The best walks and hikes in the Absaroka Range

Embark on the Grand View Point via Bug Canyon Loop, a moderate hiking route that takes you through varied landscapes. You will cover 5.3 miles (8.5 km) and ascend 1140 feet (348 metres) over approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes. The path begins on an old two-track road, leading through open meadows before entering the unique terrain of Bug Canyon. As you climb, you will pass through an old forest, complete with seasonal ponds and footbridges. The reward for your effort is the panoramic vista from Grand View Point, offering expansive views of the Absaroka and Teton Mountains, including iconic peaks like Grand Teton.

This route offers a chance for solitude within Grand Teton National Park, providing a less-traveled path to the popular Grand View Point. While specific permits or fees are not highlighted, remember you are hiking within a national park, so standard park entrance fees apply. The trail itself features uneven terrain with rocky steps and steep sections, so be sure to wear sturdy, appropriate footwear for a comfortable and safe experience. Plan your visit to allow ample time to enjoy the views from the summit.

The trail's journey through Bug Canyon eventually opens into a sagebrush flat, showcasing the diverse ecosystems present in the park. This particular loop is notable for providing a different perspective of the Grand Teton area, moving from lower elevation flats to higher forest and viewpoints. You will see glacial lakes like Jackson Lake from Grand View Point, adding another layer to the scenic beauty. It's an excellent option for those looking to explore beyond the most crowded areas while still experiencing the park's grandeur.

The South Rim Trail in Grand Canyon National Park delivers an unparalleled experience of the canyon's vastness, offering continuous, breathtaking views from its accessible rimside path. As you walk, the terrain shifts from paved sections to packed dirt, always keeping the immense chasm in sight. You'll pass iconic viewpoints like Mather Point and Yavapai Point, where the sheer scale of the Grand Canyon truly sinks in, often revealing the distant glint of the Colorado River nearly a mile below.

This easy 4.0-mile (6.5 km) hike, with a gentle 292 feet (89 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hours and 45 minutes. It's ideal for families and those seeking a less strenuous way to experience the Grand Canyon's majesty. The trail runs parallel to Hermit Road, where a free shuttle bus allows you to hop on and off, customizing your journey and making it easy to return to your starting point. Water sources are available at Grand Canyon Village and Hermits Rest.

What makes this trail one of the best hikes along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is its combination of accessibility and spectacular scenery. It's a popular choice for good reason, connecting Grand Canyon Village with Hermits Rest Point and offering diverse perspectives on the canyon's natural features. Ranger-led programs and visitor centers like the Yavapai Geology Museum along the route provide educational insights, enriching your understanding of this geological wonder.

The Mount Washburn Trail offers a truly rewarding hiking experience in Yellowstone, leading you through diverse terrain to a spectacular 10,243-foot (3,122 m) summit. This moderate 7.1-mile (11.4 km) route involves a significant 1547 feet (471 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 38 minutes. You can choose between the scenic Dunraven Pass route, winding through forests and wildflower meadows, or the steeper Chittenden Road trail, which provides continuous open views. Keep an eye out for bighorn sheep near Dunraven Pass and enjoy the changing flora as you ascend, from lodgepole pines to gnarled whitebark pines near the timberline.

To make the most of your visit, plan an early start, especially in summer, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and potential lightning risks above the treeline. The trail has no water sources, so be sure to carry sufficient hydration for the entire 7.1-mile (11.4 km) journey. Both the Dunraven Pass and Chittenden Road trailheads offer access, but parking can fill up quickly during peak season. The best time to hike for wildflowers is typically July, and fall can offer opportunities to spot bears feeding on whitebark pine nuts.

Mount Washburn is one of Yellowstone National Park's most popular day hikes, renowned for its extraordinary 360-degree panoramic views from the summit. From this vantage point, you can see vast expanses of the park, including Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and even the distant Teton peaks on clear days. The summit also features a continuously staffed fire lookout tower during fire season, which provides public restrooms and an observation deck, adding a unique landmark to your hiking experience.

The Trout Lake Trail offers a delightful, short hike leading to a pristine 12-acre mountain lake in Yellowstone National Park. You'll start with a moderately strenuous climb through a Douglas-fir forest, gaining about 200 feet in the first quarter-mile, before the path levels out and descends to the water's edge. Once at Trout Lake, you're rewarded with amazing views and the chance to spot river otters or fish jumping, making this an easy 0.9-mile (1.4 km) lollipop loop with 218 feet (67 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 26 minutes.

This family-friendly route is a popular spot for both hiking and catch-and-release fishing for cutthroat trout. The trail is in bear country, so carrying bear spray is recommended for safety. While the initial ascent is a bit of a workout, the rest of the trail around the lake is relatively flat, making it accessible for most. Consider visiting in summer for abundant wildflowers or in fall for vibrant autumn colors.

Trout Lake is a notable natural feature within Yellowstone, known for its serene beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities. It provides a peaceful escape from some of the park's more crowded attractions. The lake's ecosystem supports cutthroat trout, which in turn attract otters, adding to the unique natural experience of this trail.

Start your hike on the Beauty Lake and Beartooth High Lakes Loop, a moderate route covering 7.6 miles (12.2 km) with an elevation gain of 1124 feet (343 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 3 hours and 35 minutes. The trail winds through varied terrain, from rolling granite to marshy meadows and open subalpine areas. You will encounter many clear alpine lakes, with Beauty Lake being a highlight, often described as a mirror for the surrounding landscape. Look out for panoramic views of Beartooth Butte and Lonesome Mountain, especially when wildflowers are blooming in mid to late summer.

Planning your visit is key for this hike. The best time to go is typically from mid to late summer, after the snow has melted and wildflowers are in full bloom. If you plan an early season trip, be prepared for potential snow, challenging stream crossings, and marshy sections. Parking is available right at the trailhead, which you can reach via the scenic Beartooth Highway.

This loop offers a fantastic journey through the Shoshone National Forest, showcasing the high alpine beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. The diverse landscape features not only granite and meadows but also open subalpine areas, providing a rich natural experience. It is a popular choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the unique environment of this mountain range.

Step onto the Silver Run Trail for an easy hike that guides you through a peaceful lodgepole pine forest. You'll follow the West Fork of Rock Creek, enjoying the sight of its boulder-strewn banks. This route covers 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 264 feet (81 metres), typically taking about 1 hour and 6 minutes to complete at a relaxed pace.

Planning your visit is straightforward; the trailhead is conveniently located near Red Lodge, making it an excellent choice for a quick outdoor escape. Parking is generally available right at the start of the trail. You won't need any special permits to access this multi-use path, so you can head out whenever you're ready for a refreshing walk.

Situated within the vast Custer Gallatin National Forest, the Silver Run Trail offers more than just hiking. It's a versatile path that also welcomes mountain bikers and cross-country skiers, depending on the season. This makes it a popular spot for various outdoor activities and a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area close to Red Lodge.

Embark on the Mystic Lake via West Rosebud Trail, a moderate hiking route that spans 2.8 miles (4.6 km) and involves a climb of 1285 feet (392 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 1 hour and 34 minutes. The trail begins by winding through shaded lodgepole pine and aspen forests, following the clear waters of West Rosebud Creek, where you will encounter small waterfalls. As you progress, the terrain shifts to a more rugged, rocky landscape, featuring switchbacks that lead you higher.

When planning your hike, be aware that snow can linger on the trail into early summer, and icy patches might appear early in the fall, making conditions more challenging. For the most favorable hiking experience, especially if you are less experienced, aim to visit between June and August. The trailhead is easily accessible, and you will pass a hydroelectric plant and dam near the start, which adds an interesting historical element to the natural surroundings.

This route culminates at Mystic Lake, which is recognized as the largest and deepest lake within the Beartooth Mountains. The lake is cradled in a dramatic alpine basin, surrounded by impressive peaks like Tempest and Granite Peak, offering a truly memorable destination. The journey itself provides consistently rewarding views, making it a popular choice for those seeking a blend of forest paths and high-mountain scenery.

Embark on an easy hike along the Hellroaring Creek Trail, a 1.1 miles (1.7 km) route that takes approximately 31 minutes to complete. You will encounter no elevation gain, making this a flat and accessible outing. As you follow the path, you can expect to move through open sagebrush meadows and past stands of Douglas fir, with clear glimpses of the cold Hellroaring Creek flowing nearby.

When planning your visit, remember that parking is generally available right at the trailhead, providing convenient access to the route. While this specific Komoot tour is short, the Hellroaring Creek area is known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears. For your safety, carrying bear spray is highly recommended during your hike.

This trail offers a prime opportunity for wildlife observation, as the area is frequented by bison, elk, and various bird species. The diverse natural features, from open meadows to forested sections, create an engaging environment for spotting animals. It is a notable spot within Yellowstone National Park for experiencing its natural ecosystem up close.

Enjoy a peaceful hike around the Markham and New Cody Reservoirs. This easy 2.1-mile (3.3 km) loop offers serene views of the water and surrounding Wyoming landscape. With just 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, you can complete this paved route in about 50 minutes, making it a perfect quick escape into nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you stroll along the water's edge.

The route is highly accessible, being entirely paved and suitable for everyone, including those with wheelchairs or strollers. You can also bring your dog along to enjoy the outing. Parking is usually easy to find, allowing for a smooth start to your adventure. This makes it a convenient choice for a relaxed walk at any time of day.

Located within Beck Lake Park, this loop stands out as an inclusive option for the community. Its fully paved surface ensures that it is wheelchair-friendly and stroller-friendly, welcoming a wide range of visitors to experience the outdoors. The focus on accessibility makes it a valuable resource for families and individuals seeking an easy, enjoyable natural setting.