Hiking

Hikers on a trail near a river and snowy mountains
 

Yellowstone National Park is one of America's premier wilderness areas. The park encompasses more than 2.2 million acres, has more than 1,100 miles (1,770 km) of hiking trails, and is primarily managed as wilderness. Day hiking does not require a permit.

When planning a hike, remember that many of Yellowstone’s trails are more than 7,000 feet above sea level. Most areas retain snow until late May or early June, and some (especially mountain passes) are snow-covered until late July. Also, many routes require fording rivers that can be 25 feet wide, 3 to 6 feet deep, extremely cold, and swiftly running during our late spring runoff. It’s hard to tell from a map whether a stream will be a raging torrent or merely a swollen creek. Check our Backcountry Conditions Page for the most up-to-date information on park trails.

Find a Hike

Review the map to see where different hikes are located, or select an area to see what hike descriptions are available.

 
 
 
  • A person in a mobility chair photographs a canyon and river.
    Canyon Hikes

    Hike around the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River to see mountains and canyons.

  • Hiker on a mountain ridge with a lake in the distance.
    Fishing Bridge & Lake Hikes

    Hikes in this area provide views of Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding mountains.

  • Mountain views along the Madison River.
    Madison Hikes

    Hikes in the Madison area meander through conifer forest.

  • A person hikes up a trail with mountain views.
    Mammoth Hot Springs Hikes

    The trails around Mammoth Hot Springs have a full range of difficultly and environments to explore.

  • Blue and orange hot spring steams and churns.
    Old Faithful Hikes

    Hydrothermal features abound in the Upper Geyser Basin, and many trails in the area lead to some quieter views.

  • A group of people hikes through a wildflower-covered hillside.
    Tower & Northeast Hikes

    Explore valleys, mountains, and petrified forests in the northeast part of the park.

  • A person walks on a boardwalk near a hot spring at sunrise.
    West Thumb & Grant Hikes

    Hikes in the south part of the park reward hikers with spectacular lake views.

  • people hiking on a trail through an alpine landscape with a lake in the distance
    Backcountry Situation Report

    Check our Backcountry Situation Report beforehand for the most updated backcountry conditions.

  • Two backcountry hikers cross a stream with trekking poles.
    Backcountry Safety

    Stay safe in Yellowstone’s backcountry! Carry bear spray, store food properly, check weather, and be prepared for changing conditions.

 

Last updated: March 26, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168

Phone:

307-344-7381

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