Wyoming stands as a state of breathtaking, almost otherworldly natural beauty. As seasoned travelers and nature enthusiasts, we believe exploring its vast landscapes on foot offers an unparalleled experience. Forget the old image of just cowboys and prairies; Wyoming is a raw, rugged, and majestic expanse home to some of the most unique mountain ranges in the United States. The sheer space feels like boundless freedom, inviting hikers to connect deeply with the wilderness.
With its stunning mountains and diverse ecosystems, Wyoming offers an incredible array of hiking opportunities. Whether you’re passing through on a grand road trip or making Wyoming your primary destination, stopping to explore these trails is an absolute must. From challenging mountain ascents to gentle strolls around vibrant hot springs, Hiking In Wyoming promises unforgettable adventures for every skill level. Get ready to lace up your boots and discover some of the best trails this incredible state has to offer.
Your Ultimate Guide to Hiking In Wyoming: 16 Must-Do Trails
Wyoming’s varied terrain means there’s a hike for everyone, from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Here are 16 of the best hikes you should consider adding to your Wyoming itinerary this summer. Each offers a unique glimpse into the state’s incredible natural heritage and unparalleled beauty.
1 | Lost Twin Lakes
Distance + elevation gain: 13 miles, 3000′
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Trailhead: West Tensleep Lake Trailhead
For those seeking a truly hidden gem for hiking in Wyoming, the Cloud Peak Wilderness is second to none. Located between Ten Sleep and Gillette, this region boasts vast alpine meadows and dramatic mountains. The Lost Twin Lakes trail is a standout moderate-to-strenuous hike covering 13 miles with significant elevation gain.
The journey through beautiful meadows is captivating, but the destination is truly unforgettable. You’ll arrive at a stunning, steel-gray alpine lake framed by towering rock faces and mountain peaks. It offers a sense of secluded grandeur, like a miniature Yosemite, often without the crowds, making it a prime spot for dedicated hiking in Wyoming.
Lost Twin Lakes hike in the Cloud Peak Wilderness of Wyoming
2 | Delta Lake
Distance + elevation gain: 8.8 miles, 2300′
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead
Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park is an absolute favorite, representing the pinnacle of alpine lake hiking in Wyoming. While not extremely long at 8.8 miles, it packs a punch with a consistent steep grade and requires boulder hopping and scrambling near the end. The effort is immensely rewarded by an alpine paradise nestled beneath a sharp mountain peak.
The lake itself is a breathtaking emerald-blue, offering a stunning backdrop for relaxation after the challenging climb. Bring a hammock, find a spot by the shore, and simply soak in the incredible views of this alpine wonderland. It’s a strenuous but immensely rewarding experience for hiking enthusiasts.
Beautiful emerald-blue Delta Lake in Grand Teton National Park, a popular Wyoming hiking destination
3 | Cirque of the Towers
Distance + elevation gain: 24 miles, 4,000′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Big Sandy Trailhead
The Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range is an iconic destination for backpacking and strenuous day hiking in Wyoming. This stunning cirque, surrounded by jagged peaks, is a bucket list item for many hikers. While often done as a multi-day trip, experienced trekkers can complete the 24-mile loop with 4,000 feet of gain in a single day.
Located in the remote and rugged Wind River Range, accessing the trailhead requires a significant drive. The weather in the Winds can be challenging and unpredictable, requiring careful planning and adaptability. Despite its fame, the trail itself, even on busy weekends like Labor Day, can feel surprisingly uncrowded, offering ample opportunity to find solitude and incredible campsites if backpacking. No permit is required for this epic adventure.
4 | The Middle Teton
Distance + elevation gain: 13 miles, 6000′
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Trailhead: Lupine Meadows Trailhead
This is arguably the hike for serious adventurers seeking the ultimate challenge in Wyoming. Ascending the Middle Teton is not for the faint of heart; it’s reserved for highly experienced hikers and climbers. The route involves strenuous off-trail travel, Class 3 scrambling, and necessitates a pre-dawn start to safely navigate the terrain and altitude.
Having tackled numerous challenging trails globally, the Middle Teton stands out as one of the most difficult. However, the reward is truly breathtaking. Standing on the summit of the Middle Teton offers a feeling few other experiences can match. If you possess the necessary skills and experience, this climb provides unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment through dedicated hiking in Wyoming.
Panoramic views from the summit of Middle Teton after a strenuous ascent in Wyoming
5 | 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 imposing, with its sheer peaks and often harsh weather. However, Cascade Canyon offers a surprisingly accessible and moderate hike that still allows you to experience the magic of being right beneath these towering mountains. It’s a fantastic option for less experienced hikers or those looking for a less strenuous day.
The full out-and-back trail is 13 miles, but its gradual elevation gain makes it feel much easier than the distance suggests. A great option to reduce the length is to take the ferry boat across Jenny Lake at the start and/or end, cutting off two miles on each side. This trail provides stunning views and a classic Grand Teton National Park experience.
Hiking through Cascade Canyon with stunning Teton mountain views in Wyoming
6 | Paintbrush Canyon
Distance + elevation gain: 19-21 miles, 4200′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: String Lake Trailhead
Paintbrush Canyon is renowned as one of the most famous backpacking trips in Grand Teton National Park and is rightfully considered among the best locations for strenuous hiking in Wyoming. This trail offers a challenging yet incredibly scenic experience, leading you through diverse terrain and culminating in stunning views from Paintbrush Divide.
Often combined with Cascade Canyon to form a loop (the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop), this hike covers 19-21 miles with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Securing an overnight permit for backpacking is competitive due to its popularity. The climb to Paintbrush Divide is demanding but rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and lakes.
Hikers enjoying the view from Paintbrush Divide during the Paintbrush-Cascade Canyon Loop hike in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
7 | Red Beds Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 3 miles, 400′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Devil’s Tower Overlook
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Devil’s Tower is a striking geological feature that surprises many visitors with its sheer scale and unique formation. This radical monolith appears almost alien, and seeing how perfectly nature sculpted its pillars is truly awe-inspiring. While many simply view it from an overlook, hiking around its base offers a much richer experience.
The Red Beds Trail is an easy 3-mile loop with minimal elevation gain (400 feet) that circles Devil’s Tower. While less popular than the Tower Trail loop right at the base, it provides a fantastic perspective, allowing you to see the Tower from multiple angles as you hike through the surrounding landscape. It’s a great, accessible option for experiencing this incredible landmark.
8 | Fred’s Mountain
Distance + elevation gain: 3 miles (or 6 if you hike down), 1920′
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Grand Targhee Resort
Here’s a slightly unconventional, but highly rewarding option for hiking in Wyoming! Fred’s Mountain is the summit of Grand Targhee Ski Resort. While often accessed from Driggs, Idaho, the summit itself is located on the Wyoming side of the border, offering incredible views back towards the Tetons.
This moderate hike covers 3 miles with 1920 feet of elevation gain (or 6 miles if you hike both up and down, skipping the chairlift). The well-marked trail starts from the Base Lodge. Reaching the summit offers unparalleled views of the “backside” of Grand Teton National Park. Hiking this trail near sunset is particularly magical, as the sky often lights up with stunning pink and purple hues framing the Teton peaks.
9 | Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 2.5 miles, 85′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Colter Bay Trailhead
For an easy yet incredibly scenic stroll in Grand Teton National Park, the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail is a delightful choice. This relatively short 2.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain (85 feet) might not be as famous as other Teton hikes, but its beauty is undeniable.
Perfect for a leisurely walk, especially during the early morning hours, this trail offers stunning views across Jackson Lake towards the Teton Range. It’s a peaceful way to experience the park’s beauty without a strenuous climb and is easily accessible from the Colter Bay area, making it a great option for a quick, rewarding outing.
Scenery along the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail in Grand Teton National Park, a gentle Wyoming hiking option
10 | Mistymoon Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 12.5 miles, 1600′
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Trailhead: West Ten Sleep Trailhead
Another gem nestled within the vast Cloud Peak Wilderness is the Mistymoon Trail. This moderately strenuous hike covers 12.5 miles with 1600 feet of elevation gain, leading hikers to another beautiful alpine lake setting.
Like Lost Twin Lakes, this trail offers the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Bighorn Mountains away from the better-known national parks. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking serene lakes and mountain vistas without the potential crowds of the Tetons or Yellowstone, embodying the spirit of discovering hidden spots for hiking in Wyoming.
11 | Mammoth Hot Springs
Distance + elevation gain: 1.8 miles, 300′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Mammoth Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park is globally famous for its geothermal features, and while traditional hiking trails are sometimes limited around the main attractions, places like Mammoth Hot Springs offer a unique walking experience. This is one of the park’s most impressive sights and involves a boardwalk trail that feels like hiking through an alien landscape.
The 1.8-mile boardwalk loop with 300 feet of elevation gain takes you past a series of stunning, colorful thermal terraces and steaming geysers. The unique formations created by the mineral-rich water are a visual spectacle. It’s an easy, accessible walk perfect for experiencing Yellowstone’s dynamic geology firsthand.
Colorful mineral terraces at Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
12 | Grand Prismatic Spring
Distance + elevation gain: .5 miles (or 2.5 from Fairy Falls), 0′
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Grand Prismatic Springs Trailhead
No visit to Yellowstone, or discussion of unique walking opportunities in Wyoming, would be complete without mentioning the Grand Prismatic Spring. This iconic natural feature is a vibrant, multi-colored hot spring that truly looks like a giant rainbow on the earth’s surface. Its incredible colors are simply unbelievable in person.
The shortest way to see it up close is a brief 0.5-mile walk on a boardwalk (no elevation gain). However, for the most famous view showcasing the full spectrum of colors, you’ll want to hike to the overlook. This requires parking at the Fairy Falls parking lot and walking 2.5 miles round trip to the elevated viewing platform. Be aware this spot can get very crowded due to its popularity.
Panoramic view of the vibrant Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
13 | Medicine Bow Peak
Distance + elevation gain: 3.2 miles, 1240′
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Trailhead: Gap Lakes Trailhead
The views from the summit of Medicine Bow Peak are absolutely spectacular and should not be missed if you are near Laramie or Saratoga in southern Wyoming. This is an incredible hike that offers a significant payoff for a relatively short distance. The climb is steep and challenging, but the panoramic 360-degree views from the top are well worth the effort.
The most direct route to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles out and back with 1240 feet of gain. You can also make it a longer loop (around 6.7 miles with 1700 feet of gain) by starting at the West Lake Marie Trailhead, but the out-and-back to the peak is often considered the most rewarding section.
Hikers on the summit of Medicine Bow Peak, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding Wyoming landscape
14 | Lewis Lake, South Gap Lake, and Snowy Mountains Trail
Distance + elevation gain: 3.3 miles, 380′
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trailhead: Gap Lakes Trailhead
This trail offers exceptional value for hikers, providing magnificent views with relatively little effort. Located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, it’s easy to access and features ample parking, even a campground at the trailhead. The hike itself is easy to moderate, covering 3.3 miles with only 380 feet of elevation gain.
The trail offers stunning views of Medicine Bow Peak, multiple alpine lakes including Lewis Lake and South Gap Lake, and even glimpses of a glacier. It’s a perfect outing for families or those looking for a rewarding, scenic walk without a strenuous climb. For the more adventurous, this trail can be combined with the ascent to Medicine Bow Peak for a longer, more challenging loop.
Scenic view of alpine lakes and mountains along the Gap Lakes Trailhead area, perfect for easy to moderate hiking in Wyoming
15 | Stough Creek Lakes
Distance + elevation gain: 14.7 miles, 2,570′
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trailhead: Sheep Bridge Trailhead
Located in the Popo Agie Wilderness within the Wind River Range foothills, the Stough Creek Lakes trail leads to a stunning glacial basin. This strenuous 14.7-mile hike with 2,570 feet of elevation gain takes you through stark, beautiful mountain landscapes. The lakes are dramatically nestled beneath a rock cirque, including the prominent Wind River Peak.
Accessed by driving up into the mountains from the town of Lander, Wyoming, the trailhead is relatively easy to reach. Despite its accessibility, this hike remains a somewhat hidden gem within the vastness of the Wind River Range, offering solitude and incredible alpine scenery for those willing to put in the effort.
View of the Stough Creek Basin and surrounding mountains in the Popo Agie Wilderness, Wyoming
16 | Popo Agie Falls
We’ve spent a lot of time near Lander, Wyoming, and an easy, recommended hike in Sinks Canyon is the trail to Popo Agie Falls. It’s a lovely spot that rarely feels crowded, offering a refreshing natural feature.
The hike leads to a beautiful waterfall, and if you continue past the initial viewpoint, you can find a fun rock waterslide area, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. It’s an accessible and enjoyable outing for all ages, highlighting the diverse natural attractions available for hiking in Wyoming, even close to towns.
Tips for Hiking In Wyoming
- Be Prepared for Variable Weather: Wyoming weather is notorious for changing rapidly, even in summer. Pack layers, rain gear, and check the forecast before you go.
- Wildlife Awareness: You are in prime habitat for bears, moose, elk, and other large animals. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on the trail, especially in dense vegetation.
- Altitude: Many Wyoming hikes are at high altitudes. Drink plenty of water, take it slow, and be aware of symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Trail Conditions: Conditions can vary greatly depending on the season and recent weather. Trails might have snow well into summer at higher elevations. Check local ranger stations or online resources for current conditions.
- Navigation: Trails can be remote. Carry a map, compass or GPS device, and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on your phone.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on marked trails. Respect wildlife and other hikers.
FAQ About Hiking In Wyoming
Q: What is the best time of year for hiking in Wyoming?
A: Late spring through early fall (June to September) is generally the best season. However, higher elevation trails may still have snow into July, and conditions can change quickly in the fall. Summer offers the warmest weather, but also the highest potential for thunderstorms.
Q: Are permits required for hiking in Wyoming?
A: Permits are typically not required for day hiking in national forests or most wilderness areas. However, overnight backpacking permits are required for popular routes in national parks like Grand Teton and sometimes Yellowstone. Always check the specific regulations for the area you plan to visit.
Q: Is hiking in Wyoming suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! While Wyoming is known for its challenging mountain hikes, there are also many easy and moderate trails suitable for beginners and families, particularly in national parks and around lakes. Trails like the Colter Bay Lakeshore Trail or the Red Beds Trail are great starting points.
Q: What kind of gear do I need for hiking in Wyoming?
A: Essential gear includes sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing (synthetic or wool), rain gear, plenty of water and snacks, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a map and compass/GPS, and bear spray. For longer or more remote hikes, a first-aid kit, headlamp, and fire starter are also crucial.
Conclusion
Hiking in Wyoming is an invitation to step into a world of vast, unspoiled natural beauty. From the jagged peaks of the Tetons and the remote wilderness of the Winds to the unique geothermal wonders of Yellowstone and the striking monolith of Devil’s Tower, the state offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and trails.
Each hike provides a unique perspective and a chance to connect with the raw power and tranquility of nature. Whether you seek a challenging summit ascent or a peaceful lakeside stroll, Wyoming delivers unforgettable experiences for every hiker. So, plan your trip, prepare accordingly, and get ready to discover why hiking in Wyoming is an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the trail.