Best Hiking Trails in Wyoming

Wyoming is a hiker's paradise, offering various trails that showcase the state's natural beauty and diversity. From the iconic peaks of Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park to the rugged mountains of the Bighorns and the Wind River Range, there is something for everyone in Wyoming. Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking for a challenging backcountry adventure or a casual day hiker looking to take in sweeping views, Wyoming's hiking trails have something scenic and special.

Best Hiking in Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park

This expansive national park is worth more than a day trip. It offers a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. The Cascade Canyon Trail is a popular option, with spectacular views of the Tetons and opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose and bears. The trail is about 10 miles round trip and includes a boat ride across Jenny Lake.

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, but it’s also home to fantastic hiking trails. The Fairy Falls Trail is a must-do, with views of the Grand Prismatic Spring and a 200-foot waterfall at the trail's end. The trail is about 5 miles round trip and is moderately difficult.

Medicine Bow National Forest

Medicine Bow offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, including the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. The trail offers stunning views of the Snowy Range Mountains and the forest's wildflowers. The trail is about 30 miles round trip and is a great option for a day trip.

Bridger-Teton National Forest

You’ll find some of the most challenging hiking trails in Wyoming here, including the Teton Crest Trail. Though not every trail is so tricky, Teton Crest Trail spans 39 miles and offers breathtaking views of the Teton Range and surrounding valleys. It is recommended for experienced hikers due to its steep terrain and high altitude.

Wind River Range

The range offers some of Wyoming's most scenic and challenging hiking trails, including the Cirque of the Towers Trail. The trail offers stunning views of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflowers. The trail is about 24 miles round trip and is recommended for experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain.

Devils Tower National Monument

This national monument offers several hiking trails, including the Tower Trail, a 1.3-mile paved loop that encircles the base of Devil's Tower. The trail offers stunning views of the tower and the surrounding landscape and is an easy hike suitable for all skill levels.

Bighorn Mountains and National Forest

The Bighorn Mountains offer several hiking trails, including the stunning Tongue River Canyon, Coffeen Park, and South Piney Creek Trail. We love the Cloud Peak Skyway Trail, which offers stunning views of Cloud Peak and the surrounding alpine landscape. The trail is about 50 miles round trip and is recommended for experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain and high altitude. Visit the Bighorn National Forest in Sheridan, Wyoming, with a Christmas tree permit for a hike that ends in the perfect selection for the season, or stay a while in the Bighorn National Forest Campground.

Shoshone National Forest

We highly encourage a visit to America’s first national forest. Shoshone National Forest features several hiking trails, including the Crandall Lake Trail. The trail offers stunning views of the Absaroka Mountains and leads to a beautiful alpine lake. The trail is about 8 miles round trip and is suitable for all skill levels.

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Though mostly in Utah, Flaming Gorge National Recreation area also includes the southwest corner of Wyoming. Including more than 43 campgrounds, 360 miles of shoreline over several famous hiking trails, including the Red Canyon Rim Trail. The trail offers stunning views of the red rock formations and Flaming Gorge Reservoir. The trail is about 3 miles round trip and is suitable for all skill levels.

Curt Gowdy State Park

The state park offers several hiking trails, including the Crow Creek Trail. The trail offers stunning views of the park's granite rock formations and leads to a beautiful waterfall. The trail is about 6 miles round trip and is suitable for all skill levels. Time your visit and take in a concert or theater performance in the outdoor amphitheater, for a well-rounded and enriching day.

Our Curated Trail Recommendations for Your Wyoming Hike

Most of the locations we’ve recommended offer multiple trail options, each with unique offerings and benefits. We’ve provided our top trail suggestions for a few popular hike objectives so that you can match your destination to your needs.

Best Hikes for Families and Mobility Limitations

1. Jenny Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park - Paved trail suitable for strollers and wheelchairs and offers scenic views of the lake and mountains.
2. Inspiration Point Trail in Grand Teton National Park - Short hike to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Jenny Lake, is suitable for families with children.
3. The Natural Bridge Trail in Yellowstone National Park - Easy, flat trail leading to a natural bridge suitable for all ages.

Best Day Hikes

1. Amphitheater Lake Trail in Grand Teton National Park - Offers stunning views of the Teton Range and a beautiful alpine lake, perfect for a day hike.
2. Medicine Bow Peak Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest - Scenic trail that leads to the summit of Medicine Bow Peak, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Crow Creek Trail in Curt Gowdy State Park - A 4.4-mile trail that offers views of rock formations, lakes, and forests.

Challenging Hikes

1. The Tetons Crest Trail - A 40-mile trail that traverses the entire Teton Range, recommended for experienced hikers.
2. Paintbrush Divide Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A 20-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Teton Range and high alpine lakes, recommended for experienced hikers.
3. Cloud Peak Skyway Trail in the Bighorn Mountains - A challenging 9-mile trail that leads to the summit of Cloud Peak and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Scenic Hikes

1. Signal Mountain Summit Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A 6-mile trail that offers panoramic views of the Teton Range and surrounding landscape.
2. Tower Trail in Devils Tower National Monument - This 1.3-mile loop hike offers panoramic views of the iconic Devils Tower and the surrounding landscape, including ponderosa pines and wildflowers.
3. Red Canyon Rim Trail in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area - This 3.7-mile hike follows the rim of the Red Canyon and offers stunning views of the rugged canyon walls and the shimmering blue waters of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
4. Tensleep Preserve Trail in the Bighorn Mountains - This 3.5-mile hike offers scenic views of the Bighorn Mountains and surrounding landscape, including aspen groves, wildflowers, and a small waterfall.
5. Vedauwoo Trail in Medicine Bow National Forest - This 1.4-mile hike winds through a unique landscape of granite rock formations, pine forests, and wildflowers, offering stunning views of the Wyoming countryside.

Best Hikes for Wildlife Viewing

1. Lamar Valley Trail in Yellowstone National Park - A scenic trail that offers opportunities to view bison, elk, wolves, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Wildlife Observation Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A short, easy trail that offers views of the Snake River and opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose and bald eagles.
3. Moose Wilson Road Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A scenic hike that offers opportunities to view moose and other wildlife.

Best Hikes for Fall Foliage

1. Limestone Cliffs Trail in Curt Gowdy State Park - A scenic trail that offers views of the fall colors of the surrounding forests and rock formations.
2. Jenny Lake Loop Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A scenic trail that offers views of the colorful fall foliage surrounding Jenny Lake.
3. West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail in Yellowstone National Park - A scenic trail that offers views of the surrounding landscape's fall colors and the geyser basin's colorful geothermal features.

Best Hikes for Wildflower Viewing

1. Paintbrush Canyon Trail in Grand Teton National Park - A scenic trail that offers views of wildflowers such as paintbrush, lupine, and Indian paintbrush.
2. Crandall Lake Trail in Shoshone National Forest - A scenic trail that offers views of wildflowers such as columbine and larkspur.
3. Wildflower Trail in Bighorn National Forest - A scenic trail that offers views of wildflowers such as lilies and columbine.

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