If it’s your first time in Yellowstone, it’s easy to feel like you need to tackle “big” hikes to make the trip worth it. The reality: some of the best views in the park are on short, easy trails that almost anyone can enjoy—with the right preparation.
This guide focuses on easy hikes in Yellowstone that are realistic for beginners, kids, and casual hikers. Most are short, have modest elevation gain, and still deliver classic Yellowstone scenery: canyons, waterfalls, geysers, and big lake views.
💡 Before you go: Check the official Yellowstone National Park website or visitor centers for current trail conditions and closures. Wildlife activity, weather, and maintenance can close trails with little notice.
What Makes a Hike “Easy” in Yellowstone?
For this guide, “easy” generally means:
- Short distance – usually around 1–4 miles round-trip
- Moderate or gentle elevation – some short climbs, but no huge sustained uphill
- Good footing – mostly established dirt trails, boardwalks, or well-worn paths
- No technical skills required – just basic fitness, reasonable shoes, and awareness
Even on easy trails, Yellowstone is still high elevation, wild country. Start slow, drink water, and don’t stack too many hikes on your first day if you’re not used to the altitude.
If you haven’t already, check out your [year-round hiking gear list] for ideas on what to bring, even on short outings.
Essential Safety Tips for Beginner Hikes
Before we get to the trail list, a few big-picture safety reminders:
- Stay on the trail and boardwalks.
In thermal areas, the ground can be thin and dangerously hot just inches below the surface. - Give wildlife space.
Stay at least 25 yards from bison, elk, and most wildlife, and 100 yards from bears and wolves. If an animal changes its behavior because of you, you’re too close. - Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
Many trails travel through prime bear habitat. Keep it accessible—not buried in your pack. - Watch the weather.
Afternoon thunderstorms, wind, and sudden temperature drops are common. Pack layers, a light rain shell, and extra snacks. - Start earlier than you think.
Mornings are cooler, less crowded, and better for wildlife viewing. Parking is also much easier.
8 Easy Hikes in Yellowstone for Beginners
These hikes are organized roughly by area so you can combine them into a day or two of exploring.
Distances and times are approximate—always double-check with a current park map or ranger before heading out.
1. Storm Point Trail (Yellowstone Lake Area)
- Distance: ~2.3 miles (loop)
- Elevation: Mostly gentle with a short hill
- Time: 1–1.5 hours
- Trailhead: East of Fishing Bridge, along Yellowstone Lake
Storm Point is one of the best introductory hikes in Yellowstone. The trail starts near a meadow, passes through a peaceful lodgepole pine forest, and opens onto dramatic views of Yellowstone Lake from a rocky point.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Relatively flat, well-marked trail
- Big payoff at the lake overlook
- Good chance to see marmots and other small wildlife
2. Trout Lake (Northeast / Lamar Valley Area)
- Distance: ~1.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation: Short but steep climb at the start
- Time: 45–60 minutes
- Trailhead: Just off the Northeast Entrance Road, near Lamar Valley
Trout Lake is a short loop with a big view. You’ll climb a brief but steady hill through the forest, then arrive at a quiet alpine lake ringed by trees and peaks.
Why it’s good for beginners:
- Short distance
- Beautiful, calm setting
- Often less crowded than major geyser areas
The initial climb can feel a bit spicy if you’re not used to elevation, but it’s over quickly. Take it slow and you’ll be fine.
3. Wraith Falls (Mammoth / North Entrance Area)
- Distance: ~1 mile round-trip
- Elevation: Gentle
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Trailhead: Near the road between Mammoth and the Northeast Entrance
This is a short, straightforward walk to a pretty cascade spilling down a rocky hillside. It’s an excellent leg-stretcher if you’re driving between areas or staying near Mammoth.
Why it’s good for beginners:
- Easy, family-friendly trail
- Short with a clear destination
- Nice payoff without committing half your day
4. Pelican Creek Nature Trail (Yellowstone Lake Area)
- Distance: ~1 mile loop
- Elevation: Mostly flat
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Trailhead: Near the north shore of Yellowstone Lake, east of Fishing Bridge
Pelican Creek offers a mellow stroll through forest and wetlands to lake views. It’s great if you want something that feels more like a nature walk than a traditional hike.
Why it’s good for beginners:
- Short, mostly flat loop
- Good for kids and “first hike of the trip” confidence
- Nice mix of forest, creek, and lake scenery
⚠️ This trail is sometimes closed for bear activity. Always check current conditions.
5. Upper Geyser Basin & Old Faithful Boardwalks (Old Faithful Area)
- Distance: Variable; you choose your loop (1–3+ miles)
- Elevation: Mostly flat boardwalks and paved paths
- Time: 1–3 hours depending on how far you wander
- Trailhead: Old Faithful area
Not a “hike” in the traditional sense, but the Upper Geyser Basin is one of the best easy walking areas in Yellowstone. Boardwalks wind through a dense concentration of geysers, hot springs, and pools.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- You control the distance—turn around at any time
- No steep climbs; mostly flat and easy
- World-class geothermal features with minimal effort
Combine this with watching Old Faithful erupt and you’ve got an extremely satisfying half-day that still counts as time on your feet.
6. Midway Geyser Basin & Grand Prismatic Overlook (Geyser Basin Area)
Midway Geyser Basin Boardwalk
- Distance: ~0.8 mile loop
- Elevation: Minimal
- Time: 30–45 minutes
This short boardwalk loop showcases Grand Prismatic Spring and other colorful pools from ground level. Steam can obscure views on cool days, but it’s still a surreal landscape.
Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail
- Distance: ~1.2–1.6 miles round-trip
- Elevation: Modest climb on a well-graded trail
- Time: 45–75 minutes
- Trailhead: Fairy Falls parking lot
From the overlook, you’ll get the famous bird’s-eye view of Grand Prismatic. The trail is short, with a brief but steady uphill section.
Why this combo works for beginners:
- Two short outings with massive payoff
- Good “step up” after easier lake or boardwalk walks
- Easy to fit into a day of driving the geyser basin area
7. Mystic Falls via Biscuit Basin (Old Faithful Area – Easier-Moderate)
- Distance: ~2.4 miles round-trip
- Elevation: Moderate climb to the falls overlook
- Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Trailhead: Biscuit Basin parking area
Mystic Falls is a great introduction to a slightly more “real” hike while still being beginner-friendly if you take your time. The trail starts on a boardwalk through Biscuit Basin, then heads into the forest alongside a creek, ending at a scenic waterfall.
Why it’s good for newer hikers:
- Manageable distance
- Nice mix of basin, forest, and waterfall
- Good next step after shorter, flatter walks
If your group is very new to hiking or sensitive to hills, you can always enjoy just the boardwalk portion and skip the trail section.
8. South Rim Trail to Artist Point (Canyon Area – Easy Section)
- Distance: ~1–2 miles depending on how far you go
- Elevation: Some rolling terrain but no huge climbs if you keep it short
- Time: 45–90 minutes
- Trailhead: South Rim / Artist Point parking area
The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the park’s showstoppers, and you don’t need a long or difficult hike to see it. The segment of the South Rim Trail near Artist Point offers stunning views of the canyon and Lower Falls.
Why it’s beginner-friendly:
- You can keep it very short and still see a lot
- Well-defined trail with jaw-dropping scenery
- Great option if you’re easing into hiking but still want a “big” view
Choosing the Right Easy Hike for Your Group
A few quick filters to help you pick:
- Travel day / short legs:
Wraith Falls, Pelican Creek, Midway Geyser Basin, or Upper Geyser Basin loops. - With kids or mixed fitness levels:
Storm Point, Trout Lake (if short hills are okay), Pelican Creek, or Old Faithful boardwalk areas. - Want a “real hike” feel but still beginner-friendly:
Storm Point, Mystic Falls, South Rim Trail segments. - Love water and big views:
Storm Point, South Rim Trail to Artist Point, Trout Lake.
Remember: at Yellowstone’s elevation, even short hills can feel tougher than they look on paper. It’s perfectly fine to call it a win after one or two short hikes in a day.
Sample Easy Hiking Day in Yellowstone
Here’s a simple, beginner-friendly day you could suggest on your site:
Option: Old Faithful & Geyser Country
- Morning:
- Explore Upper Geyser Basin boardwalks and watch Old Faithful erupt.
- Midday:
- Drive to Midway Geyser Basin and walk the short loop.
- Afternoon:
- Hike to the Grand Prismatic Overlook from the Fairy Falls trailhead.
Option: Lake & Canyon
- Morning:
- Hike Storm Point near Yellowstone Lake.
- Midday:
- Picnic by the lake or near Fishing Bridge.
- Afternoon:
- Walk portions of the South Rim Trail around Artist Point for canyon views.
What to Bring on Easy Hikes in Yellowstone
Even on short walks, Yellowstone’s conditions can change quickly. At minimum, pack:
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes (trail runners or light hikers)
- Water (more than you think you’ll need)
- Snacks
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Light layers (fleece or long-sleeve shirt + rain shell)
- Bear spray, carried where you can reach it
- Small first aid kit / blister care
- Phone or map with offline directions
For more information on what to pack check out our What to Pack for Hiking in Yellowstone (Year-Round Gear List)
Next Steps: From Easy Hikes to Full-Day Adventures
Starting with easy hikes in Yellowstone is the best way to get comfortable with the park, the altitude, and your gear. Once you’ve done a few of these, you’ll have a much better feel for what kind of distance and terrain your group actually enjoys.
From here, you can:
- Step up to your [Best Day Hikes in Yellowstone for First-Time Visitors] guide for longer outings, or
- Dive into specific trail guides as you build them out (Mystic Falls, Storm Point, Trout Lake, etc.)
However you structure your trip, a handful of well-chosen easy hikes will give you big memories with minimal stress—and that’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.