The 15 Best Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
It is no wonder to see why Yellowstone is one of the most beloved National Parks in the U.S., and a hiker’s sanctuary. During my visits to this immense park, I have been fortunate to collect many, many miles underfoot of Yellowstone’s best trails, from lengthy, backcountry hikes in the interior, to relaxed, easy strolls simply appreciating the kaleidoscope of sights in Yellowstone. Over the years, my experiences in Yellowstone have morphed and changed, to accommodate the many purposes of my visits there, and that is just one of the many wonderful things about hiking in Yellowstone. While my earlier visits included the thrill of immersion in some of Yellowstone’s longer and more isolated trails, I have also been fortunate enough to explore a plethora of Yellowstone’s shorter and easier hikes as well in my recent years. I have visited Yellowstone several times to run in the annual Yellowstone Half Marathon, at which time shorter hikes benefitted me more as I rested my legs prior to the race, and recovered my legs after. As my family has grown to include a young child, our experiences together in Yellowstone have reflected a different pace and abilities range, while not having to sacrifice on the chance to show a youngster just what makes Yellowstone so magical! I have hiked in Yellowstone with my mother and other family members as well, accommodating those who may only have a day or so to spend in this park with a handful of shorter hikes, in order to see and make the most of a shortened itinerary. So whether you are looking for the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park to accommodate a wide range of ages or abilities, your own personal preferences, or a limited itinerary, rest assured that even the shortest and easiest hikes in Yellowstone will leave you awe-struck!
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Table of Contents
The 15 Best Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
This list includes the 15 best easy hikes across Yellowstone National Park. But since this park is so large, it is important to consider your timeframe, to allow for drive time between destinations (which can be substantial at times), and to consider if you have a particular base or area of the park you need to contain your hikes to (for example, if you are staying in West Yellowstone and only have a day, you may want to focus on the best easy hikes in the region surrounding the West Yellowstone entrance).
Best Time to Visit the Easiest Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
SUMMER is arguably the best time to hike in Yellowstone National Park. The daytime temperatures are balmy and moderate, and the nighttime temperatures contain just a hint of chill to them. Wildlife is active in the summer, and (responsible) wildlife sightings are a popular side attraction to any hike in Yellowstone.
While these are the obvious pros to hiking during the summer in Yellowstone, there are some CONS to be aware of during the summer months.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Yellowstone National Park. Which means more traffic, busier trails, and parking lots filling up quickly. If you plan to hike in the summer, my advice is to arrive early and start early!
What about the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, and winter? The infrastructure and facilities of Yellowstone begin to close in September, with typical reopenings across the park occurring in mid to late spring. So it is possible to visit in early fall before the closures begin to take place, or late spring, before the crowds begin arriving in June, July, and August. You can learn more details about seasonal closures in Yellowstone here.
Starting in September, most of the park is closed to standard travel until late spring. While this doesn’t mean that Yellowstone is completely closed (some small, select parts remain open or are open limited to oversnow travel), it does make the logistics of traditional hiking very complicated and often unrealistic for many visitors. These winter closures include campgrounds, lodges, visitor centers, restaurants, and park roads (except to oversnow travel in some areas). Unless you are experienced in winter activities and interested in oversnow travel, winter is not the best time to visit Yellowstone to hike.
Know Before You Go
LOCATION: Yellowstone National Park
HOURS: Yellowstone is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day (but there are seasonal closures to be aware of that affect much of the park)
ENTRANCE FEES: $35 per vehicle (good for 7 consecutive days)
PET POLICY: Pets are NOT allowed on these hiking trails
What Qualifies as an Easy Hike in Yellowstone National Park?
In this list of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone, expect to find the same similar qualities throughout:
- Low Elevation Gain
- Non – Technical
- Less than 5 Miles Roundtrip Length
- A rating of Easy on hiking apps like AllTrails
This list of the best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park include hikes that have low elevation gain throughout, are non technical (well maintained trails without any scrambling, bouldering, route finding, or unpredictable portions of trail, etc), and are less than 5 miles in roundtrip length. These hikes also are suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities, and include trail textures including dirt, pavement, and boardwalk.
And don’t worry, these easy hikes are no less stunning than some of their harder counterparts. They include plenty of panoramic views, wildlife sightings, waterfalls, forests, mountains, geysers, paint pots, springs, pools, rivers, and canyons! Each and every one of these hikes is a window into the unique tapestry of Yellowstone National Park!
Map of the 15 Best Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Locations of the 15 best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park
The 15 Best Easy Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Below are the 15 best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park, spread across the entire park:
#1: Midway Geyser Basin Trail and Grand Prismatic Spring
Quick Facts on the Midway Geyser Basin Trail
Length: 0.7 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 55 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 15 – 20 minutes
Why It Makes the List: The Midway Geyser Basin Trail is one of the most popular trails in all of Yellowstone National Park! Its Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most recognizable and photographed spots in the park, with its iconic and dazzling colors! It is the largest hot springs in the world, and this boardwalk trail provides continuous perspectives of Grand Prismatic from almost the entire trail!
#2: Old Faithful / Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail
Quick Facts on Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail
Length: 0.7 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 19 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 20 minutes
Why It Makes the List: Watching this geyser erupt is a tradition of any visit to Yellowstone, and thanks to the tracking abilities lending to its consistent “faithfulness”, it is easy to schedule a visit around Old Faithful. There is plenty of seating available while you wait on Old Faithful to erupt, but if you want to keep moving while you are waiting, and not miss out on the show, you can hike this short, flat boardwalk trail that circumvents the geyser.
#3: Fountain Paint Pot Trail
Quick Facts on the Fountain Paint Pot Trail
Length: 0.6 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 22 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 15 – 20 minutes
Why It Makes the List: The “pots” found on many of Yellowstone’s trails are one of the most intriguing and curious aspects of the geothermal activity happening here, and one of the best pieces of evidence above ground as to just what exactly is happening below ground! Enjoy this boardwalk trail full of bubbling and gurgling pots, as well as colorful pools like Leather Pool, the expansive “Volcanic Tableland and its many steam vents rising in the distance, and the largest splattering pot on the trail, the Red Spouter!
Find out more with this Guide to the Fountain Paint Pot Trail!
#4: Artists Paint Pots Trail
Quick Facts on the Artists Paint Pots Trail
Length: 1 mile roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 101 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Why It Makes the List: just like the Fountain Paint Pot Trail above, the Artist Paint Pot Trail contains a trail full of paint and mud pots, with all their vivid colors and sounds! There are also great views overlooking Yellowstone in the distance from some of the slightly higher lookout points along the trail.
#5: Norris Geyser Basin Trail
Quick Facts on the Norris Geyser Basin Trail
Length: 2.9 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 190 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour
Why It Makes the List: The Norris Geyser Basin Trail is literally brimming with activity around every bend of this mostly boardwalk trail! You can experience a never ending parade of pools, steam vents, fumaroles, springs, and geysers here, with fun and whimsical names like Whale’s Mouth, Puff ‘n Stuff Geyser, Green Dragon Spring, Porkchop Geyser, and Crackling Lake. And although Old Faithful is the most famous geyser in Yellowstone National Park, it is actually not the tallest. That title belongs to the Norris Geyser Basin’s own Steamboat Geyser!
While you are visiting the Norris Geyser Basin Trail, don’t miss out on the Norris Geyser Basin Museum, where you can learn just what the difference is between geysers, fumaroles, vents, and springs!
Find out more with this Guide to the Norris Geyser Basin Trail!
#6: Gibbon Falls
Quick Facts on the Gibbon Falls Trail
Length: 0.5 miles roundtrip out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 55 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 15 minutes
Why It Makes the List: while it isn’t the tallest waterfall in Yellowstone, it is one of the most beautiful, and one of the easiest to access. The short trail overlooking Gibbon Falls starts right at the parking lot, which is a quick pull off from the main park road. There are views along the entire half mile length of trail, and if you venture further down the trail away from the parking lot, you will notice the crowds thin out as well! Follow cascading Gibbon Falls from its drop off, and then further down as the river continues into the idyllic valleys and pastures in the distance.
Find out more with this Guide to Gibbon Falls!
#7: Artist Point Trail
Quick Facts on The Artists Point Trail
Length: 0.2 miles out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 16 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 5 minutes
Why It Makes the List: from the Artists Point Trail, you can witness all the majesty of the Upper Falls, Yellowstone’s tallest waterfall, in the heart of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone! It is easily one of the best views in the entire park. And if you are in the mood for more viewpoints of the falls, or harder hikes in the area, there are plenty of them!
#8: Brink of the Upper Yellowstone Falls Trail
Quick Facts on the Brink of the Upper Yellowstone Falls Trail
Length: 0.3 miles roundtrip out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 10 minutes
Why It Makes the List: Another stunning perspective on the largest waterfall in Yellowstone! This is arguably the best spot in the park to witness up close the power behind these falls.
#9: Mammoth Terraces Trail
Quick Facts on the Mammoth Terraces Trail
Length: 2.5 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 383 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour
Why It Makes the List: This alien landscape gives visitors a whole other perspective on one of the most unique regions of this park. These chalky white ledges, or terraces, are what give this trail its name, in the Mammoth Hot Springs area.
#10: Tower Falls Trail
Quick Facts on the Tower Falls Trail
Length: 0.9 miles roundtrip out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 301 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes
Why It Makes the List: Tower Falls is a great waterfall hike option for the whole family, and hikers of various ages and abilities. It highlights the northern part of the park, and while it may not be the most popular, tallest, or most powerful waterfall in Yellowstone, it is far less trafficked, which means you will have more of its impressive beauty to yourself! Tower Falls is 132 feet tall, and cascades as a single column instead of a multi-tiered waterfall. On the brink of the falls are several basalt “tower” formations, which lend the waterfall its name.
#11: Mud Volcano Trail
Quick Facts on the Mud Volcano Trail
Length: 0.8 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 118 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes
Why It Makes the List: With a name like Mud Volcano, this trail is bound to pique your curiosity! The Mud Volcano Trail is found near the western shores of Yellowstone Lake, in the region known as the West Thumb. It’s muddy, it’s bubbling, it’s noisy, it’s steamy, and it’s exciting. This trail is full of ever changing pools of muddy water, hillsides containing barren trees covered in mud and blackened by steam, a gigantic volcanic cone measuring 30 feet wide, and other bizarre sights and sounds.
# 12: West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Quick Facts on the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail
Length: 1 mile roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 62 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 20 – 30 minutes
Why It Makes the List: The West Thumb area on the outskirts of Yellowstone Lake is a hot spot of activity, with loads to witness along the trail. Sights like Percolating Spring, Painted Pool, Thumb Geyser, and Thumb Paintpots, and much more. All with a stunning backdrop of the largest lake in the park.
#13: Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Quick Facts on the Upper Geyser Basin Trail
Length: 3.5 miles roundtrip loop
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 114 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 1.5 – 2 hours
Why It Makes the List: This trail incorporates all of the great things to see and do in the Upper Geyser Basin area, including Old Faithful. If you are looking for a less traditional way to experience this region, including seeing Old Faithful from some different and unique vantage points, than the Upper Geyser Basin Trail is a great option. In addition to Old Faithful, you can also see Firehole River, Beehive Geyser, and more.
#14: Black Sand Basin Trail
Quick Facts on the Black Sand Basin Trail
Length: 0.5 miles roundtrip out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 9 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 10 – 20 minutes
Why It Makes the List: In a park full of pools, streams, and basins, the Black Sand Basin is unique because of its black obsidian sand which covers parts of the basin. There are also additional geysers, hot springs, and pools along the trail, like the popular Emerald Pool and Opalescent Pool.
#15: Mystic Falls Trail
Quick Facts on the Mystic Falls Trail
Length: 2.4 miles roundtrip out and back
Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 147 feet
Estimated Time to Complete: 1 hour
Why It Makes the List: After following a small, gentle creek, hikers will arrive at the 70 foot tall Mystic Falls, surrounded by a welcoming conifer forest.
5 Tips for Hiking in Yellowstone National Park
These 5 tips will help you get the most out of your easy hikes in Yellowstone:
#1: Formulate a Hiking Itinerary Beforehand
Yellowstone National Park is massive! There are 5 separate entrances to the park, and it can literally take most of a days drive to go from one end to the other! Before you arrive, know the logistics of the park, and plan out your hiking itinerary. This list of the best, easy hikes in Yellowstone include hikes from every region of Yellowstone, so you can plan a hiking itinerary based on geographical location, for example, plan a hiking itinerary based on the easy hikes closest to your entrance gate and home base for accommodations, or you can plan a hiking itinerary with a sampling of trails from all areas of Yellowstone, if your goal is to take small bites in each place, but conquer seeing all of the park! If you don’t have a plan in place when you arrive, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of hiking opportunities in Yellowstone!
CHECK OUT: Best 3 Day Yellowstone Itinerary from the West Entrance
#2: Start Early
Especially during peak visiting season, like weekends during the summer months, you will get a lot more out of your time in Yellowstone if you arrive early to the trailheads, and start your hikes early! Yellowstone can get very busy during peaks, and parking lots fill up quickly and early.
An alternative is to do some of these easy hikes in the afternoon, when the crowds begin to thin out, and you may not have to wait as long in traffic or to park. If you plan one of these hikes around 3 or 4, you can have plenty of time to finish before dinner! Just be sure to check the forecast ahead of time, as afternoon showers can be common, especially during the summer months.
Either way, your best bet is to either start early, or start in the afternoon. The biggest time suck possible is to arrive in the mid morning, with the majority of the rest of the crowds, and use up precious hiking time sitting in a parking que, stuck in stand still traffic on park roads, or waiting in enormous lines to use the restroom before or after your hike!
#3: Follow These Safety Rules on All Trails
Yellowstone is a literal “hotbed” of geothermal activity! It is absolutely crucial that you follow all posted safety rules, as well as some common sense safety rules, when hiking in Yellowstone!
- Many of the trails on this list of best easy hikes in Yellowstone National Park traverse geothermal activity areas, full of steam vents, springs, pools, and geysers. While these are mesmerizing to witness in person, they can be deadly to touch (or even worse, fall in in to!). Stay on the trail at all times, whether it is a dirt trail or a boardwalk trail, and make sure that all fellow hikers do the same, especially younger children.
- Never run on any of the Yellowstone trails! As mentioned above, there are dangerous conditions present!
- Supervise children at all times, and never hoist them above a railing to see! Do not allow them to touch, run, shove, or go off trail at any time!
- Do not attempt to pick up items that you may have accidentally dropped near a geothermal area! Accidentally dropped your phone over a railing and it lands by a gurgling paint pot? It’s gone, period. Do not attempt to get it!
- Do NOT bring pets on the trails! Pets are not allowed on trails in Yellowstone National Park. You can check out the full pet policy here. Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed two separate instances of pets getting loose where they shouldn’t have been. One incident included a dog getting loose on trail, then running towards the parking lot, and further on onto the main park road, where it disappeared over the horizon! Another involved a dog getting loose and running towards a herd of bison, with their young. There are serious repercussions to wrongly bringing pets on the trails.
- Bring the right gear! Even though these trails listed are easy hikes in Yellowstone, they still require due preparation in order to safely and responsibly complete your hikes. Always wear the right footwear (no flip flops!), with good support and traction. Anytime you venture onto a trail, have a daypack for all your day hiking necessities. Wear the right active layers, including fabrics that are breathable, moisture wicking, and quick drying. Finally, be prepared with plenty of the best hiking snacks, as well as plenty of water!
#4: Respect Wildlife
Never, ever, ever approach wildlife. Yellowstone is not a petting zoo! Visitors are injured every year from getting close to wildlife like bison, bears, moose, and elk, usually trying to get a picture of them. It is common to witness bison herds along many of Yellowstone’s roads and roadsides, let them pass and do not get out of your car for any reason! Furthermore, if a trail is closed to animal activity, like bear activity, do not hike it! It is further recommended to hike with bear spray, and always be alert for bear activity in all parts of the park, as Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bears!
#5: Be Prepared for the Elements!
In the summer, mosquitos can be worse on shady and heavily forested trails, so mosquito repellent is recommended. Afternoon showers are common in the summer, so a good lightweight, waterproof outer layer may be beneficial. It is also recommended to carry bear spray when hiking Yellowstone’s more interior or less populated trails, as Yellowstone is home to both grizzly and black bear activity.
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