Explore the best hiking near Yellowstone National Park, Montana where rugged trails meet sweeping river views and forest paths challenge your resolve. This guide offers practical trail insights and preparation tips ideal for both casual hikers and experienced adventurers.
Adventure Tips
Start Early to Beat Weather Changes
Afternoon thunderstorms are common during summer months; begin your hike early in the morning to avoid sudden storms and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Bring Layered Clothing
Weather near Yellowstone's Montana edge can shift quickly—mornings may be cool but afternoons warm up fast, so layering keeps you comfortable and protected.
Hydrate Before and During Your Hike
Drink plenty of water prior to your hike and carry enough, as natural water sources may be unreliable or unsafe without proper treatment.
Wear Traction-friendly Footwear
Trails range from rocky ridgelines to loose dirt; use sturdy hiking boots with good grip to navigate slippery or uneven surfaces safely.
best hiking near Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Trails That Test and Reward: Best Hiking Near Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Yellowstone National Park, straddling Wyoming and Montana, is a wild force of nature that invites you to step into a world fiercely itself. While much of the park's vast wilderness, geological wonders, and wildlife lie in Wyoming, the Montana entrance—Gardiner—offers immediate access to some of the most purposeful hiking routes that balance solitude, views, and physical challenge. Hiking near Yellowstone in Montana presents a chance to engage directly with forested slopes, river valleys daring you forward, and peaks that command a broad gaze.
Visitors aiming for the best hiking near Yellowstone National Park, Montana will appreciate trails rooted in diverse terrain—dense lodgepole pine stands, rugged ridgelines, and clear river crossings that test balance and resolve. The Montana side offers shorter day hikes with rewarding endpoints, including glacially carved cirques and wide-open overlooks that capture the edge of the Yellowstone Plateau.
One stand-out route is the hike along the Mount Everts Trail, roughly 6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. This trail challenges with moderate climbing through mixed forest and winds you up to rocky summits acting as natural observation decks for the Yellowstone River Canyon below. You’ll encounter the rustling trees seeming to whisper the park’s deep-time stories, while the river cuts below with relentless energy.
The key to a successful hike here involves careful preparation: sturdy footwear to handle uneven ground, ample water as mountain streams are sometimes out of reach, and an early start to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Navigating this landscape means respecting the rawness of an environment that is unchanged for centuries, allowing nature to guide your pace and attention.
If your goal is to extend into Yellowstone proper, our website hosts a comprehensive list of the best adventures within the park’s official boundaries, spanning everything from geothermal marvel walks to multi-day backcountry treks. These selections include detailed trail maps, seasonal advice, and safety tips relevant to all levels of explorers.
Prepare to meet a place where every wind gust or bird call signals the wilderness’s sharp alertness. Hiking near Yellowstone in Montana is not just a walk—it’s entering a natural dialogue with terrain and time, driven by a clear, practical understanding that equips you to embrace the wild on its terms.
For more in-depth routes and expert guidance, explore our Yellowstone National Park, Montana adventure listings below.
Adventures near Gardiner
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Gardiner special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closest town to access hiking trails near Yellowstone in Montana?
Gardiner, Montana serves as the main gateway town with the closest access to northern Yellowstone trails and amenities including lodging and supplies.
Are permits required for hiking near Yellowstone National Park in Montana?
Day hiking near the park's Montana boundary generally does not require a permit, but backcountry camping and overnight stays inside Yellowstone require permits obtained from park authorities.
What wildlife should hikers expect to encounter?
Common wildlife includes elk, deer, marmots, and occasionally bears and wolves. Carry bear spray and know how to use it as wildlife is active and present.
How difficult are the hiking trails near Yellowstone in Montana?
Most trails range from moderate to challenging, with elevation gains between 1,000 and 2,000 feet and varying terrain that tests balance and endurance.
Can I hike year-round near Yellowstone National Park in Montana?
Hiking year-round is possible but winter requires specialized equipment like snowshoes or cross-country skis and increased preparedness for cold and snow conditions.
What safety tips should hikers keep in mind?
Always hike in groups when possible, carry ample water, be prepared for sudden weather changes, and stay alert for wildlife with appropriate precautions.
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Hiking Boots
Provides ankle support and traction on mixed terrain including rocky and muddy trails.
Hydration System or Water Bottles
Crucial to carry adequate water as natural streams may not always be accessible or safe.
Weather-Appropriate Layered Clothing
Layering adjusts to sudden weather shifts common in mountainous terrain.
Map and Compass or GPS Device
Essential for route-finding in less-traveled Montana trail sections near Yellowstone.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Lamar River Plateau overlook provides sweeping quiet views often missed by main park visitors."
- "Ranger Creek Falls trail, a short rugged path with a rewarding waterfall destination."
- "The less-trafficked sections of Mount Everts Trail offer peaceful forest solitude."
- "Bunsen Peak ascending trail for a panoramic look over northern Yellowstone."
Wildlife
- "Bison herds frequently graze near river valleys, often daring hikers to keep respectful distance."
- "Watch for peregrine falcons diving sharply along canyon walls."
- "Black bears forage in berry patches along lower elevation trails."
History
"Gardiner represents the original northern entrance to Yellowstone, historically a hub for early park explorers and indigenous peoples who traveled the Yellowstone River corridors."