10 Must-See Kid-Friendly Hikes in Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a treasure trove of outdoor adventure, offering a vast array of natural wonders and recreational opportunities for families and kids of all ages. Whether you're looking for stunning views, fascinating geothermal features, or peaceful lakes, there is something for everyone in this incredible national park. With miles of well-maintained trails and easy-to-follow paths, hiking in Yellowstone is a great way for families to experience the beauty of the park and create memories that will last a lifetime. These are some of the best kid-friendly hikes in Yellowstone National Park, perfect for families looking for an exciting and educational adventure.
Fairy Falls: This gentle trail is a great option for families with young children, leading to a beautiful waterfall that cascades 200 feet into the Firehole River. The hike is just under 5 miles round trip, with a gentle incline, and the waterfall is a great destination for a picnic or a refreshing swim.
West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail: The one-mile trail winds through a unique area that features several hot springs, geysers, and fumaroles, showcasing the incredible geological activity that takes place in Yellowstone. The West Thumb Geyser Basin is also one of the few places in the world where visitors can see geysers that are located right next to a large body of water. With boardwalks and interpretive signs, the trail provides an accessible and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
Kepler Cascades: This easy hike near Old Faithful takes visitors along the Firehole River to a series of cascading waterfalls that tumble down into a series of deep pools. The trail is an easy 2-mile round-trip hike and is a great option for families who want to enjoy the beauty of the park without too much of a workout.
Biscuit Basin: This scenic and easy hike takes visitors to a series of thermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and steam vents. The trail is a 2-mile loop, and the thermal features are an excellent opportunity for families to learn about the park's geology and to see the amazing natural wonders of Yellowstone up close. Or you can choose this shorter trail.
Black Warrior Lake: This easy hike takes visitors to a beautiful mountain lake, surrounded by tall peaks and wildflowers. The trail is less than a mile round trip hike and is an excellent option for families who want to enjoy a peaceful stroll and take in the stunning mountain scenery.
Lone Star Geyser: This easy hike takes visitors to a geyser that erupts every three hours, making it a great destination for families who want to learn about geysers and see one in action. The trail is a 5-mile round-trip hike, and the geyser is a fascinating and unique natural feature. This is close to no. 3 Kepler Cascades if you want to combine stops.
Imperial Geyser: This easy hike takes visitors to a geyser that erupts every 30 minutes. The trail is a 2-mile round trip hike, and the geyser is surrounded by a series of hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots, making it a great destination for families who want to learn about the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone. More information here, however, this is for the loop trail, not the out and back, but the main info stays relevant.
Grand Prismatic: This is the iconic viewpoint in Yellowstone and a must-see for every visitor. This 1.5-mile trail will take you up above Grand Prismatic for a bird’s eye view. Once you’re done continue on down the road to get to the boardwalk that goes out to the hot spring for another amazing perspective.
White Dome Geyser: This easy hike takes visitors to a geyser that erupts every hour, making it a great destination for families who want to learn about geysers and see one in action. The trail is a 2-mile round trip hike, and the geyser is surrounded by a series of hot springs, steam vents, and mud pots, making it a great destination for families who want to learn about the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone. Access to White Dome is easiest via the Firehole Lake Drive.
Artists Paint Pots: This is a popular destination for nature lovers and artists alike and probably my most favorite spot in Yellowstone! The trail is named after the colorful pools of hot, bubbling mud that are a unique feature of the park's geothermal areas. The vibrant hues of the paint pots, combined with the stunning landscapes of Yellowstone, provide a breathtaking backdrop for artists to capture with paint, pencil, or camera. The trail is one mile but with so many overlooks I advise spending at least 45 minutes.
Hiking in Yellowstone National Park is a fantastic way for families to bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. Not only does it provide an opportunity to explore the great outdoors, but it also teaches children about the importance of preserving and protecting natural wonders like Yellowstone. By introducing kids to the beauty and diversity of nature at a young age, they may develop a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and the environment. So pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, and hit the trails in Yellowstone National Park for a fun and memorable family adventure.