Yellowstone National Park, was established in 1872, stands as a testament to the unrivaled natural wonders of North America. This iconic park spans across three states, including Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Home to the famous Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone National Park boasts unique landscapes that were shaped by powerful geological forces, including the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone,” Mammoth Hot Springs, and several colorful geothermal pools. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the park serves as sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, from the majestic bison and elk to elusive wolves and grizzly bears. It is also a perfect place to spot my favorite animal, the moose. With its expansive wilderness, pristine lakes, and towering mountain ranges, Yellowstone National Park remains a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience into the heart of nature.
Fun Facts about Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park by an act of Congress and signed into law on March 1, 1872, by President Ulysses S. Grant.
- The park spans across 3,472 miles.
- More than half of the world’s geysers are in Yellowstone National Park, with an amount totaling over 500.
- The park sits on top of a super volcano able to cause a magnitude 8 eruption.
- It is one of the most seismically active areas in the United States and has anywhere between 1,500 to 2,500 earthquakes every year.
- Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America.
A Quick Look at Yellowstone National Park
- Best time of year to visit. Late April to early October. The first and last months have milder weather, fewer crowds, and less road closures
- How long to stay. Icould easily spend months in the park, but I would recommend at least three days to get a little taste of everything that it has to offer.
- How to get there. I always prefer to drive to national parks because I can see more things on the way. The closest airport to the park is West Yellowstone Airport (WYS). You can enter the park through either the North Entrance, Northeast Entrance, South Entrance, East Entrance and West Entrance. Coming off Highway 212 and going into the Northeast Entrance is my favorite.
- Places to Stay. There are 12 campgrounds in the park that all but one requires reservations, except for Mammoth Campground in the winter. The park also operates nine lodges with over 2,000 rooms from late spring through fall. Old Faithful Snow Lodge is the only one open in the winter.
Things to Know Before Hiking in Yellowstone National Park
- Yellowstone National Park is in bear country. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or staying in any areas that are homes to potentially dangerous wildlife. Bear spray is a specialized type of pepper spray that is proven to be effective in deterring aggressive wildlife in the event of close encounters. In addition to being effective, bear spray is also a non-lethal option, is quick and easy to use, provides safety for both humans and wildlife, and creates peace of mind while in the wilderness.
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits. In my earlier days of traveling, there have been many times where I found myself driving unnecessary distances to areas with service just so I could access information that I should have already had saved.
- Have offline access to hiking trails maps Unless you are skilled in using topographical maps, I highly recommend that you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you do not have access to a fancy GPS with tracking and SOS messaging in the case of an emergency, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Yellowstone National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
Seventeen Epic Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
1. Old Faithful Geyser Loop
- Length: 0.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 19 feet
No first trip to Yellowstone National Park would be complete without seeing Old Faithful. This geyser shoots anywhere between 3,700 and 8,400 gallons of 204°F water up to 180 feet high about twenty times a day. These eruptions are caused by cavities of groundwater that lie above Yellowstone’s two volcanic chambers of molten rock. The magma heats the underground water, builds up pressure, and eventually gets released from the earth in the most spectacular way. It’s no wonder why this is one of the most popular sites in the entire park.
The mostly boardwalk loop trail is a great way to get some up-close views of geysers erupting and potentially see some bison. However, don’t let the average hike time of 13 minutes fool you. That is the amount of time it generally takes to complete the trail without stopping. Unless you are very lucky and happen to arrive right when the geyser erupts, you are likely to be there for over an hour. Possibly longer. That is because Old Faithful can be hard to predict and can erupt as early as every 35 minutes, or as late as 2 hours, but it is definitely worth the wait.
2. Midway Geyser Basin
- Length: 0.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 55 feet
The Midway Geyser Basin trail is very short and easy, but out of all the hikes I have ever done, this is one of my favorites. You start the trail off by hiking past the famous and mesmerizing Excelsior Geyser. Being a 200 by 300-foot crater, Excelsior was once the largest geyser in the world, but there have not been any known major eruptions since the 1880s. However, when Excelsior was in its prime, it would send water up to 300 feet in the air. That is almost double the height of Old Faithful’s eruptions.
My favorite stop on this hike is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, and the third largest in the world. The bright rings of orange, yellow, and green that surround the spring’s deep blue waters are like nothing I have ever seen before.
Other honorable mentions on this hike include Opal Pool and Turquoise Pool. Because Opal only erupts a few times a year, it is often thought to only be a hot pool, but it is also a geyser. One interesting fact about Turquoise is that it has an underground connection to excelsior that the boardwalk goes right over.
3. Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook
- Length: 1.2 miles
- Elevation 105 feet
To get a different perspective of this 160-foot-deep hole in the earth, you should take the time to hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring overlook. Here you can see the entirety of the colorful rings that surround this body of water.
Many of the bright colors that can be seen in the hydrothermal basins of Yellowstone National Park come from different groups of “thermophiles,” which are bacteria that thrive in hot temperatures. These microorganisms gather by the trillions in the progressively cooler water that surrounds the spring to form visible masses of vibrant colors
4. Wraith Falls
- Length: 0.9
- Elevation gain: 65 feet
The hike to Wraith Falls is decently flat and should be easy enough for hikers of all skill levels to accomplish. On the short hike to the falls, you will walk through a diverse landscape of marshland, meadows of sagebrush, and patches of coniferous forests. Of course, the real reward is not until you get to the actual falls. Here you will get to enjoy the sights and sounds of a 79-foot waterfall that cascades gracefully down a rock face surrounded by lush greenery. I’ve seen this waterfall in winter and the summer, and they are both spectacular. Unfortunately, my camera battery died when I visited in the summer, so you’ll have to see the greenery for yourself. No matter the season, Wraith Falls emanates a tranquil beauty, making it a peaceful and enchanting stop for nature lovers exploring the wonders of Yellowstone National Park.
5. Mammoth Terraces
- Length: 2.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 383 feet
Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces showcases an otherworldly landscape sculpted by the continuous flow of hot, mineral-laden water. This mostly boardwalk hike features intricate formations of travertine created by the deposition of calcium carbonate. Much like the Grand Prismatic Spring, the vibrant white and rusty orange colors are a result of “thermophiles” living in the hot springs. The boardwalks winds through these terraces, and provides an up-close encounter with the ever-changing, surreal beauty of Mammoth Hot Springs. This unique thermal area offers many insights into the dynamic processes that shape some of Yellowstone National Park’s diverse and captivating landscapes.
6. Artist’s Point
- Length: 0.2 miles
- Elevation gain: 16 feet
Located at the southern rim, this iconic viewpoint offers a striking vantage of the canyon’s colorful walls, majestic waterfalls, and the meandering river below. These features make Artist’s Pont is one of the most popular waterfall sights in all of Yellowstone National Park. At the viewpoint you can you Upper Falls, which is 109 feet, and Lower Falls, which is 308 feet. The canyon is more than 1,000 feet deep up to 4,000 feet wide in some areas. With such a large size and because of all the bends in the canyon, there are no locations where both waterfalls are visible at the same time, but you can still enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the awe-inspiring “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” It is a must-see location for those seeking to experience the sublime beauty of one of the park’s most captivating natural wonders.
7. Black Sand Basin Trail
- Length: 0.5 miles
- Elevation gain: 9 feet
This trail is an easy out-and-back hike that takes you on a boardwalk to see the colorful geothermal features of Black Sand Basin. In 1878, this basin was originally named the Emerald Group because of its vibrant and contrasting landscapes but was then changed to its current name by the 1900s. The “black sand” that you see are small fragments of black obsidian that cover portions of the basin. The basin also features a spectrum of colorful hot springs, geysers, and pools that surround the darker colors. One of Black Sand Basin’s highlights is the famous Emerald Pool, which displays striking hues of green, making this area a captivating and unique destination within the geothermal sections of the park.
8. Norris Geyser Basin Trail
- Length: 2.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 190 feet
To get a longer and more secluded experience of the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park, you must visit the Norris Geyser Basin. Because of the high temperatures and acidity, these are some of the fiercest geysers in the entire park, so stay on the boardwalk. Dangers in mind, this basin offers a stunning example of the beauty that can be found in the raw power of Earth’s geology. The Norris Geyser Basin is also the home of the world’s tallest active geyser, Steamboat Geyser. The major eruptions of this geyser have the power to shoot water over 300 feet in the air. This area is a testament to the geothermal forces beneath the ground, as well as a reminder of the fragile balance between the geologic forces shaping our planet and the incredible biodiversity that adapts to thrive in such extreme conditions.
9. Fairy Falls Trail
- Length: 4.8 miles
- Elevation gain: 170 feet
The fairly easy hike to Fairy Falls Trail starts with an enchanting walk through a towering lodgepole pine forest. Along the way, you are also treated to panoramic views of the Midway Geyser Basin. As one meanders along the meadows and boardwalks, the soothing sound of the cascading waterfall grows increasingly louder. Once you finally reach the falls, you are greeted by a magnificent 200-foot curtain of water that is paired with a mossy background. Fairy Falls peacefully encompasses the essence of some of the natural wonders within Yellowstone National Park. If you feel like this hike is not long enough, you can keep going down the trail another 0.6 miles to Spray and Imperial geysers.
10. Mystic Falls Trail
- Length: 2.4miles
- Elevation gain: 147 feet
The hike to Mystic Falls is yet another captivating journey into the heart of Yellowstone National Park’s diverse landscape. This trail is reasonably easy and weaves through lush forests that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you gain elevation, you start to see the spectacular sight of Mystic Falls. The waterfall cascades 70 feet over a terraced rock face that creates an excellent display of nature’s beauty. If you go at the right time of year, you will be rewarded by a trail surrounded by wildflowers. Unfortunately, I did this hike before the flowers were in bloom, but it was beautiful, nonetheless. Mystic Falls Trail is one of Yellowstone National Park’s hidden gems and is a perfect example of its pristine wilderness.
11. Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls, and Inspiration Point via North Rim Trail
- Length: 6.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 675
The “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone” was once buried by lava flows and volcanic tuffs, but hydrothermal gases and hot water weakened the rock and caused the canyon to form. As previously mentioned, this canyon is over 1,000 feet deep, and up to 4,000 feet wide, but it is also 20 miles long. A canyon of this size is bound to have some breathtaking hiking trails. Those who choose to embark on this specific trail in Yellowstone National Park will be able to experience Yellowstone Falls, Crystal Falls, and Inspiration Point. Shortly into the hike, you will first be treated to the awe-inspiring sight of Yellowstone Falls, which plummets a stunning 300 feet into the canyon. Moving on, Crystal Falls brings forth another hidden gem inside the park in the form of a delicate 129-foot waterfall. Lastly, the trail leads to Inspiration Point, which provides a panoramic view of the canyon’s colorful walls.
12. Uncle Tom’s Trail
- Length: 0.6 miles
- Elevation gain: 377 feet
Uncle Tom’s Trail is another exciting adventure that takes you deep into the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” It was named after H.F. Richardson, who was often referred to as Uncle Tom. This man led Yellowstone National Park’s early visitors on guided trips into the canyon. Much of this trail is a series of steep staircases leading down the walls of the canyon. While making your descent, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Lower Falls. The trail finishes with a closer vantage point of the thundering waters of the Lower Falls. This trail pays its respects to the history of the park’s commitment to providing visitors with immersive experiences in the natural world.
13. Lone Star Geyser Trail
- Length: 5.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 127 feet
If you are used to hikes that are several miles long, that this will be an easy and more secluded out-and-back trail that brings you to the heart of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal marvels. The main attraction found on this trail is the iconic Lone Star Geyser, which predictably erupts about every three hours. This Geyser not only showcases one of the best geological wonders within the park, but also provides an intimate connection with its dynamic and ever-changing landscape,
14. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 456 feet
Much of this trail occurs along the Yellowstone River, but parts of it require a steep climb to the east rim of the Narrows within the “Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.” Once the steep section is over, the trail follows the rim of the canyon, and the hike regains its feeling of tranquility. Apart from some steep areas, this is a perfect choice for a leisurely walk or a picnic in a beautiful setting. In addition to experiencing the serine beauty that this part of the park has to offer; you should also keep an eye out for wildlife. While on the rim, look into the canyon where you can often find bighorn sheep. I saw several the last time I did this hike.
15. Bunsen Peak Trail
- Length: 4.4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,282 feet
This trail is a captivating adventure that offers both breathtaking panoramic views and a glimpse into the park’s geological wonders. It ascends through a diverse landscape of coniferous forests, as well as meadows that reveal views of the spectacular mountains and valleys. Once you reach the summit, this trail provides a brand-new perspective of the park’s vast wilderness, which include a glimpse of the Gallatin Mountain Range. The trail is moderately difficult, and may not be suitable for less experienced hikers, but it a “must see” for those who are up to the challenge. With the beautify ascent, the scenic beauty of the mountains and valleys, or different geological insights that this trail has to offer, the Bunsen Peak promises a memorable experience for nature and hiking enthusiasts wishing to explore Yellowstone National Park.
16. Lava Creek Canyon
- Length: 8.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,177 feet
Lava Creek Canyon is another challenging hike that stands as a testament to the Yellowstone National Park’s defining geological history. Carved by ancient volcanic activity, this canyon exhibits striking features that include some of the park’s sheerest rock walls, most rugged terrain, captivating views of unique geological formations that provide a glimpse into its past. This canyon definitely serves as a natural marvel and a living testament to the processes that continue to shape Yellowstone National Park. Lava Creek Canyon is a must-see destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the geological wonders inside the park.
17. Blacktail Plateau Trail
- Length: 16 miles
- Elevation gain: 900 feet
Blacktail Plateau is a loop trail showcasing Yellowstone National Park’s diverse ecosystems that are characterized by expansive grasslands and scattered stands of lodgepole pine forests. In the winter this is used as a ski trail, but I think that it makes a good overnight backpacking trail, as well. This trail also has two trailheads that allow you to cut the distance in half, but only if you have a ride back to your car. Apart from the awe-inspiring scenery, you should keep a watchful eye out for wildlife. Elk, deer, antelope, coyotes, and occasionally bison are frequently seen in this plateau.