Jackson Hole is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the rugged beauty of Yellowstone’s Northern Range. Just a brief drive north, towering forests and vast meadows open up a network of trails that invite hikers to engage hands-on with one of America’s most dynamic wild landscapes.

Up here, the land refuses to be tamed. Rivers dare you with their swirling currents, and forests stand as living, breathing guardians along paths that climb, dip, and unfold new vistas at every turn. The Northern Range is where seasoned adventurers and casual hikers meet on equal footing, challenged by terrain that feels fiercely itself and rewarded with views that engage every sense.

Begin your journey on the Soda Butte Trail: a moderate 5.5-mile loop with an elevation gain of roughly 700 feet. The trail snakes through dense pine stands, the ground soft with needles, then climbs toward open ridges that reveal the jagged lines of the Absaroka Mountains. Watch for bighorn sheep picking their way along rocky faces and listen for the rush of Soda Butte Creek nearby, its voice pushing forward like a restless pulse.

For a longer trek, the Slough Creek Trail stretches 7 miles one-way, gaining about 1,000 feet. It runs alongside Slough Creek itself, offering frequent break spots where the river’s cool pockets invite a quick dip or lunch by the water. The trail’s open meadows burst with wildflowers in summer and attract elk herds by fall. Terrain varies between soft dirt, uneven roots, and packed gravel, so sturdy footwear is a must.

If you’re after a mix of challenge and reward, the Elephant Back Trail delivers, clocking in at 6 miles round-trip with a solid 1,300 feet of elevation gain. The path climbs steadily, the forest thinning to give way to panoramic views of the Lamar Valley’s wildlife-rich expanse. Wind here feels like a living thing, testing your pace with sudden gusts. Timing your hike for early morning maximizes chances to see wolves and coyotes stirring before the day heats up.

Preparation is key for these day trips. Hydration is non-negotiable—streams thirst for company and water filters are recommended. Pack layered clothing as mountain weather shifts quickly from sunny warmth to cool, damp breezes. Footwear should provide ankle support on mixed terrain, and a good map or GPS device ensures you stay oriented where cell service fades. Aim to start hikes early to avoid afternoon crowds and changing weather patterns.

Each trail offers a distinct encounter with Yellowstone’s Northern Range: forest shadows that seem to move, rivers with their own urgent pulse, and wildlife that remains cautiously visible but never distant. These are not strolls through a postcard, but active exchanges with a landscape that challenges and rewards in equal parts.

Whether you’re here for a brisk day hike or a steady climb, the Northern Range trails invite you to walk where wilderness still speaks in a fierce but inviting voice. Your next adventure starts just north of Jackson Hole, where every step meets a story.