14 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Wyoming
If it’s one thing we have a lot of in Wyoming, it’s the great outdoors. People come from near and far to get back to nature, and hiking is a great way to do it. If you picture vertical, rocky terrain when you think about hiking in Wyoming, you should know that we have a ton of trails that are easy to tackle. In fact, here are 14 of the best hikes in Wyoming that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
1. Clear Lake Artist's Point Loop Trail, Yellowstone National Park
Many of the easiest trails in Wyoming are in our most famous national park. At just under 4 miles, this one loops around Clear Lake and rewards hikers this magnificent view from Artist Point. This one ranks as one of the best hikes in Wyoming on most any list.
The mud pots aren't the only thing to see on this short and easy hiking trail (only .8 of a mile). The steam-cooked landscape is just as striking as the pools of hot, muddy water.
The spot south of Pine Bluff where the corners of Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska meet is the location of an easy 1.4-mile trail. Hiking along the border of the three states, you'll enjoy wildlife and the scenery and be able to say you walked to three states in a few hours.
If you're up for more miles, the Fairy Creek to Imperial Geyser Trail will take you a total of 6.6 miles. That's out and back, as this trail doesn't loop around. There is still plenty of natural beauty to appreciate including a waterfall and the Imperial Geyser.
Medicine Bow National Forest has its share of easy hikes, and this trail is less than a mile long. Even pictures can't capture the beauty of the landscape, and you might catch a glimpse of some Wyoming wildlife while you're out.
Vedauwoo Glen Road, Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Wyoming, USA
Talk about easy: much of this 1.1-mile trail is boardwalks, constructed to keep hikers a safe distance away from the colorful, steaming hot springs and mud pots while still getting close enough to take a good look. You'll also see a number of other geothermal features and some beautiful landscape, as well.
Artists Paintpots, Wyoming 82190, USA
7. Independence Rock, State Route 220, Alcova, Wyoming
Another easy must-hike trail in Yellowstone is the West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail. It loops almost a mile around a number of thermal features in Geyser Basin, including the Black Pool which actually is no longer black. You'll also get a gorgeous view of the west thumb of Yellowstone Lake - thus, the trail's name.
West Thumb Geyser Basin, Wyoming 82190, USA
10. Wind River Canyon, between Shoshoni and Thermopolis, Wyoming
At over 32 miles, the Wind River Canyon Trail is the longest one on our list, but it's easy to traverse. Hike it all or drive in and hike only a few miles at a time. No matter how you tackle it, you'll agree that this is one of the best hikes in Wyoming. The colors of the rocks contrast with the lush green of the plant life, and the calming sound of the river running through it makes the entire trip worth your time.
The limestone terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs are constantly changing, under continual influence by the volume of water that moves over them. That means you'll be treated to new and interesting formations every time you hike the 3.6-mile loop - even if it's more than once a season.
Located about 27 miles northwest of Sundance, Wyoming, this 1.4-mile loop around the Devil's tower is a paved trail, making it one of the easiest hikes you'll take. It's well worth the time as you'll get a chance to see the tower from all sides while enjoying Wyoming nature.
Score another easy hiking trail for Yellowstone. Just under a mile to hike in and back, you'll be rewarded with the breathtaking view of the 132-foot waterfall cascading in a practically perfect line into the creek below.
Tower Fall, Wyoming 82190, USA
With over 97,000 square miles in our great state, this short list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to hiking trails. What simple trails would you recommend to someone looking for an easy hike? What would you say are the best hikes in Wyoming?
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Wyoming
February 25, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the best hikes in Wyoming for people who don't like crowds?
If you want to avoid crowds, hike outside of the national parks! Even in areas like the Wind River Range, you can enjoy remarkable scenery without running into another person. Some of our favorite places to hike without crowds in Wyoming include the Vedauwoo and Turtle Rock area, Curt Gowdy State Park, Sinks Canyon State Park, and Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. If you want to see the National Parks, plan to visit in the shoulder seasons, when most crowds have gone home. At those times (May, September), you'll have fewer people to deal with, particularly once you get more than a quarter-mile from any trailhead in either Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park.
What are the most scenic hikes in Wyoming?
In order to find the most scenic hikes in Wyoming, you will have to deal with some crowds. Places like Delta Lake, Phelps Lake, Cascade Canyon, and Paintbrush Canyon have become world-famous for being absolutely stunning in any season, whether you're sharing them with a few dozen people or you luck out and have them to yourself.
Are there any easy hikes in Wyoming?
There are plenty of easy hikes in Wyoming. In fact, some of the most scenic ones are just short strolls from the parking lot! Hike around Shell Falls or Medicine Bow Peak for easy strolling and stunning views, or enjoy a geologic wonder at the Afton Intermittent Spring. You can hike in the Wagon Ruts of the Oregon Trail in Guernsey, or see wild horses if you walk around the Bighorn Canyon Area. Even the trail surrounding Devils Tower National Monument is fairly easy, with minimal elevation gain. Don't let inexperience stop you from exploring the beauty of the Cowboy State.
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