Wyoming trails boast stunning views of diverse natural wonders, from mighty mountains to pristine lakes. Whether you head to the north or south of the state, you will find a scenic trail to tread as per your skill level. Despite some challenges you face, like rugged or steep terrains, the scenery will not disappoint you. Before planning your hike, do make sure to check on the weather as many regions remain snowy or are exposed to harsh weather most time of the year.
Cascade Canyon Trail is a must-hike for those seeking a day’s adventure in Grand Teton National Park. You can reach its trailhead by taking a ferry ride to get to the west side of Jenny Lake. Once you start your hike, you will have to tread along the steep paths to reach Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. The trail then continues with gradual inclination till the end.
The several lookouts all along the way offer mesmerizing views of waterfalls, lakes, and streams. As you explore deeper into the canyon, the landscape becomes more picturesque, with opportunities for spotting moose, deer, marmots, and bears. Hiking the trail early in the morning is ideal if you wish to avoid the crowd. Remember to purchase a parking pass to get an entry into the Grand Teton. Make sure not to bring your dogs here as they are not allowed to access the trail.
Length: About 9.1 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: June to October
A well-traversed trail in Jackson Hole, Jenny Lake Trail offers some breathtaking views. It begins near the parking lot at the Visitor Center and winds along the lake through dense woods. Besides, you will be walking along the mighty Tetons on the other side, which provides a sight to behold. Make sure to hike to Inspiration Point to enjoy some of the best panoramic views of the lake. In addition, you will also spot plenty of wildlife, including moose, elk, fox, and bear. Do expect the trail to be crowded on summer weekends.
Length: About 8 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best time to visit: June to October
Cloud Peak Wilderness is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. It’s a paradise for backcountry hiking enthusiasts as there are many trails that offer scenic beauty of towering mountains, pristine lakes and streams, and alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. Among these, you can plan hiking to the summit of Cloud Peak, the highest point in Bighorn Mountain Range. From the West Tensleep Trailhead, the path gradually takes you up to Misty Moon Lake via the Misty Moon Trail. It then continues to climb up to the mountain top, requiring you to scramble over giant boulders for the last few miles. Many hikers prefer choosing their base camp near Misty Moon Lake. However, do remember to bring a bug spray as there are many mosquitoes here.
If seeking a day’s hike in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, you could hike the Lost Twin Lakes. Rated as moderately challenging, the 13.4-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the lake and through picturesque meadows encompassed by mighty mountain peaks.
Length: About 22.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June to October
You will find this trail that leads to the alpine Delta Lake within the Grand Teton National Park. The challenging route is steep and requires boulder scrambling towards the end. But, the views of the valley, surrounding mountains, and the glacier lake at the top are indeed mesmerizing. Do remember to bring your hiking poles and wear a sturdy pair of shoes to access the snowy and slippery sections. It would take approximately 5 hours to complete hiking the trail.
Length: About 8.1 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: May to October
If visiting Yellowstone National Park, consider hiking this short and easy trail that takes you to the well-known Grand Prismatic Hot Spring. It traverses along a fairly flat path except for the little steep incline towards the end. The overlook provides stunning views of the colorful Grand Prismatic Hot Spring, also making it an ideal spot for photography. The view of blooming wildflowers in springtime is a bonus. If you prefer not to share the trail with too many nature admirers, it’s best to reach the viewpoint early in the morning.
Length: About 1.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: April to October
Hiking the Heart Mountain Trail would be best for those who are looking for a less-traversed track. Located near the towns of Powell and Cody, the trail begins amidst a sagebrush basin and takes you up to the mountain top. The constant steep incline is sure to give you a good workout. However, the scenery and wildlife provide a treat to the eye throughout the hike. Reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of the Bighorn Basin.
Length: About 7.8 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: June to September
Hiking to the summit of Table Rock or Table Mountain will reward you with impressive views of the Grand Teton and Cascade Canyon. The trail is certainly not for novice hikers as it is challenging with extremely rugged sections and loose rocks. Remember to check the weather before you plan your trip, as the Table Mountain remains snowy even in the summer months. If you want to avoid the snow, September would be the best month to hike it.
Length: About 10.7 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: March to September
Hiking the Taggart Lake Loop Trail would be ideal if planning a family outing in the Grand Tetons. Though it starts with an uphill hike, the trail continues on a flat terrain as it heads to the lakeshore. The incredible view of the pristine alpine lake with the Grand Teton Range as its backdrop is definitely worth visiting. Besides winter, if planning to explore past the lake loop hike, you might need snowshoes to access the snowy sections.
Length: About 3.8 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May to October
This trail lies in close proximity to the cities of Laramie and Saratoga, attracting several hikers from the area. Sitting at a height of more than 12,000 feet, the Medicine Bow Peak is the highest point in the Snowy Range. It starts as an easy hike from the trailhead at Lewis Lake. As the trail traverses past the lake, it quickly gains elevation to reach the summit. Hiking the rocky and steep paths with switchbacks is sure to get your heart pumping. However, the spectacular 360-degree views from the top are totally worth the effort.
Length: About 1.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: May to October
While at the Medicine Bow National Forest, you could enjoy a quick walk on this trail with your family. As it’s paved, it’s easily accessible by wheelchairs and strollers. The scenery, including rock formations and colorful wildflowers, makes the place truly enchanting. Once you have reached the trail’s end, you can have fun climbing the rocks and boulders with your kids. Also, there are many picnic spots to enjoy a family lunch.
Length: About 0.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: March to October
If you’re up for a challenging mountain hike, you can head to the Squaretop Mountain near Dubois in west-central Wyoming. It starts at the Green River Lakes Trailhead and takes you to the mountain summit at 11,695 feet. Hiking along the steep, rocky uphill sections with no clear markings and scrambling over rocks and boulders are certainly not for the faint of hearts. However, despite the arduous climb, you will surely enjoy the scenic and serene setting. With many campsites along the trail, you can also spend a peaceful overnight here.
Length: About 25 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June to August
A sought-after hike for backpacking adventure seekers, the Cirque of the Towers trail lies in the Wind River Range of Western Wyoming. Despite the rocky scrambles and switchbacks, the trail offers much to explore. While hiking, you can take short breaks to soak in the beauty of the landscape of granite cliffs, meadows full of attractive wildflowers, lakes, and streams. Encountering moose and deer on the way is not uncommon here. There are many campsites for a night’s stay. However, if you’re an experienced hiker, you can hike the trail in a day. It would require about 11 to 12 hours to complete the loop.
Length: About 24.3 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: July to September
If you are in or around Casper in Central Wyoming, you could make time for hiking Eadsville Trail. Located in Casper Mountain County Park, the well-marked trail mainly traverses through the woods. Though the exposed tree roots and loose rocks make the hike moderately challenging, the lush greenery with pretty wildflowers would make you want to keep treading along the trail. You will also find many viewpoints from where you can admire the picturesque setting. Keep in mind that you will also share the trail with mountain bikers.
Length: About 4.1 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
TOP PICKS
Best Day Hikes: Cascade Canyon Trail, Eadsville Trail, Delta Lake Trail
Best Mountain Hikes: Medicine Bow Peak Trail, Cirque of the Towers Trail, Cloud Peak Trail
Best Winter Hikes: Taggart Lake Loop Trail,Medicine Bow Peak Trail, Jen
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