A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near West Yellowstone, Montana

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Firehole Meadows and Fairy Falls

Classic Hike Route

Firehole Meadows and Fairy Falls

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
32.38 mi
+2,996 ft
Fairy Falls-Imperial Geyser

Classic Hike Route

Fairy Falls-Imperial Geyser

Birding
moderate
6.91 mi
+390 ft
Bechler Canyon

Classic Hike Route

Bechler Canyon

Birding
moderate
61.11 mi
+4,608 ft
Shoshone Lake & Geyser Basin

Classic Hike Route

Shoshone Lake & Geyser Basin

Geologically Significant
moderate
39 mi
+2,671 ft
Electric Peak

Classic Hike Route

Electric Peak

Fall Colors
strenuous
0 mi
+0 ft
Mammoth Terraces Trail

Classic Hike Route

Mammoth Terraces Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
2.54 mi
+470 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Harlequin Lake Hike

Hike Route

Harlequin Lake Hike

Lake
easy
0.48 mi
+110 ft
Henry's Lake Loop Trail

Hike Route

Henry's Lake Loop Trail

Lake
easy
2.13 mi
+184 ft
Big Springs

Hike Route

Big Springs

Views
easy
0.95 mi
+0 ft
Fairy Falls

Hike Route

Fairy Falls

Views
easy
4.97 mi
+144 ft
Grand Prismatic Overlook Loop

Hike Route

Grand Prismatic Overlook Loop

Family Friendly
moderate
1.73 mi
+136 ft
Midway Geyser Basin

Hike Route

Midway Geyser Basin

Family Friendly
easy
0.73 mi
+56 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 1

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 1

Views
extreme
35.82 mi
+2,891 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 2

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 2

Views
extreme
33.54 mi
+6,735 ft
Coffin Lakes Hike

Hike Route

Coffin Lakes Hike

Birding
strenuous
10.93 mi
+2,222 ft
Firehole Meadows and Fairy Falls

Classic Hike Route

Firehole Meadows and Fairy Falls

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
32.38 mi
+2,996 ft
Mary Mountain-Nez Perce

Hike Route

Mary Mountain-Nez Perce

Hot Spring
moderate
20.2 mi
+1,345 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Wyoming Section 22

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Wyoming Section 22

Lake
strenuous
16.78 mi
+1,466 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Purple Mountain

Hike Route

Purple Mountain

Birding
strenuous
6.44 mi
+1,634 ft
Fairy Falls-Imperial Geyser

Classic Hike Route

Fairy Falls-Imperial Geyser

Birding
moderate
6.91 mi
+390 ft
Fairy Falls via Freight Road Trailhead

Hike Route

Fairy Falls via Freight Road Trailhead

Less Crowded
easy
8.51 mi
+167 ft
Sheep Point

Hike Route

Sheep Point

Lake
strenuous
6.95 mi
+4,157 ft
Crescent Lake Hike via Specimen Creek Trail

Hike Route

Crescent Lake Hike via Specimen Creek Trail

Lake
strenuous
7.26 mi
+1,742 ft
Big Horn Peak

Hike Route

Big Horn Peak

Views
strenuous
6.23 mi
+3,224 ft