Top 5 Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

Jim Holstein |

People often wonder what the best hike in Yellowstone is. However, this tends to come down to personal preference. There are easy trails that take you to impeccable views, while there are longer, more difficult trails that also lead to impressive payoffs. Below are 5 of the most popular hikes in Yellowstone National Park that you won’t want to miss if you’re planning on hiking Yellowstone.

#1: North Rim Trail

Located in the Grand Canyon area of Yellowstone, the North Rim Trail is a moderate hike of roughly eight miles that follows the northern edge of the canyon. On this trail, you will encounter some of the most popular viewpoints in the area, including Grand View, Lookout Point, Crystal Falls Overlook, and Brink of the Upper Falls.

#2: Fairy Falls Trail

As one of the best waterfall hikes in Yellowstone, Fairy Falls Trail offers incredible waterfall views, as well as an impressive view of the Grand Prismatic Spring. From beautiful wildflowers to bears, there is a lot to see on this easy, kid-friendly hike to the 200-foot-high Fairy Falls waterfall. This is also the area of a younger pine forest, which is recovering from a late 1980s forest fire.

#3: Midway Geyser Basin Trail

For an up close and personal look at the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Midway Geyser Basin Trail is a short yet rewarding trail at less than one mile. Often referred to as the boardwalk trail, this trail will allow you to encounter all of the beautiful colors of the Grand Prismatic Spring—pinks, blues, purples—that are harder to see from the overlook point.

#4: Observation Point Trail

Old Faithful is Yellowstone’s most popular geyser. Erupting between 100 and 180 feet and roughly every 94 minutes, Old Faithful can be seen by hiking Yellowstone via the moderate Observation Point Trail. This trail provides you with a unique vantage point of the geyser. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the observation point before the next eruption to ensure you don’t miss it.  

#5: Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop Trail

At roughly four miles, the Clear Lake-Ribbon Lake Loop Trail is an easy to moderate hike that offers a lot of variety for those looking to take in popular hotspots and the backcountry. From wildflower meadows and forests to hydrothermal activity, this trail will take you to the majestic, emerald green lake known as Clear Lake and the beautiful Ribbon Lake covered in lily pads.

There are many beautiful trails and places to see in Yellowstone National Park. With great hikes for everyone, this is by far one of the best national parks in the United States. Consider requesting information about Yellowstone Guided Tours to experience the park with an entertaining and informative guide.