Wyoming, often envisioned as just vast prairies and cowboy lore, is in fact a state of extraordinary natural beauty and home to some of the most awe-inspiring mountain landscapes in the United States. From towering peaks and rugged wilderness to serene alpine lakes and unique geological wonders, Wyoming offers a lifetime of hiking opportunities. As content creators passionate about connecting people with the world through travel and experience, we believe exploring these trails is the best way to truly appreciate the soul of the Cowboy State. These Best Wyoming Hikes promise adventure, challenge, and unparalleled scenic rewards.
Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or looking for an easy stroll with incredible views, Wyoming’s diverse terrain caters to all. We’ve explored many corners of this magnificent state, and its trails consistently deliver breathtaking experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left the mountain. Get ready to discover hidden gems and iconic paths that showcase Wyoming’s wild heart.
Discover the Best Wyoming Hikes
Wyoming’s landscapes are incredibly varied, offering everything from thermal features to high alpine passes. Here are some of the most remarkable trails that make our list of the Best Wyoming Hikes. Each offers a unique perspective on the state’s natural splendor.
Lost Twin Lakes
Distance + elevation gain: 13 miles, 3000′
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Trailhead: West Tensleep Lake Trailhead
Lost Twin Lakes is a true hidden gem nestled within the Cloud Peak Wilderness, an area renowned for its vast alpine meadows and dramatic mountains between Ten Sleep and Gillette. This region feels remote and untouched, offering endless backcountry potential.
The hike itself is a moderate 8-mile round trip that winds through stunning meadows before culminating at a striking steel-gray alpine lake. Towering rock faces and mountain peaks encircle the lake, creating a scene reminiscent of a mini-Yosemite, often without the crowds. It’s an unforgettable destination for those seeking solitude and spectacular views.
Lost Twin Lakes Hike, Wyoming
There are limitless adventures to be had in the Cloud Peak Wilderness. This specific hike, Lost Twin Lakes, stands out as one of the Best Wyoming Hikes for its combination of challenging terrain and incredibly rewarding scenery at the end.
Delta Lake
Distance + elevation gain: 8.8 miles, 2300′
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead
Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park is an alpine paradise situated beneath a sharp, imposing mountain peak. It’s one of our personal all-time favorite hikes and a strong contender for the title of the Best Wyoming Hikes. Despite its relatively shorter length compared to some others on this list, it packs a punch.
The trail is strenuous with a consistently steep grade. The final approach involves navigating boulders and some scrambling, adding to the adventure. Reaching the emerald-blue lake is absolutely worth the effort, offering stunning views that define the Teton experience.
Delta Lake, alpine lake hike, Grand Teton, Wyoming
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Bring a hammock if you can and spend some time simply relaxing by the water’s edge, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. This hike perfectly embodies the rugged beauty of the Tetons.
Cirque of the Towers
Distance + elevation gain: 24 miles, 4,000′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Big Sandy Trailhead
Cirque of the Towers is an iconic destination, often considered one of the greatest backpacking trips globally. Located in the wild and rugged Wind River Range in central Wyoming, it’s undoubtedly among the Best Wyoming Hikes for serious adventurers.
While commonly done as a multi-day backpacking trip, experienced hikers can complete the loop in a single day. The area is known for its dramatic granite peaks that form a stunning natural amphitheater.
Weather in the Winds can be unpredictable and harsh, presenting a significant challenge. Getting to the remote trailhead also requires a considerable drive. Despite these factors, the lack of a permit requirement (as of recent times) makes planning slightly easier, and the chance to witness this incredible landscape up close is unparalleled.
The Middle Teton
Distance + elevation gain: 13 miles, 6000′
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead
This isn’t just a hike; it’s the hike for many serious climbers and highly experienced hikers in Wyoming. The Middle Teton is a formidable ascent and stands out as one of the most challenging among the Best Wyoming Hikes. It demands advanced route-finding skills, comfort with Class 3 scrambling, and excellent physical condition.
The route involves strenuous off-trail travel, a pre-dawn start is essential, and careful planning is critical. It’s by far the most difficult trek we’ve personally undertaken, surpassing even famous long-distance trails.
Middle Teton views
However, the reward for reaching the summit of the Middle Teton is absolutely breathtaking. Standing atop this peak offers a perspective and a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match.
Soaking in the summit views on top of Middle Teton. This is a truly demanding, yet profoundly rewarding, experience among the Best Wyoming Hikes.
The Forks of Cascade Canyon
Distance + elevation gain: 13 miles (or 10 if you ferry both ways), 1100′
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Jenny Lake Visitor Center
The Teton Range can appear intimidating with its sheer faces and reputation for challenging weather. Cascade Canyon offers a more accessible way to experience the grandeur of being deep within the Tetons, making it one of the more approachable yet still spectacular Best Wyoming Hikes.
At 13 miles round trip, the distance might seem significant, but it’s one of the most gradual and easily navigable long hikes in the park. The option to take a ferry boat across Jenny Lake at the beginning and/or end cuts off 2 miles on each side, making it even more manageable.
Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton national park, Wyoming
The trail follows a beautiful canyon, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks and potential wildlife sightings. It’s a fantastic option for experiencing the Teton wilderness without extreme elevation gain or technical difficulty.
The views within Cascade Canyon are iconic Teton scenery, solidifying its place among the Best Wyoming Hikes.
Paintbrush Canyon
Distance + elevation gain: 19-21 miles, 4200′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: String Lake Trailhead
Paintbrush Canyon is perhaps the most famous backpacking route in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason. It is undeniably one of the Best Wyoming Hikes, known for its challenging elevation gain, stunning alpine scenery, and diverse ecosystems traversed.
This route is often combined with Cascade Canyon to form a loop (the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop), offering an epic point-to-point experience. Snagging an overnight permit for this popular trail can be difficult due to high demand.
hiking Paintbrush Divide, Wyoming Road Trip
The highlight is crossing the Paintbrush Divide, which offers panoramic views of both canyons and the surrounding Teton peaks. This hike is a demanding journey that rewards you with some of the most spectacular views in the park.
Reaching the summit of Paintbrush Divide is a major accomplishment on this challenging loop, cementing its status among the Best Wyoming Hikes.
Red Beds Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 3 miles, 400′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Devil’s Tower Overlook
Devil’s Tower, a striking monolith rising from the northeastern Wyoming landscape, is a geological wonder that defies expectations. What might seem like just a roadside attraction is actually incredibly beautiful and offers fantastic hiking opportunities. The Red Beds Trail is a great option to explore the area.
This 3-mile loop encircles the base of Devil’s Tower but is set slightly back, allowing you to appreciate the scale and unique columnar structure of the tower from various perspectives. It’s an easier alternative to the paved Tower Trail that goes directly around the base and is often less crowded.
The trail takes you through forests and meadows, offering different views of the tower and the surrounding red-hued landscape (hence the name). It’s a refreshing way to experience this remarkable natural landmark.
Fred’s Mountain
Distance + elevation gain: 3 miles (or 6 if you hike down), 1920′
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Grand Targhee Resort
Located at Grand Targhee Resort, accessible from Driggs, Idaho, Fred’s Mountain offers a unique perspective on the Tetons. While technically on the Wyoming side of the border, its access point makes it a favorite for those staying in the Teton Valley. This hike is definitely one of the Best Wyoming Hikes for stunning Teton views without the national park crowds.
The hike ascends to the summit of Fred’s Mountain, which serves as the peak for the ski resort. A well-marked trail leads you up, offering increasingly spectacular views as you climb.
Taking in the views from Fred’s Summit after a wonderful summer hike at Grand Targhee Resort. The moderate climb is richly rewarded with panoramic vistas of the western side of the Grand Teton range, particularly beautiful near sunset.
Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 2.5 miles, 85′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Colter Bay Trailhead
For those seeking a gentle stroll with beautiful lake views in Grand Teton National Park, the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is an excellent choice. While not as famous as the high-alpine trails, its ease and accessibility make it one of the appealing Best Wyoming Hikes for families or a relaxing walk.
This short loop follows the shoreline of Jackson Lake near the Colter Bay Village area. The trail is relatively flat and offers lovely views across the lake towards the northern end of the Teton Range.
Colter Bay Lakeshore views, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
It’s especially beautiful in the early morning hours when the water is calm and reflects the surrounding landscape. It’s a simple, yet rewarding, way to experience the Teton beauty.
Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks Road Trip Grand Tetons
The calm waters and mountain backdrop make the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail a peaceful addition to the Best Wyoming Hikes.
Mistymoon Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 12.5 miles, 1600′
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Trailhead: West Ten Sleep Trailhead
Another gem hidden within the Cloud Peak Wilderness, the Mistymoon Trail leads hikers to yet another stunning alpine lake. This area is less frequented than the major national parks, offering a sense of remote exploration that contributes to its status among the Best Wyoming Hikes.
The trail is considered moderately strenuous, providing a good workout without the extreme elevation gains of some higher mountain routes. The journey to Mistymoon Lake takes you through beautiful mountain scenery.
Reaching the lake provides a serene reward, perfect for a day hike destination or a possible overnight trip depending on regulations and personal preference.
Mammoth Hot Springs
Distance + elevation gain: 1.8 miles, 300′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park is world-renowned for its geothermal features, but many areas are limited to boardwalks rather than extensive hiking trails. Mammoth Hot Springs, however, offers a fantastic network of boardwalks and short paths that allow for a significant amount of exploration on foot, making it a unique entry among the Best Wyoming Hikes (or walks!).
This intricate boardwalk system takes you past numerous colorful terraces and steaming hot springs, sculpted by millennia of mineral deposition. It feels like walking on another planet.
Mammoth hot spring colors, Yellowstone, Wyoming
Exploring Mammoth Hot Springs provides a fascinating look at Yellowstone’s active geology. While not a traditional mountain hike, the unique terrain and colors make it a must-see walking experience.
Mammoth hot spring geysers, Yellowstone, Wyoming
The unique geological formations of Mammoth Hot Springs offer a different kind of “hike,” adding diversity to the Best Wyoming Hikes.
Grand Prismatic Spring
Distance + elevation gain: .5 miles (or 2.5 from Fairy Falls), 0′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Grand Prismatic Springs Trailhead
The iconic Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone is famous for its vibrant, otherworldly colors. While the direct boardwalk is very short, walking to the overlook provides a better perspective of this natural wonder and qualifies as a short, essential hike among the Best Wyoming Hikes for thermal feature enthusiasts.
The main boardwalk (.5 miles) gets you close to the spring’s edge but doesn’t allow you to fully appreciate its scale and colors from above. The recommended hike is the 2.5-mile round trip trail from the Fairy Falls parking lot to the Grand Prismatic Overlook.
Grand Teton to Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks Road Trip Grand Prismatic
From the overlook, the spring’s brilliant blues, greens, yellows, and oranges are fully visible, creating an unforgettable sight. This spot is popular, so going early helps avoid the largest crowds.
Medicine Bow Peak
Distance + elevation gain: 3.2 miles, 1240′
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Trailhead: Gap Lakes Trailhead
Medicine Bow Peak is the highest point in the Snowy Range and offers some of the most stunning 360-degree views in southern Wyoming. Its relatively short distance for the elevation gain makes it a challenging but rewarding hike and a definite highlight among the Best Wyoming Hikes outside the major national parks.
Starting from the Gap Lakes Trailhead, the climb is a solid workout, gaining over 1200 feet in just over 1.5 miles to the summit. The trail is rocky and can be exposed, so check weather conditions before heading out.
Best_hike-Wyoming-Medicine_Bow
The summit offers incredible views of alpine lakes, rocky ridges, and the surrounding plains stretching into the distance. You can do this as an out-and-back or a longer loop (approx. 6.7 miles, 1700ft gain) starting from West Lake Marie, though the out-and-back is often preferred for focusing on the best views.
Lewis Lake, South Gap Lake, and Snowy Mountains Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 3.3 miles, 380′
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead: Gap Lakes Trailhead
Also located in the Snowy Range and accessible from the same area as Medicine Bow Peak, this trail provides magnificent views with significantly less effort. It’s an excellent option for families or those seeking a less strenuous exploration of this beautiful mountain range, making it one of the more accessible Best Wyoming Hikes.
Starting from the Gap Lakes Trailhead (which even has a campground!), this loop is easy to navigate. It takes you past several beautiful alpine lakes, including Lewis Lake and South Gap Lake, with stunning backdrops of the higher peaks like Medicine Bow Peak.
medicine_bow_peak_wyoming
The relatively flat terrain and short distance offer a high “bang for your buck” in terms of scenery. It’s a perfect example of how you don’t need to climb a peak to enjoy Wyoming’s mountain beauty.
Hiking_Gap_Lakes_Best_Hikes_Wyoming
Combining these lake views with the backdrop of the Snowy Mountains highlights why these trails are among the Best Wyoming Hikes for scenic beauty.
Stough Creek Lakes
Distance + elevation gain: 14.7 miles, 2,570′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Sheep Bridge Trailhead
Located in the Popo Agie Wilderness near Lander, Stough Creek Lakes offers a stunning glacial basin experience. This hike is a lesser-known gem compared to the major parks but provides dramatic mountain landscapes and solitude, solidifying its place among the Best Wyoming Hikes for those seeking quiet wilderness.
The trail leads to a series of alpine lakes nestled beneath a beautiful rock cirque, dominated by peaks like Wind River Peak. It’s a strenuous day hike or a fantastic overnight backpacking trip.
Stough Creek Basin. Photo via HikingProject.com. The stark, rugged beauty of the Wind River Range foothills is on full display here. Access is via a drive into the mountains from Lander, but the trailhead is generally accessible.
Popo Agie Falls
Located near the outdoor-friendly town of Lander, the Popo Agie Falls trail in Sinks Canyon offers a relatively easy and accessible hike. It’s a popular local spot, especially on warm days, and provides a pleasant experience for families and casual hikers.
The trail follows the Popo Agie River, leading to a series of cascades and falls. While the first waterfall is the main destination for many, continuing slightly further reveals more cascades and even a natural rock waterslide that’s a favorite during summer.
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This hike offers a different kind of water feature compared to the alpine lakes, showcasing the beauty of Wyoming’s rivers and canyons. Its accessibility and unique features make it a worthwhile addition to the list of Best Wyoming Hikes, especially for those near Lander.
Planning Your Trip to the Best Wyoming Hikes
Exploring the Best Wyoming Hikes requires preparation. Weather in Wyoming’s mountains can change rapidly, even in summer. Always check forecasts, pack layers, and carry essentials like water, snacks, navigation tools, and bear spray (especially in areas like the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Wind River Range).
Trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs and multi-day expeditions. Choose hikes that match your fitness level and experience. Start with shorter, less strenuous trails if you’re new to mountain hiking. Many of the trailheads mentioned are within or near national forests, state parks, or wilderness areas, each with its own regulations regarding permits, camping, and visitor access. Research these before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Wyoming Hikes
- When is the best time to hike in Wyoming? Summer (July-September) is generally the most popular time, offering the warmest weather and least snow at higher elevations. However, wildflowers peak in early summer, and fall foliage offers stunning colors in September/October. Lower elevation trails can be accessible earlier and later in the year.
- What gear do I need for Wyoming hikes? Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing (temperatures can fluctuate), rain gear, plenty of water, snacks, a map and compass or GPS, sunscreen, insect repellent, a first-aid kit, and bear spray.
- Are permits required for the Best Wyoming Hikes? Permits are required for overnight backpacking in national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone, and certain popular wilderness areas. Day hiking generally does not require a permit, but always check specific park or wilderness regulations.
- How do I deal with wildlife encounters? Wyoming is home to bears (both black and grizzly), moose, elk, and other large animals. Make noise on the trail to avoid surprising animals, carry bear spray and know how to use it, never approach wildlife, and store food properly if camping.
Embark on Your Adventure
From the dramatic peaks of the Tetons and the ruggedness of the Wind River Range to the unique thermal areas of Yellowstone and the hidden lakes of the Cloud Peak Wilderness, the Best Wyoming Hikes offer an incredible diversity of landscapes and experiences. Each trail tells a story of geological forces, resilient wildlife, and the enduring spirit of the American West.
We hope this guide inspires you to lace up your boots and explore the magnificent trails Wyoming has to offer. Whether you seek challenging summits or peaceful lakeside strolls, the natural beauty and sense of freedom found on these hikes are unparalleled. Prepare yourself for unforgettable views and a deeper connection with the wild heart of this remarkable state.