Short Hikes in Yellowstone National Park

These hikes are all short (a mile or so tops each way) and mostly easy, although several have some uphill climbs to them.

Little Gibbon Falls: This is a great short walk, with very few visitors due to the fact that it’s not publicized and the trailhead is unidentified. It starts from along the Norris-Canyon Road, 4/10 of a mile east of the Ice Lake parking area. Go across the road from the unmarked parking pullout, go to the east a few yards, and take the trail there. It is about a half-mile through the trees and a couple of big meadows to a ridge that rises up across a miniature canyon from this small but pretty waterfall. You can continue on the trail around to a spot on the creek directly above the falls—very cool.

Storm Point: This short and mostly level walk starts 3 miles east of Fishing Bridge. You go through an open area past Indian Pond, a decent-sized body of water, then into the trees for a bit before coming out near the Point, a spot high above the lake. A great morning or evening walk. The loop trail continues along the lake a while then heads back through the trees—I would recommend going as far as the trail stays lakeside, but then come back the way you came originally. Between 1 and 2 miles depending on how you do it.

Trout Lake: This trail reaches the lake in only a half-mile, but it’s a steep uphill walk to get there. The trailhead is in the northeast section of the park not far from Pebble Creek campground. Once at the lake you can take an easy walk around it, getting great views in all directions.

Mystic Falls: This is one of my favorites. You leave from the “back” of the Biscuit Basin boardwalk (near the Old Faithful area) and walk through a section of woods burned in the 1988 fires. The last stretch takes you along a pretty stream before reaching the waterfall in just over a mile from the trailhead. From here you can head back or climb up above the falls and return on a loop trail.

Wraith Falls: This is only a half-mile each way. It’s not my favorite trail by a long stretch—level through the trees, not real exciting—but it’s short and easy. The waterfall is okay, not the best, and you can’t get quite all the way to it (the trail ends a few dozen yards short of the falls). This isn’t one I’d build a day around, but if you’re in the Mammoth area and looking for a quick walk, this will do.

Yellowstone River Picnic Area Trail: This starts just east of Tower Junction on the northeast entrance road. You climb a short but fairly steep hill to an open ridge above the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. You can walk as far or as short along the ridge then as you like. Pretty cool views, but don’t do this one in the middle of a hot day—the ridge is open and exposed.

Tower Fall: This trail is unfortunately currently closed, and the park service has talked as though they may never re-open it, which is a shame. Standing at the foot of this 100-foot plus waterfall is one of the highlights of Yellowstone. You can still get a nice view of the waterfall from above and across a canyon by taking a short walk from the store, but it still doesn’t compare. If they ever open this trail again, don’t miss it.

Brink of the Lower Falls: This isn’t very long (only a half-mile at the most each way), but it switchbacks all the way down to the spot where the Yellowstone River goes over the edge of the Lower Falls. If you can handle the huffing and puffing coming back up (there are some benches for resting along the way) don’t miss this one—along with the base of Tower Fall (see above) this is one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the park.

Uncle Tom’s Trail: This is less of a “trail” and more of a long, long staircase. It starts from a parking area along the Artist Point road in the Canyon area, and after a short paved section drops down into the canyon via a series of metal stairways to a point partway down the canyon just downstream from the Lower Falls. The view from the bottom is truly awesome, but just make sure you’re ready for the climb back up. There are a number of benches to rest on along the way, but it’s still tiring.

PHOTOS: The top image is of the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone from Uncle Tom's Trail, the middle is of Storm Point, and the bottom is of Trout Lake.