Underrated National Forest Hikes in Wyoming That Rival Cascade Canyon

Grand Teton National Park has some pretty iconic hikes to its credit, ranging from easy waterfront trails to grueling climbs-turned-scrambles over sheer rock faces high above the tree line. At the top of many hiking lists, you'll likely find Cascade Canyon via Jenny Lake, which is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning and diverse trails in the entire state. But if you've already checked this GTNP hike off your Wyoming bucket list and are looking for a new challenge (or perhaps an adventure that's a little more under-the-radar), Wyoming has plenty of national forests hiding spectacular views and even some top-secret scenic canyons of their own.

1. Seneca Lake Trail, Bridger Wilderness/Bridger-Teton National Forest

One of the highlights of Cascade Canyon is, of course, the boat ride across the always-gorgeous Jenny Lake. Seneca Lake is a glittering, welcoming oasis that takes a grueling 8-mile hike to reach, but offers plenty of crystal-clear, rugged alpine beauty—no boats needed. It may not be as iconic as Jenny Lake, but for even more drama, you can also continue to Titcomb Basin for all the picturesque beauty you could possibly imagine.

2. Rock Creek Trail, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

One of my favorite parts of Cascade Canyon is the plethora of wildflower meadows along the way. The moderate 11-mile Rock Creek Trail in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest has plenty of flora to admire as well, plus pretty bridges, a delicate waterfall along the way, and typically plenty of seclusion. However, just like Cascade, you'll also find rocky, technical creek sections to get your blood pumping, as most of the trail is on an incline.

3. Phelps Lake Trail, Shoshone National Forest

If you're looking for a Cascade Canyon alternative, you don't have to leave Grand Teton National Park if you don't want to. The gorgeous 6-mile Phelps Lake Trail is a part of America's first national forest, Shoshone National Forest. This mirror-like lake boasts the same stunning clarity you'll find at Jenny Lake and southern Teton views, but without the boat shuttles. If this quiet lake loop doesn't offer enough of a challenge, though, the larger (and far more strenuous) Death Canyon Trail might pique your curiosity, with its wild, dramatic setting and epic rock formations. Despite the grim name, your greatest risk here might just be the breathtaking, heart-stopping views along the way. This long, challenging 18-mile backpacking trail is all about the drama, with spectacular overlooks of Phelps Lake from above, and sheer rock formations on every side.

5. Lake Marie Falls, Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest

Even hiking novices can enjoy Wyoming's prettiest forest trails, like the Lake Marie Falls Trail hidden within the Snowy Range. With a dedicated trailhead and parking area, Lake Marie Falls is a quick, accessible loop trail that clocks in at under a mile, but still somehow manages to boast scenic views and wildflowers galore, all with just a quick the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. If this trail is a bit too easy, the Lookout Lakes Trail and Medicine Bow Peak are both close by.

6. Pole Creek Trail, Bridger Wilderness/Bridger-Teton National Forest

One of the best things about Cascade Canyon is the diversity. Every mile offers something new in terms of scenery, from petite waterfalls and panoramic mountain overlooks to woodsy paths dappled with filtered sunlight. Pole Creek Trail has similar variety, with Photographer's Point being a well-loved detour that shows off jagged summits along the western side of the Continental Divide. Amazing views of the Wind River Range towering over 13,000 feet above the valley floor may lure many to this trail, but there's a lot more to love along the way, with plenty of connecting trails and route options to choose your own adventure.

7. Bucking Mule Falls, Bighorn National Forest

Bucking Mule Falls is a stunning hidden gem in the Bighorns, but the jagged rock walls and scenic river canyon here are what take it over the top. The trail to the overlook is only about two miles long, heading deep into lodgepole pine as it descends into the river canyon with few breaks from the tree cover. After a few switchbacks and forks, the trees open up to a dramatic view of Devil Canyon, and the falls pour out of steep rock walls in the distance. The falls overlook is undeveloped and unguarded, so it's best to leave children at home for this hike.

8. Clarks Fork Canyon, Shoshone National Forest

Lush, green, and endlessly serene, the Clarks Fork section of the Yellowstone River may be less than an hour from Cody, but it feels worlds away from its rough and tumble surroundings and world-famous geologic origins. It's one of the deepest and most dramatic canyons in Wyoming, with rugged, towering canyon walls and equally dramatic elevation changes that range from 4,600 feet at the mouth to 13,804 feet on Gannett Peak. You can explore the top of this jaw-dropping canyon via the exposed West End Trail, which offers beautiful wildflower meadows, pretty aspen groves, wildlife, waterfalls, and more with very little elevation gain. Or, you can get to multiple canyon overlooks via the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail and Beartooth Loop Trail. The canyon is on BLM land, so there are countless options for exploring the area.

9. Tongue River Canyon, Bighorn National Forest

While it's not quite a hidden gem these days, Tongue River Canyon is something special all the same—especially if you visit in fall when autumn colors are at their peak. You'll find yourself enveloped by a sea of gold as the sunshine reflects off the soaring canyon walls that are the Bighorns' trademark, and you can enjoy the soothing sounds of the Tongue River for nearly the entire journey. The trail is a relatively short 4.8-mile trek with a blissfully gradual incline, and plenty of diverse scenery (including some poison ivy along the trail, so stay aware).

10. Box Canyon Trail, Bridger-Teton National Forest

The wildly underrated Box Canyon Creek is a hidden gem in Teton country just waiting for hikers to appreciate it. And once you're here, hiking through the wildflowers with rock formations and trees towering above you on either side, you'll fall in love with this spot as much as I have. The 7.1-mile Box Canyon Trail is rated as moderate, but most of that rating is based on its length. Tackle this one in spring or on a cool day to enjoy the lush green surroundings in their prime.

The Tetons are as wonderful, magical, and incredible as they come. But don't sleep on the rest of Wyoming while you're out packing on the miles! While I love Cascade Canyon (especially in fall), some of these hikes do more than just rival Cascade—they might just flat-out top it. And there are plenty more to discover beyond these precious few.