One of the best ways to experience Wyoming is through its incredible hiking trails. These pathways wind through canyons, mountains, and remarkable terrain that show off the state’s natural landscapes. Luckily, living in Wyoming means having an endless option of hiking trails available. Those mentioned on the following list are a must-do, though. These trails vary in length, difficulty, and scenery to ensure a little something for every kind of hiker out there.
- Jenny Lake Trail
Roger Hsu/flickr
bob/flickr The Jenny Lake loop is just over seven miles and follows the lake on a paved path. With views of the Grand Tetons over the water, this popular trail is one of the most stunning and picturesque hikes in the state.
- Cloud Peak
Ken Lund/flickr
Mark Goebel/flickr Cloud Peak is located within Bighorn National Forest and is the third-highest range-point in Wyoming. Trailheads can be accessed via Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, and there are several points of entry to the climb. The trail is quite lengthy, clocking in at a total of 23 miles roundtrip, and is often broken up by a night of camping.
- Laramie Peak Trail
pete/flickr
pete/flickr Laramie Peak is the highest point within the Laramie Mountain Range. The trail is 10 miles out-and-back and follows along the Friend Creek. The elevation significantly increases toward the end of the trail, but the panoramic views of mountains will be well worth the effort.
- Phelps Lake Overlook
Bill Geneczko/flickr This moderate hike may be just under two miles round trip, but it packs a mean punch. Hikers will enjoy gorgeous views of Phelps Lake, Death Canyon, and the gorgeous surrounding woods.
- Uncle Tom’s Trail
Jeff Myers/flickr
Adam Walker Cleaveland/flickr Located in the South Rim of Yellowstone’s Canyon, Uncle Tom’s Trail is a short and steep hike that leads up a metal staircase to an incredible overlook. A total of 328 steps will lead you to a breathtaking vision of Lower Falls.
- Fairy Falls
james st. john/flickr
Kyla Duhamel/flickr Fairy Falls is technically the highest waterfall in Yellowstone, although its delicate cascades are what warranted the name. The 2.5-mile trail is unforgettable and passes by Grand Prismatic Stream as well.
- Mount Washburn
Becky/flickr
Aram Kudurshian/flickr The ascent up the Mt. Washburn trail is a relatively easy one. The 7-mile hike will take roughly half the day and will offer unbeatable views of the Tetons. Also keep on the lookout for nearby wildlife, such as mountain goats.
- Artist’s Paint Pots
Tjflex2/flickr
Tom Pavel/flickr Artist’s Paint Pots is a wonderfully unique trail that takes the form of a boardwalk. For 1.1 miles, hikers will meander through colorful hotsprings, geysers, and mudpots. This is a great hike for those who wish to see some of Yellowstone’s most baffling geological features.
Wyoming has acres upon acres of pristine wilderness to explore, and we know that this list only offers a fraction of what’s out there. So please, feel free to share some of your favorite hikes in the area. We’d love to hear from you!
Roger Hsu/flickr
bob/flickr
The Jenny Lake loop is just over seven miles and follows the lake on a paved path. With views of the Grand Tetons over the water, this popular trail is one of the most stunning and picturesque hikes in the state.
Ken Lund/flickr
Mark Goebel/flickr
Cloud Peak is located within Bighorn National Forest and is the third-highest range-point in Wyoming. Trailheads can be accessed via Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, and there are several points of entry to the climb. The trail is quite lengthy, clocking in at a total of 23 miles roundtrip, and is often broken up by a night of camping.
pete/flickr
Laramie Peak is the highest point within the Laramie Mountain Range. The trail is 10 miles out-and-back and follows along the Friend Creek. The elevation significantly increases toward the end of the trail, but the panoramic views of mountains will be well worth the effort.
Bill Geneczko/flickr
This moderate hike may be just under two miles round trip, but it packs a mean punch. Hikers will enjoy gorgeous views of Phelps Lake, Death Canyon, and the gorgeous surrounding woods.
Jeff Myers/flickr
Adam Walker Cleaveland/flickr
Located in the South Rim of Yellowstone’s Canyon, Uncle Tom’s Trail is a short and steep hike that leads up a metal staircase to an incredible overlook. A total of 328 steps will lead you to a breathtaking vision of Lower Falls.
james st. john/flickr
Kyla Duhamel/flickr
Fairy Falls is technically the highest waterfall in Yellowstone, although its delicate cascades are what warranted the name. The 2.5-mile trail is unforgettable and passes by Grand Prismatic Stream as well.
Becky/flickr
Aram Kudurshian/flickr
The ascent up the Mt. Washburn trail is a relatively easy one. The 7-mile hike will take roughly half the day and will offer unbeatable views of the Tetons. Also keep on the lookout for nearby wildlife, such as mountain goats.
Tjflex2/flickr
Tom Pavel/flickr
Artist’s Paint Pots is a wonderfully unique trail that takes the form of a boardwalk. For 1.1 miles, hikers will meander through colorful hotsprings, geysers, and mudpots. This is a great hike for those who wish to see some of Yellowstone’s most baffling geological features.
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