it feels like the majority of people congregate in a few locations in the park. But, this park has so much more to offer than the hot spots as I visited the place with my friend last year. So, in this guide, I want to share my favorite easy hiking trails near Yellowstone National Park.
6 Easy Hiking Trails Near Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is located in the northwest part of Wyoming, near the borders of Montana and Idaho, however many visitors enter the park from the south. This park has far more sights to visit than only the well-known Old Faithful geyser. Big waterfalls, geysers, hot springs, mud volcanoes, and herds of buffalo are a few of the attractions to admire. The hiking routes listed below should be of interest to you regardless of who you are or what you want to do in this park.
The Lone Star Geyser Trail
The Lone Star Geyser Trail is an excellent choice for families and beginners as it is an out-and-back path that requires walking to reach the geyser and return. The trail has a very minor elevation (only 128 feet or 39 metres) and is roughly 4.2 miles (8.5 km) roundway. The stroll is moderate and takes approximately 1.5 hours on average.
Since I went on the path in May, I suggest going there between May and October, when you might see other tourists biking or camping nearby. The hike, which takes about an hour and a half to finish the entire path, is regarded as one of Yellowstone’s best options for beginners.
The Grand Canyon Of Yellowstone
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, which is home to the Yellowstone River and three significant waterfalls, was our favorite destination during our visit. The largest in the park, with the Yellowstone River rushing through a staggering amount of water and dropping 308 feet. This walk is quite fantastic, with breathtaking views of the Canyon, waterfalls, and Rover.
If you’re lucky as we were, you may even spot some wildlife. Now, keep in mind that this walk is classed as intermediate with some considerable elevation difficulties, so it’s not particularly simple. Although there are railings and staircases, the hike won’t be that simple.
Brink Of The Lower Falls Trail
The 0.7-mile Brink of the Lower Falls walk is a pleasant one. Although there are some steep sections, the view of Lower Lookout Point, a massive waterfall, makes the climb worthwhile. It stands 308 feet tall! The parking lot is close to the restrooms. Following your steps could be challenging because the terrain descends 300 feet. The hike could take 30 to 60 minutes to complete, depending on your walking pace.
In addition, benches are available for resting. It’s a magnificent view of the colorful canyon and waterfall. The trail is kid-friendly and not too difficult so you are welcome to come at any time of year. Situated in Canyon Village, approximately 38 miles separate it from both the West and North Yellowstone Entrances (Gardiner).
The Mystic Falls Trail
The Mystic Falls Trail in Yellowstone is a fantastic choice! Families or anyone looking for a varied and picturesque walk will find this 2.4-mile journey ideal. On the south side, the trailhead is close to Biscuit Basin. To reach the main route, park your car and take a half-mile walk north. You can walk at your own pace on the path itself, which consists of a combination of simple and slightly uphill sections. It takes two to four hours to complete the walk, depending on how often you pause to take in the breathtaking scenery (which there are plenty of!).
You may see interesting geothermal features like Sapphire Pool along the route. You will then come to a fork in the road, the Fairy Creek Trail, approximately two-thirds of the way in. Both routes lead to the falls, however, based on my personal experience, the left route is simpler and more straightforward.
Mammoth Hot Springs Trail
There are some of the iconic Mammoth Hot Springs that you have almost definitely seen on postcards or pictures. Talking about the park, this is at the end of the park and has some incredible geological formations. Mammoth Hot Spring has two terraces, the upper terrace, and the lower terrace, and within the two are about 50 different hot springs that you can view.
In addition to that, it looks just like a completely different planet. Some people describe it as an inside-out cave and if you are going to Yellowstone, you definitely cannot miss Mammoth Hot Springs.
Trout Lake Trail
I’ll call the 1,2 mile Trout Lake Trail the simplest trail because it’s perfect for a leisurely walk. The trailhead is on the Northeast Entrance Road, next to Pebble Creek Campground. The path starts with a slight hill climb. After a short but steep uphill stretch, you’ll be rewarded with a pleasant stroll downhill to serene Trout Lake.
Depending on how frequently you pause to admire the landscape or search for wildlife, I would advise giving yourself one to two hours to finish the entire loop. Bear spray is a smart precaution to carry because bears are known to frequent this area. Watch out for more wildlife as well; moose, bison, elk, and even otters have all been seen close to the lake!
