Hiking trail near Island Park and Yellowstone

Explore on Foot

Hiking & Trail Guide

From easy nature walks to epic mountain summits — 40+ curated trails in Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Island Park, all accessible from Lodgepole Pines Retreat.

Editor's Picks

Top 10 Must-Do Hikes

Our curated favorites with detailed directions, tips, and insider knowledge.

01

Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail

Easy

The iconic aerial view of Grand Prismatic Spring.

📍 Yellowstone1.6 mi↑ 180 ftMay–Oct

★ Best photo op in Yellowstone

The Hike

This short but stunning trail offers the iconic bird's-eye view of Grand Prismatic Spring. The trail starts from the Fairy Falls trailhead, follows a flat path, then climbs a short hill to the overlook platform.

Tips

Visit midday when the sun is directly overhead for the most vibrant colors. The main trailhead parking fills by 10 AM in summer — arrive early or come after 4 PM.

Getting There

Fairy Falls Trailhead, 1 mile south of Midway Geyser Basin on Grand Loop Road.

02

Uncle Tom's Trail

Moderate

Descend 328 metal stairs into the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone for an up-close view of the 308-foot Lower Falls.

📍 Yellowstone0.7 mi↑ 500 ft (328 stairs)May–Oct

★ Feel the power of Yellowstone's biggest waterfall

The Hike

This short but intense trail takes you down 328 metal stairs into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, bringing you face-to-face with the thundering 308-foot Lower Falls.

Tips

Take your time on the climb back up. The metal stairs can be slippery when wet. Not recommended for anyone with knee issues or fear of heights.

Getting There

Uncle Tom's Point parking area on South Rim Drive, Canyon Village area.

03

Cascade Canyon Trail

Moderate

A stunning canyon hike in the Tetons, accessible via Jenny Lake boat shuttle.

📍 Grand Teton9.1 mi↑ 1,100 ftJun–Oct

★ The Tetons' most popular trail for good reason

The Hike

Take the Jenny Lake boat shuttle across the crystal-clear lake, then hike into the heart of the Teton Range through Cascade Canyon. You'll pass Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point before entering the canyon proper.

Tips

Take the boat shuttle ($18 round trip) to cut 4 miles off the hike. Start early — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Carry bear spray.

Getting There

Jenny Lake Visitor Center, Teton Park Road. Take the boat shuttle across Jenny Lake.

04

Mystic Falls Trail

Easy

A beautiful forest hike to a 70-foot waterfall with an overlook of the Upper Geyser Basin.

📍 Yellowstone3.5 mi↑ 500 ftMay–Oct

★ Waterfall + geyser basin views — the perfect short hike

The Hike

This lesser-known gem starts behind Biscuit Basin and winds through lodgepole pine forest to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall. The loop option takes you to an overlook with sweeping views of the Upper Geyser Basin.

Tips

Do the loop clockwise for the best experience — waterfall first, then the overlook. Much less crowded than nearby boardwalks.

Getting There

Biscuit Basin parking area, 2 miles north of Old Faithful on Grand Loop Road.

05

Taggart Lake Trail

Easy

An accessible mountain lake with the Tetons reflected in its waters.

📍 Grand Teton3.0 mi↑ 400 ftJun–Oct

★ Teton reflections without the crowds

The Hike

This family-friendly trail leads to a gorgeous alpine lake with the Grand Teton reflected in the calm morning waters.

Tips

Arrive by 8 AM for mirror-like reflections. Extend to Bradley Lake (5.8 mi total) for more solitude.

Getting There

Taggart Lake Trailhead, south of Jenny Lake on Teton Park Road.

06

Mesa Falls Nature Trail

Easy

Walk to Idaho's last undisturbed major waterfall — 114 feet of thundering beauty.

📍 Island Park0.5 mi↑ 50 ftMay–Oct

★ Idaho's most stunning waterfall — right in your backyard

The Hike

Upper Mesa Falls is one of the last undisturbed major waterfalls in the Northwest. The short paved trail takes you to an overlook where the Henry's Fork plunges 114 feet.

Tips

Visit in June for peak water flow. $5 day-use fee. Combine with a drive along the scenic byway.

Getting There

Mesa Falls Scenic Byway (Highway 47), about 20 minutes from the cabin.

07

Harriman State Park Silver Lake Loop

Easy

A flat, scenic loop past Silver Lake with trumpeter swans and moose.

📍 Harriman SP5.2 mi↑ 200 ftYear-round

★ Moose, swans, and mountain meadows

The Hike

This gentle loop takes you past Silver Lake, where trumpeter swans nest, and through meadows where moose are regularly spotted.

Tips

Early morning is best for moose and swan viewing. In winter, rent cross-country skis. Dogs not allowed on trails.

Getting There

Harriman State Park, 15 minutes from the cabin on US-20. $7 vehicle entry.

08

Avalanche Peak Trail

Strenuous

A challenging summit hike with 360° views of Yellowstone Lake and the Absaroka Range.

📍 Yellowstone4.0 mi↑ 2,100 ftJul–Sep

★ Yellowstone's best summit — if you're up for it

The Hike

The most rewarding summit hike in Yellowstone. The trail climbs through forest, then breaks above treeline to the 10,568-foot summit with panoramic views.

Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon lightning. Check with rangers about grizzly activity. Snow can linger through July.

Getting There

Trailhead at Eleanor Lake parking area on the East Entrance Road, 19 miles east of Fishing Bridge.

09

Big Springs Water Trail

Easy

See one of the largest natural springs in the world, flowing 120 million gallons daily.

📍 Island Park1.0 mi↑ FlatMay–Oct

★ Crystal-clear spring — see fish in water that looks like glass

The Hike

Big Springs is one of the 40 largest natural springs in the world. The short nature trail loops around the spring area where you can see large rainbow trout in the impossibly clear water.

Tips

Feeding the fish is prohibited. The water stays 52°F year-round. Walk to the Johnny Sack Cabin for a scenic bonus.

Getting There

Big Springs, 5 miles east of Mack's Inn on the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.

10

Lake Solitude via Cascade Canyon

Strenuous

A full-day epic to an alpine lake nestled at the base of the Grand Teton.

📍 Grand Teton14.4 mi↑ 2,400 ftJul–Sep

★ The crown jewel of Teton hiking

The Hike

The ultimate Teton day hike. Take the Jenny Lake boat, pass Hidden Falls, continue through Cascade Canyon, and climb to Lake Solitude at 9,035 feet.

Tips

Start very early (take the first boat at 7 AM). Bring layers — it's 15-20°F cooler at the lake. Bear spray mandatory.

Getting There

Jenny Lake boat shuttle → Cascade Canyon → fork left to Lake Solitude.

All Trails Directory

40+ trails — browse by area and difficulty below.

Artist Point to Point Sublime

Moderate

Dramatic canyon rim trail with multiple Lower Falls viewpoints.

Yellowstone3.0 mi↑ 400 ftJun–Oct

Fairy Falls Trail

Easy

Flat hike to a beautiful 200-foot waterfall, past the Grand Prismatic overlook.

Yellowstone5.4 mi↑ 200 ftMay–Oct

Storm Point Trail

Easy

Loop along the shores of Yellowstone Lake with great wildlife viewing.

Yellowstone2.3 mi↑ 100 ftMay–Oct

Trout Lake Trail

Easy

Short, steep climb to a secluded mountain lake. Otters often spotted.

Yellowstone1.2 mi↑ 200 ftMay–Oct

Bunsen Peak Trail

Moderate

Summit hike with views of the Gallatin Range, Electric Peak, and Mammoth.

Yellowstone4.6 mi↑ 1,300 ftJun–Oct

Mount Washburn Trail

Moderate

Popular summit with fire lookout at 10,243 ft. 360° views of the park.

Yellowstone6.4 mi↑ 1,400 ftJun–Oct

Observation Point Trail

Easy

Watch Old Faithful erupt from above — a unique perspective few visitors experience.

Yellowstone1.1 mi↑ 200 ftMay–Oct

Lonestar Geyser Trail

Easy

Flat bike/hike path to a cone geyser that erupts roughly every 3 hours.

Yellowstone4.8 mi↑ 200 ftMay–Oct

Phelps Lake Trail

Easy

Beautiful Teton lake with a famous jumping rock.

Grand Teton4.0 mi↑ 400 ftJun–Oct

Delta Lake Trail

Strenuous

Rugged social trail to a turquoise alpine lake under the Grand Teton.

Grand Teton7.4 mi↑ 2,300 ftJul–Sep

String Lake Loop

Easy

Flat lakeside loop with Teton views. Great for swimming in summer.

Grand Teton3.7 mi↑ 200 ftJun–Oct

Jenny Lake Loop

Easy

Circle the most popular lake in the Tetons with continuous mountain views.

Grand Teton7.1 mi↑ 200 ftJun–Oct

Coffee Pot Rapids Trail

Easy

Riverside trail along the Henry's Fork with fishing access.

Island Park4.0 mi↑ FlatMay–Oct

Harriman Ranch Loop

Easy

Easy loop past historic ranch buildings and Silver Lake.

Harriman SP3.5 mi↑ 100 ftYear-round

Sawtell Peak Trail

Easy

Drive to near the summit, then short hike to panoramic views of Henry's Lake and the Tetons.

Island Park2.0 mi↑ 400 ftJul–Oct

Paintbrush Canyon to Cascade Canyon Loop

Strenuous

Epic point-to-point over Paintbrush Divide at 10,720 ft.

Grand Teton19.2 mi↑ 3,800 ftAug–Sep

Teton Crest Trail

Strenuous

Multi-day backpacking route across the spine of the Teton Range.

Grand Teton40 mi↑ 8,000 ftAug–Sep
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