Hiking
950 Miles of Marked Hiking Trails
Yellowstone is hiker heaven. Hiking is perhaps one of the most popular activities enjoyed by Yellowstone's employees. It is healthy, refreshing, and it often rewards the hiker with beautiful scenery and unexpected encounters with wildlife.
The Recreation Program Staff leads "employee only" hikes regularly. We'll guide you through some of the most amazing places in the backcountry while providing interpretive information. Enjoy a beautiful hike, get some exercise, meet some new friends, and learn about Yellowstone's natural wonders! We'll provide transportation, a trained guide, and everything that's needed to keep folks safe in the backcountry. Let your Recreation Staff know when you are available to hike and where you would like to go!
Full Moon Hikes are always popular outings. Watch for postings on your locations for these hikes - they are a great opportunity to hear the wolves howl!
Themed Hikes are often offered by the Recreation Program. Bird watching hikes, wolf watching hikes, hikes focusing on history or geology - you name it and we've done it! Watch for postings on your location advertising these type of hikes. If you think you have the expertise to lead hikes like this, let us know!
The 100 Mile Hiking Club is the most popular club the Yellowstone Recreation Program operates. The rules are simple. First you sign up at your location Recreation Office for a fee of $10.00, which includes a pocket size "Yellowstone Day Hikes" book. This book covers the details of many popular hikes in the park. You will also receive a log sheet to keep track of your hikes, and a Hiking Club Member t-shirt!
Just record your hikes (date, location, total miles), and if you reach 100 by the end of the season, turn in your log sheet and you'll receive a pin, certificate, and a 100 Mile Hike Club Shirt! Your total miles are recorded in a database and then you automatically become eligible for the 500 Mile Hiking Club! Ask your location Recreation Staff for details and rules. Keep in mind that mileage logged must be in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and walking to and from work does not count towards Hike Club mileage.
Resources
Check out our Hiking & Backpacking Photo Gallery to see some great pictures taken by recreation staff during hiking trips and backcountry adventures in the Yellowstone Area.
Beyond Road's End is a comprehensive PDF brochure published by the National Park Service that contains helpful information on backcountry use in Yellowstone.
For more information on basic points of interest in Yellowstone, visit the National Park Service Yellowstone Website.
Yellowstone National Park is surrounded by numerous other National Forests and National Parks that all offer hundreds of additional miles of hiking trails. Use the links below for more information specific to these areas.