Exploring the trails of Yellowstone National Park offers a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual visitor, knowing the Yellowstone National Park hiking trail length and width is essential for planning your adventure. With diverse landscapes ranging from geysers and waterfalls to forests and mountains, each trail provides a unique experience.
This guide highlights 20 trails, detailing their lengths and widths to help you choose the perfect path for your next hike.
1. Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail
Length: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Width: Approximately 3-6 feet (1-2 meters)
The Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail is a short, paved loop around the iconic geyser. This trail is well-maintained and wide enough to accommodate both wheelchairs and strollers, making it accessible for all visitors.
2. Mystic Falls Trail
Length: 2.4 miles (3.9 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
This moderate trail offers a scenic hike to Mystic Falls. The path narrows in some places, especially near the waterfall, requiring hikers to walk single file.
3. Fairy Falls Trail
Length: 5 miles (8 km) round trip
Width: 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters)
The Fairy Falls Trail provides an easy-to-moderate hike through the woods and opens up to stunning views of Fairy Falls. The trail’s width allows for easy navigation but can be narrower in the forested sections.
4. Mount Washburn Trail
Length: 6 miles (9.7 km) round trip
Width: 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters)
The Mount Washburn Trail is a popular day hike leading to a fire lookout tower. It offers panoramic views of Yellowstone. The trail is wide enough for comfortable hiking, with some sections slightly narrower due to rocky terrain.
5. Lone Star Geyser Trail
Length: 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round trip
Width: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
This trail follows an old service road, making it one of the wider paths in the park. The hike is relatively flat and easy, ideal for those looking to enjoy a gentle stroll through nature.
6. Uncle Tom’s Trail
Length: 0.6 miles (1 km) round trip
Width: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Uncle Tom’s Trail is short but steep, featuring a series of stairs leading down to the base of the Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The narrow trail requires careful footing, especially on the stairs.
7. Avalanche Peak Trail
Length: 4.2 miles (6.8 km) round trip
Width: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
A challenging hike that leads to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the Avalanche Peak Trail is narrow, rocky, and steep in places. Hikers need to be prepared for the rugged terrain.
8. Bunsen Peak Trail
Length: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip
Width: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
The Bunsen Peak Trail is a moderate hike with a steady incline. The trail is relatively narrow, especially as it approaches the peak, and requires single-file hiking in some sections.
9. Elephant Back Mountain Trail
Length: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) round trip
Width: 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters)
This trail offers a moderate hike with a scenic view of Yellowstone Lake from the top. The trail is moderately wide but can be slightly narrower near the summit due to the steep terrain.
10. Storm Point Trail
Length: 2.3 miles (3.7 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
A loop trail that takes hikers through diverse landscapes, including forests and meadows. The trail is relatively narrow, especially through the forested areas, but it’s an easy hike overall.
11. Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail
Length: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round trip
Width: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
This moderate trail follows the Yellowstone River and provides breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. The path is narrow in sections, especially along the cliff edges.
12. Trout Lake Trail
Length: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) round trip
Width: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
A short, steep hike to a beautiful lake, Trout Lake Trail is narrow and can be slippery in wet conditions. It’s a popular trail for fishing enthusiasts.
13. Beaver Ponds Loop Trail
Length: 5 miles (8 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
The Beaver Ponds Loop Trail is a moderate hike that offers the chance to see beaver ponds and various wildlife. The trail varies in width and can be narrow in some areas, requiring hikers to walk single file.
14. Lost Lake Trail
Length: 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip
Width: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
This trail takes hikers to a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forest. The path is moderately wide but can narrow through the forested sections.
15. Mount Sheridan Trail
Length: 12 miles (19.3 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
A strenuous hike with significant elevation gain, the Mount Sheridan Trail is narrow and rocky in places. This trail is suitable for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
16. Pelican Creek Nature Trail
Length: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) round trip
Width: 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
A short, easy trail that offers views of Pelican Creek and Yellowstone Lake. The trail is relatively narrow but well-maintained, making it suitable for all skill levels.
17. Yellowstone Lake Overlook Trail
Length: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip
Width: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
This trail provides a moderate hike with stunning views of Yellowstone Lake. The trail width varies, with some sections allowing for side-by-side hiking and others requiring single-file navigation.
18. Slough Creek Trail
Length: 21 miles (33.8 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
A long, moderate trail popular with anglers and backpackers, the Slough Creek Trail is narrow in sections, particularly near the creek. The trail requires careful navigation, especially for those carrying gear.
19. North Rim Trail
Length: 6.8 miles (10.9 km) round trip
Width: 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Following the edge of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the North Rim Trail offers stunning views of the canyon and waterfalls. The trail is narrow in some places, especially near the cliffs, requiring caution.
20. Hellroaring Creek Trail
Length: 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip
Width: 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
This trail offers a moderate hike to Hellroaring Creek. The trail is moderately wide but can narrow near the creek, especially on steep inclines.
Yellowstone National Park offers a diverse range of hiking trails, each with unique lengths and widths. Whether you’re looking for a short, accessible walk or a challenging backcountry trek, Yellowstone has something for everyone. Always check trail conditions before setting out and be prepared for varying trail widths and surfaces. Happy hiking!
