Walking the USA: Hiking in Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park is one of the premier hiking destinations in the USA and should be right up there on the list of places to go for people who love walking. USA wilderness areas like this offer spectacular scenery and a fantastic walking experience, so head here for some of the best walking in the USA and, in fact, the world.

When to Visit the Park

Spring is generally considered the best time to visit Yellowstone for those who want to enjoy some spectacular walking. USA's natural areas like this may well be beautiful, but if you go at the wrong time of the year and have to contend with snow, ice and closed paths then it won't be much fun!

Hiking in Yellowstone

There are over two million acres to explore at Yellowstone National Park, with some of the best wilderness on offer anywhere in the USA. There are also over 1,100 miles of trails on which you can go hiking, so you will have a wealth of options when you visit.

For day hiking you won't need a permit, but if you are planning on staying overnight then you will need to arrange one before you set off on your walking. USA park authorities require that you apply for a permit in person up to 48 hours in advance of your entry to the park, and you will also need to book backcountry campsites, which normally have a maximum number of nights you can stay in each. The dates that these campsites operate can vary so always phone to book in advance before travelling to a campsite because they can fill up quickly. Of course, if you are travelling with a guided group, then all this will be done in advance for you.

Day Hikes

There are a number of excellent day hikes you can enjoy when you visit Yellowstone to go walking. USA national parks have a great infrastructure for hiking, and Yellowstone is no exception. In the Old Faithful area there are a number of fantastic day hikes, and Observation Point, Mallard Lake and Mystic Falls are some of the best.

The Canyon area also has some good hikes, including the Howard Eaton Trail, Cascade Lake and Seven Mile Hole - all of which vary in length and difficulty. You can also visit the Fishing Bridge and Lake areas to go hiking to Pelican Creek, Storm Point and Avalanche Peak amongst others.

Go Hiking in Yellowstone

There are few places that can match Yellowstone National Park when it comes to excellent walking. USA parks are known for their beauty and excellent hiking opportunities and, of these, Yellowstone is certainly one of the best there is. Consider visiting this pristine wilderness on your next guided walking holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join our walking USA tours to see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 65 different countries.