Trails

Mallard Lake Trail

7-mile lake hike through bear country. Thermal springs, river crossing, exposed terrain. Bring water and bear sense.

Mammoth Hot Springs Trails

Travertine boardwalks, steep stairs, thermal features throughout. Duration 30-90 min. Stay on trail—hazards are real.

★ 4.9 1,128 reviews

Morning Glory Pool

2.8 miles round-trip; easy paved stroll with geysers along the route.

Mount Washburn Bike Trail

Brutal 3-mile climb to alpine views. Bears present—carry spray and grit.

Mount Washburn Spur Trail

16.2mi strenuous, no water on trail. Grizzly territory. Hikers only—group of 3+ essential.

Mud Volcano Trail

Short geothermal loop with boardwalks and steep grades. Mud pots, fumaroles, volcanic heat. Easy but requires focus.

Mystic Falls Trail

70-foot waterfall in geothermal forest. Moderately strenuous—hydrate and stay on trail near boiling springs.

Natural Bridge Bike Trail

Bike 2.5mi, then hike a brutal switchback to a 51-foot bridge. Bears patrol this zone—bring spray.

Natural Bridge Trail

Water carved a 51ft bridge. Bears close it early summer. 2.5mi easy, semi-paved. Confirm opening date first.

Nez Perce National Historic Trail

Retrace Chief Joseph's 1877 flight through Yellowstone. A sacred journey, not casual hiking—approach with respect.

Norris Geyser Basin Trails

Two boardwalk loops through active geysers and hot springs. Easy but intense: 30–90 min on thermal terrain. Stay on boardwalks.

North Rim Ski Trail

3-mile ski loop with serious canyon rim exposure. Bison roam here—pack nerve and respect.

Observation Peak Trail

9.6-mile summit push: 1,400-foot climb to peak views. Strenuous grind—bring water and mental toughness.

Observation Point Loop Snowshoe Trail

2-mile winter grind with 160ft switchback climb. Geyser Basin views worth the lung-burn. Bison alert. Winter only.

★ 4.8 18 reviews

Observation Point Trailhead

1-mile out-and-back near Old Faithful. Rougher on the extended loop, big payoff at the viewpoint.

Old Canyon Bridge Ski Trail

1-mile flat ski with river views. Easy terrain, hard winter. Come prepared.

Old Lake Road Bike Trail

Flat lakeside ride with mandatory bear spray. Grizzly country—not for beginners unfamiliar with wildlife.

Osprey Falls Trail

700-foot descent to a 150-foot waterfall in Yellowstone's deepest canyon. Strenuous, exposed, and grizzly-bear country.

Pebble Creek Ski Trail

Unbroken snow, stream crossings, steep terrain. 13 miles of expert backcountry skiing. Overnight camping required—navigation and grit mandatory.

Pelican Creek Nature Trail

Short loop, massive habitat diversity. Watch for bears and birds on Yellowstone Lake's edge.

Pelican Valley Trail

6.2mi moderate valley hike in prime bear country. Groups of 4+ required. Day-use only 9am–7pm.

★ 5.0 4 reviews

Purple Mountain Trailhead

6–6.6 miles out-and-back, 1,500–1,590 ft gain. High reward for the effort.

★ 4.1 15 reviews

Red Canyon Creek

9 miles round-trip, 1,900 ft gain. Steady climb with switchbacks; wildflowers and quiet solitude.

★ 4.8 16 reviews

Refuge Point Trailhead

1.5- or 2.5-mile trek with rolling hills and Earthquake Lake history.