5 Beautiful Hikes You Have To Take at Yellowstone National Park

Spend time in America’s oldest national park

If you love nature, hiking to your heart's content, and being one with wildlife, then there's no place better than Yellowstone National Park.

The birthplace of national parks, Yellowstone was America's first national park and is widely considered the first in the world. Established in 1872, the park boasts an eye-popping 2.2 million acres of land, and calling the park home is an impressive ecosystem filled with a diverse variety of animals.

From bison and elk to wolves and grizzly bears, the wildlife at Yellowstone is unrivaled. And, of course, there are the park's iconic geothermal features like the Old Faithful geyser. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide how to spend your time at Yellowstone.

That's why we've put together a list of five beautiful hikes in the park so you can experience the perfect sample of what Yellowstone offers. (We've whittled down 250 trais to just 5!). So whether you're looking for an easy day hike or something more challenging, there's sure to be a hike on this list for you.

Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail

Sure, everyone has heard of Old Faithful. But did you know a lovely loop trail that surrounds the geyser?

The Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail is short, making it a great option for those looking for an easy hike. The boardwalk trail will take you right around the geyser, and there is a strong chance you will see a big eruption from it. This trail is also perfect for getting some stunning pictures of some of the local bison.

Total Distance: 0.68  Miles

Elevation Gain: 19 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Yellowstone National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• The road leading to this trail is closed during the winter months
• This trail can close on short notice if there is bear activity in the area
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• No dogs allowed on this trail

Avalanche Peak Trail

If you want to get a view of the majestic mountains that surround Yellowstone, then you need to hike the Avalanche Peak Trail.

This trail is one of the more challenging on our list, but don't let that discourage you because the views from the top are more than worth it. 

While the trail does require you to be steady on your feet due to some loose footing and a few drop-offs, the real challenge comes from the long hike up to the peak.

Total Distance: 4.47 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2070 Feet

Difficulty: Hard - Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Yellowstone National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• The road leading to this trail is closed during the winter months
• This trail can close on short notice if there is bear activity in the area
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Taking Bear and bug spray are recommended on this trail

Midway Geyser Basin Trail

Stunning pictures and beautiful colors are abundant on the Midway Geyser Basin Trail.

This trail is a great option for those who want to see some of Yellowstone's geothermal features but don't want to do a lot of hiking. The boardwalk trail will take you right through the heart of the Midway Geyser Basin so you can get a prestine look at the geyser. 

But be warned, this is one, if not the most popular attractions in the park, so getting there early is key if you don't want to fight for a parking spot.

Total Distance: 0.68 Miles

Elevation Gain: 55.7 Feet

Difficulty: Easy - Walking, Running, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Yellowstone National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• The road leading to this trail is closed during the winter months
• This trail can close on short notice if there is bear activity in the area
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Parking is sparse for this trail

Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek, and Little Firehole Loop

Rushing rivers, steaming hot springs, and gorgeous mountain views. You get it all on this trail.

The Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek, and Little Firehole Loop are great for those who want to see a bit of everything that Yellowstone has to offer. This trail will take you by three different rivers, hot springs, geysers, and mountains. You will spend time going through the different biomes that make up Yellowstone and see how each one is unique.

Total Distance: 3.47 Miles

Elevation Gain: 606 Feet

Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Yellowstone National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• The road leading to this trail is closed during the winter months
• This trail can close on short notice if there is bear activity in the area
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Taking Bear and bug spray are recommended on this trail

Grand Prismatic Hot Spring

The view that brings most people to Yellowstone park is right here on this trail — an overlook of the hot springs.

The Grand Prismatic Hot Spring is the largest hot spring in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The vibrant colors are created by different types of bacteria that thrive in different temperatures. The center of the spring is too hot for even these bacteria to survive, which is why it appears blue. Make sure to bring a camera, you won't want to miss this!

Total Distance: 1.49 Miles

Elevation Gain: 200  Feet

Difficulty: Easy  - Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info:

• Yellowstone National Park charges a fee to enter the park
• The road leading to this trail is closed during the winter months
• This trail can close on short notice if there is bear activity in the area
• No dogs allowed on this trail

So there you have it, five of the most beautiful trails Yellowstone offers. Whether you're looking for a challenge or just want to take in the sights, there's something for everyone. Just make sure to come prepared, and most importantly, have fun!