Introduction
Yellowstone can feel overwhelming on your first trip. The park is huge, driving distances are longer than they look on the map, and every sign seems to point toward another “must-see” geyser, canyon or waterfall.
This guide narrows it down.
Below are some of the best day hikes in Yellowstone for first-time visitors—trails that deliver big scenery without requiring technical skills or all-day sufferfests. You’ll get:
- Approximate distance and difficulty
- What makes each hike special
- Practical tips on parking, timing and safety
Use this list to build a few perfect hiking days that match your fitness level and the parts of the park you’re most excited about.
How to Choose the Right Day Hike in Yellowstone
Before you pick trails, it helps to understand a few Yellowstone basics.
Driving time matters more than miles
Yellowstone’s roads are mostly two-lane and often slow. A 30-mile drive can easily take an hour or more once you factor in traffic, wildlife jams and construction. It’s best to:
- Cluster hikes by region (Canyon, Old Faithful, Lake, Lamar, etc.)
- Aim for 1–2 main hikes per day rather than bouncing all over the map
Think in “regions,” not just trails
Most first-time visitors stick to a loop like:
- Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin
- Midway & Lower Geyser Basins (Grand Prismatic area)
- Canyon & Yellowstone River
- Yellowstone Lake
- Lamar Valley (especially for wildlife)
The hikes below are grouped roughly by region so you can connect the dots.
Match the trail to your comfort level
Even the “easy” hikes in Yellowstone can feel harder because of:
- Higher elevation than many visitors are used to
- Uneven terrain or boardwalk stairs
- Heat, afternoon thunderstorms and sudden cold snaps
If you’re newer to hiking, start with 2–4 mile trails and work up from there.
Best Day Hikes in Yellowstone (First-Timer Friendly)
You don’t have to do all of these on one trip. Think of this as a “menu” you can choose from based on where you’re staying and how much you want to hike each day.
1. Grand Prismatic Overlook & Fairy Falls
Region: Midway Geyser Basin
Distance: ~6–7 miles round trip (shorter if you only do the overlook)
Difficulty: Easy–moderate
Highlights: Iconic Grand Prismatic view, forested trail, waterfall
This combo gives you two classic sights in one hike.
From the Fairy Falls trailhead, a short climb to the Grand Prismatic Overlook gives you the postcard view of the huge blue-green hot spring you don’t get from the boardwalk below. After soaking that in, continue along a mostly flat forest road to Fairy Falls, a tall, delicate waterfall pouring down a cliff face.
Tips:
- Go early or late in the day for better parking and less thermal steam over Grand Prismatic.
- Stay on the signed trail—off-trail shortcuts damage fragile thermal ground.
- This is a great “warm-up” hike for your first full day in the park.
2. South Rim Trail: Artist Point to Point Sublime
Region: Canyon Village / Yellowstone River
Distance: ~2–3 miles round trip (more if you explore side spurs)
Difficulty: Easy–moderate (some short climbs, drop-offs near edge)
Highlights: Huge canyon views, Lower Falls, classic Yellowstone scenery
If you picture a deep canyon with a powerful waterfall and mist rising from the river, this is probably what you’re imagining.
From Artist Point, follow the South Rim Trail east toward Point Sublime. The path undulates along the rim with multiple side viewpoints into the canyon and back toward the famous Lower Falls.
Tips:
- This is a good midday hike; canyon breezes can make it feel cooler.
- Keep kids close—there are drop-offs and only partial railings.
- Pair this with a drive or short walk along the North Rim overlooks for different angles.
3. Mystic Falls via Biscuit Basin
Region: Old Faithful / Upper Geyser Basin
Distance: ~3–4 miles round trip (longer with overlook loop)
Difficulty: Moderate (some steeper sections if you include the overlook)
Highlights: Geyser basin, forested canyon, waterfall, optional viewpoint
Start on the Biscuit Basin boardwalk, where steaming pools and small geysers line the path. At the far end, a trail leads into the forest along the Little Firehole River to Mystic Falls, a dramatic series of cascades in a tight canyon.
If you’re feeling strong, a loop continues above the falls to an overlook with great views back toward Old Faithful and the broader basin.
Tips:
- This one is excellent if you want both thermal features and a “real” hike in a single outing.
- Boardwalks can be slippery—no running, and always stay on the constructed path in thermal areas.
4. Lone Star Geyser Trail
Region: Old Faithful area
Distance: ~4.8–5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy–moderate (mostly gentle grade on an old service road)
Highlights: Forested river walk, backcountry geyser with periodic eruptions
The Lone Star Geyser trail follows an old road along the Firehole River through quiet forest to a solitary cone geyser in a clearing. Periodically it erupts in a powerful column of water and steam—without the crowds of Old Faithful.
Tips:
- Check the logbook at the geyser or ask a ranger for recent eruption intervals; you may want to time your visit.
- The road-like trail makes this a good candidate for family hikes or mellow days between harder outings.
5. Elephant Back Mountain
Region: Yellowstone Lake / Lake Village
Distance: ~3.5–4 miles round trip loop
Difficulty: Moderate (steady climb, some switchbacks)
Highlights: Big lake views, forest, good workout without all-day commitment
From the trailhead near Fishing Bridge/Lake Village, the path climbs through forest to a loop at the top of Elephant Back with several lookout points over Yellowstone Lake and the surrounding peaks.
Tips:
- Expect a steady uphill on the way up; take your time and enjoy the forest.
- This is a great late afternoon or early evening hike for sunset light over the lake.
6. Storm Point Trail
Region: Yellowstone Lake / East side
Distance: ~2.3 miles round trip loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Lakeshore scenery, open meadows, rock outcrop with views
The Storm Point loop is a short, scenic hike that combines forest, meadow and shoreline. After a brief walk through lodgepole pines you’ll emerge onto open terrain with views across Yellowstone Lake before circling back through the woods.
Tips:
- Watch for bison; give them plenty of space and never try to pass closely on the trail.
- On windy days the point lives up to its name—bring a layer even if it’s warm at the car.
7. Trout Lake
Region: Lamar Valley
Distance: ~1–1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy–moderate (short but fairly steep initial climb)
Highlights: Quiet mountain lake, wildlife watching, great “short hike” stop
A short but steep climb leads to a tranquil bowl holding Trout Lake, ringed by forest and peaks. This is a lovely spot to stroll the shoreline, watch for fish and waterfowl, and soak in the surrounding Lamar Valley landscape.
Tips:
- Combine this with a Lamar Valley driving / wildlife day rather than making a special trip.
- Early morning and evening are best for calm water and wildlife activity.
8. Lamar River / Valley Stroll
Region: Lamar Valley
Distance: Variable (easy to do 2–5 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Easy–moderate depending on distance and route
Highlights: Classic wildlife country, open valley views, sense of space
Lamar Valley is often called “America’s Serengeti,” and while many people simply drive and pull off at viewpoints, you can also turn parts of the Lamar River Trail into a gentle out-and-back hike.
You’ll walk through open sagebrush country with wide views, frequent bison, and the possibility of spotting pronghorn, elk and occasionally wolves from a distance.
Tips:
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it; this is prime wildlife habitat.
- Never approach or surround animals for a closer photo; use binoculars or a long lens instead.
Sample 3-Day Hiking Plan for First-Time Visitors
Use this as a loose template and swap hikes based on where you’re staying and how you feel.
Day 1 – Old Faithful & Geyser Country
- Morning: Explore Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks
- Midday / Afternoon: Mystic Falls via Biscuit Basin
- Optional: Shorter strolls around nearby basins if you still have energy
Day 2 – Canyon & Midway Geyser Basin
- Morning: South Rim Trail – Artist Point to Point Sublime
- Afternoon: Drive to Grand Prismatic Overlook & Fairy Falls
- Evening: If you’re staying nearby, a sunset or late-day look at Old Faithful without the bus crowds
Day 3 – Lake & Lamar
- Morning: Elephant Back Mountain or Storm Point near Yellowstone Lake
- Afternoon / Evening: Drive into Lamar Valley
- Short hike at Trout Lake
- Slow drive and pullouts for wildlife viewing
This mix gives you waterfalls, geysers, lake views and wildlife without any single day feeling like a death march.
Essential Safety Tips for Hiking in Yellowstone
Even on “easy” hikes, Yellowstone is not a city park. A few non-negotiables:
Bear & wildlife safety
- Carry bear spray on your hip or chest, not buried in your pack.
- Hike in groups when possible and make noise in brushy or wooded areas.
- Never approach wildlife. Stay at least 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from all other animals.
Thermal area rules
- In any geyser basin or thermal area, stay on boardwalks and signed trails.
- The ground can be thin and deadly hot just inches away from the path—ignore footprints leading off-trail.
Weather & conditions
- Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring extra layers, rain protection and a warm hat even in summer.
- Start longer hikes earlier in the day to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and crowds.
- Check current conditions and closures on the official Yellowstone National Park website or at a visitor center before heading out.
What to Pack for a Day Hike in Yellowstone
You don’t need expedition-level gear, but you do want to be ready for sun, wind, rain and cool temperatures in the same day.
At a minimum:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners
- Lightweight layers (base layer, warm mid-layer, wind/rain jacket)
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- 1.5–3 liters of water per person depending on distance and heat
- Snacks and/or lunch
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
- Bear spray
- Map or offline navigation app
For a full breakdown of recommended clothing, packs, and season-by-season extras, see What to Pack for Hiking in Yellowstone (Year-Round Gear List).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for hiking in Yellowstone?
If you’re focused on hiking, 3–5 days is a nice sweet spot. That gives you time to explore geyser basins, hike in the canyon and lake areas, and spend at least one afternoon/evening in Lamar Valley.
Are these hikes okay for kids?
Many of them are, especially Storm Point, Trout Lake, parts of the South Rim Trail, and the Lamar Valley strolls, as long as you keep a close eye on kids near drop-offs and in thermal areas. Always factor in your own children’s comfort level with distance and elevation.
Do I need special permits for these day hikes?
For the hikes listed here, no special day-hiking permits are required beyond the standard park entrance fee. Backcountry overnights and some specific activities (like fishing) do require permits or licenses—check with the park beforehand.