Wyoming has so many options when it comes to hiking, with everything from short and sweet hikes to long and challenging backpacking trails. Looking for some great short day hikes? These Wyoming hikes under five miles each make for a fun, scenic, and simple adventure.

1. Trout Lake
By Mike Cline - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8770962
Our list of Wyoming hikes under five miles starts at Trout Lake. This lake is located above the Soda Butte Creek Canyon which is south of Cooke City. It's a .9-mile trail that goes through a beautiful forest before reaching the lake. The hike may be short, but it is somewhat steep and can be tough for anyone who's out of shape. If you're newer to hiking, plan a little extra time for a break at the top.
2. Red Beds Trail
Flickr/Chris M Morris
The Red Beds Trail is a 2.8-mile trail that loops around Devils Tower National Monument. The trail starts out in a pine forest, so the first section of the trail is shaded. The trail then heads into open meadow with some switchbacks, which allow for great views of the unique natural wonder. The meadow then heads into an area with deep red clay. The end of the trail is the steepest part made up of switchbacks which then lead you back to the parking lot and visitor center.
3. Uncle Tom's Trail
Flickr/ipercher
Uncle Tom's Trail takes you from the top of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to the base of the Lower Falls. The trail consists of 328 steps that you go down and come back up. Park in the lot at Artist Point in the Yellowstone Canyon area to access the trail, and be sure you're brave enough for the view!
4. Bunsen Peak
Flickr/Frank Reese
Bunsen Peak is located south of Mammoth Hot Springs. It's a 4-mile hike to the summit and back. From the summit you can enjoy views of Swan Lake Flat, Gardners Hole, and the Gallatin Range. This is one of the quieter hikes in Yellowstone.
5. Beauty Lake
Flickr/Troy Smith
The Beauty Lake Trail is a 5-mile out and back trail located in the Shoshone National Forest. On this trail you get to experience Beartooth Lake, Beauty Lake, and Crane Lake. The trail is somewhat challenging, but the views make all of the work worth it!

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6. Paint Rock Canyon Trail
Flickr/momo go
The Paint Rock Canyon Trail runs up the canyon along Paint Rock Creek (we're really good at naming things here in Wyoming). The trail shows off steep canyon walls and massive rocks. It follows along the west slope of the Bighorn Mountains and the scenery is breathtaking. To get to the trailhead, go 1/2-mile to Cold Springs Road from Hyattville and then continue 4 miles to the trailhead.
7. Turtle Rock Trail
Flickr/Ryan Taylor
Turtle Rock Trail is a 3.2-mile trail in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The trail consists of small hills lined with fir and pine trees and of course the rock boulders. The trailhead is located on Vedauwoo Road inside the campground area, so you'll get to experience a Wyoming natural wonder up close.
8. Medicine Wheel Trail
Flickr/carfull...assignment: Mongolia
The Big Horn Medicine Wheel is a sacred spot in the mountains, so it's particularly important to be respectful and leave no trace of your visit. This hike from the ranger station is 1.5 miles. There are beautiful views of the Bighorn Mountains and the beautiful Medicine Wheel from the summit.
9. Beaver Pond Loop Trail
Flickr/DavidnKeng
The Beaver Pond Loop Trail can be accessed near the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel. This trail actually starts in Wyoming, crosses over into Montana, and then back into Wyoming. Views include the Gardner River Valley and the Absaroka Mountain Range.
10. Avalanche Peak
Flickr/Thomas Duesing
Concluding our roundup of Wyoming hikes under five miles, Avalanche Peak is a 4.5-mile moderate out and back trail. This is a windy hike through forests, meadows and finally a barren peak with views of Yellowstone. If you drive from Cody to Yellowstone, the trailhead is at the top of the pass.

What other Wyoming hikes under five miles would you add to the list? Take a look at 8 Otherworldly Natural Wonders That Belong On Every Wyomingite’s Bucket List for more outdoor inspriation.

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More to Explore

Wyoming Hikes Under Five Miles

Kim Magaraci | February 23, 2021

What are the best waterfall hikes in Wyoming?

The rivers and streams of the Cowboy State are known for their cascades, and luckily, plenty of them are accessible via short and simple trails. In Yellowstone, Gibbons Falls, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, and the Kepler Cascades are particularly easy to find. In Grand Teton, take a beautiful hike to see Hidden Falls near Cascade Canyon and you'll be treated to a view across Jenny Lake, too. Outside of the parks, Shell Falls, Porcupine Falls, and Bucking Mule Falls make for fun day hikes that you're sure to enjoy.

What are the best outdoor adventures in Wyoming?

Since our whole state revolves around outdoor recreation, it's easy to find an adventure! Go whitewater rafting down the Snake River, fly high above the trees on the Sleeping Giant Zipline, ski world-class resorts in Jackson, or enjoy backcountry camping on a warm summer day. If you prefer a more relaxing outdoor trip, visit Granite Hot Springs or the Saratoga Hobo Hot Springs to soak your stresses away. Of course, the above list of Wyoming hikes under five miles is a great place to start for outdoor adventure.

Does Wyoming have any natural wonders?

Wyoming is known for having some of the most famous natural wonders in the world. The Ayres Natural Bridge was an easy "roadside attraction" along the Oregon Trail. Yellowstone itself is full of wonder - with more thermal features than any other place on Earth, even the most jaded outdoorsman will be impressed. The Teton Range is full of stunning views, alpine lakes, and jagged peaks. Out east, Devils Tower, Sinks Canyon, and the Vedauwoo remind us of the strange powers of the natural world.

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Featured Addresses
Trout Lake, Wyoming 82190, USA
Uncle Tom's Trail, Wyoming 82190, USA
Bunsen Peak, Wyoming 82190, USA
Avalanche Peak, Wyoming 82190, USA
Beaver Pond, Wyoming 82324, USA
Bighorn Medicine Wheel, Lovell, WY 82431, USA
Devils Tower, WY 82714, USA
Vedauwoo Glen Road, Vedauwoo Glen Rd, Wyoming, USA
5332 County Rd 49 1/2, Hyattville, WY 82428, USA
Beauty Lake, Wyoming 82414, USA