Top-Rated Day Hikes of Yellowstone National Park
Last month we analyzed the top-rated hikes in Grand Teton National Park. Yellowstone, being such a large park, will be covered in several editions. This is the first and will cover the shorter hikes. All ratings come from AllTrails, the hiking app. If trails overlap, they are counted together for our purposes. Without further ado--the day hikes rated 4.8/5 (6 hikes; sorted roughly by difficulty):
Brink of Lower Falls Trail
Distance: .7 miles, 265 ft elevation gain
Description: Trek down into the canyon to check out the Yellowstone River, where you will find yourself right above the gushing Lower Yellowstone Falls.
Cave Falls to Bechler Falls
Distance: 2.6 miles, 147 ft elevation gain
Description: This out-and-back trail follows the Fall River and gives you views of two pretty waterfalls. It’s a pleasant shorter hike that's like a river walk through the forest.
Norris Geyser Basin Loop
Distance: 2.9 miles, minimal elevation gain
Description: The path is a mix of gravel trails and boardwalks with opportunities to see Steamboat Geyser as well as colorful hot springs. (Note that these are definitely not the type of pools you get in, at temperatures close to 200 degrees F, or 90 C, and acidity enough to burn holes through clothing.)
Wapiti through South Rim Trail
Distance: 4.8 miles, 531 ft elevation gain
Description: This occasionally steep trail provides outstanding scenery, including views of two of the largest waterfalls in the park. Additionally, this trail passes two beautiful lakes in Clear Lake and Ribbon Lake.
Mystic Falls and Geyser Basin Loop
Distance: 8.5 miles, 859 ft elevation gain
Description: This loop gives you a little bit of everything, from waterfalls to hot springs to geysers to frequent wildlife sightings. Top it off by seeing Old Faithful from an overlook.
Avalanche Peak Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles, 2,070 ft elevation gain
Description: A more difficult hike up to the top of a mountain rewards the valiant with great sights of the park. Be aware that July and August are the most ideal months to do this hike, as there will likely be snow on the trail October through May.
Stay tuned for the best-rated longer hikes of Yellowstone National Park. Plus: the only perfectly rated day hike in the park--coming soon on the Flat Creek Inn blog.
Growing up, Dillon could see the Grand Teton from his house on a clear day. His family took him to nearby national parks so often that he took the parks for granted. It took the rigors of life to teach him how good he had it, and he now spends as much time in the mountains as possible.
Photo by Noémie Cauchon on Unsplash
