The best walks and hikes in Wyoming

Wyoming offers a vast network of hiking opportunities, with over 500 routes available on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging multi-day treks, catering to all skill levels.

Yes, Wyoming has many easy trails suitable for families. For instance, the Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin Loop in Yellowstone National Park is an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) route, perfect for experiencing the park's famous geothermal features. Another great option is the Lakeshore Trail loop in Grand Teton National Park, an easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) path offering scenic lake views.

Wyoming's national parks are home to stunning waterfalls. In Yellowstone, you can explore the Upper and Lower Falls Trail to Artist Point, which leads to magnificent cascades. Grand Teton National Park also features beautiful falls, accessible via routes like the Jenny Lake, Hidden Falls, and Inspiration Point loop.

Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, the Surprise, Amphitheater, and Delta Lakes trail in Grand Teton National Park is a difficult 11.1-mile (17.8 km) route through high alpine terrain, often taking nearly 9 hours to complete. The Wind River Range also offers untamed wilderness and dramatic granite formations for experienced backpackers.

The best time to hike in Wyoming is generally from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers warm weather and full access to high-altitude trails, while spring and fall provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant foliage or blooming wildflowers. Always check local conditions, especially for snowmelt in higher elevations.

Yes, many trails in Wyoming are designed as loops, offering varied scenery without retracing your steps. The Taggart Lake loop in Grand Teton National Park is a popular moderate option. In Yellowstone, the Steamboat Geyser and Norris Basin Loop Trail is an easy route to explore geothermal features.

Wyoming is renowned for its dramatic and diverse landscapes. Hikers can expect breathtaking views of jagged mountain peaks in the Teton and Wind River Ranges, pristine alpine lakes, deep canyons, and unique geological formations like the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone. Trails often offer panoramic vistas of vast wilderness and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

While most day hikes in Wyoming's national parks do not require specific permits beyond the park entrance fee, some backcountry or overnight trips, especially in areas like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, do require wilderness permits. It's always best to check the official National Park Service website for the specific park you plan to visit for the most up-to-date regulations.

The komoot community highly rates hiking in Wyoming, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 1600 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the diversity of landscapes from geothermal features to towering mountains, and the sense of wilderness and solitude found on many trails. The well-maintained paths and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities are also commonly highlighted.

Wyoming is rich with natural landmarks. In Yellowstone, you can hike to iconic spots like the Upper Yellowstone Falls and Lower Yellowstone Falls, or visit the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring. Grand Teton National Park offers dramatic views of the Grand Teton National Park mountains themselves. Other unique formations include Devil's Tower National Monument and the geological oddity of The Sinks and The Rise in Sinks Canyon State Park.

While popular areas like Yellowstone and Grand Teton can draw crowds, Wyoming's vast public lands offer many opportunities for solitude. Exploring trails in the Wind River Range, Bighorn National Forest, or Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest can provide a more secluded experience. Even within national parks, choosing longer or less-trafficked routes, or hiking during off-peak hours, can help you find quieter moments.