Yellowstone National Park is renowned for having more than 92 trailheads, which give hikers access to more than 1,100 miles of hiking trails. As an added bonus, backcountry-use permits are free and available at ranger stations or visitors centers.
The following rate as the top favorite day hikes within Yellowstone National Park.
- Lone Star Geyser Trail – This hike or bike road is excellent for families. It is located along an old service road that leads to a geyser that erupts approximately every three hours. Visitors can start at Kepler Cascades parking area, which is southeast of the Old Faithful visitor’s area. The hike is five miles and is considered easy.
- South Rim Trail – This interconnected web of trails highlights the Yellowstone Canyon, following the Lower Falls to the breathtaking scenic Artists Point, past Lily Pad Lake and then returns to Uncle Tom’s trailhead and Clear Lake. The total hike is approximately 3.5 miles and is considered easy for beginners.
- Mt. Washburn – This strenuous uphill hike begins at Dunraven Pass trailhead and climbs towards a mountaintop fire tower. The ultimate view is stunning: a 360-degree view over the park, allowing for bighorn sheep sightings. The total hike is 6.4 miles and is moderate.
- Elephant Back Mountain – This Mountain requires an 800-foot climb that begins near Lake Hotel and ends at a panoramic viewpoint over Yellowstone Lake. The total hike is 3.5 miles and has a moderate difficulty level.
- Fairy Falls – Visitors can climb off a trail over the Grand Prismatic Spring, hiking through a lodgepole forest to the Fairy Falls and then continue to the beautiful Imperial Geyser. This hike is only six miles and is easy for beginners.
Yellowstone Holiday is located outside the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Featuring tremendous views of the mountains and superior fishing on Hebgen Lake, these convenient Yellowstone campgrounds are located near excellent hiking, walking and biking trails.
The Red Canyon Road is a mere half-mile from Yellowstone Holiday. This area provides abundant access to several trails and feeder streams and is the main entrance to the trailhead for hikers interested in exploring Mount Hebgen.
Avid mountain bikers will enjoy this area as this base camp, as they can ride along the three-mile Red Canyon Road. More advanced bikers can bike up Mount Hebgen for highly technical biking and superior views.
Staying outside Yellowstone National Park gives visitors a chance to unwind and explore areas that are more outlying. As an added bonus, Yellowstone Holiday also offers convenient Yellowstone RV campgrounds.
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